Wildguzzi.com

General Category => Bike Builds, Rebuilds And Restorations Only => Topic started by: jerryS on June 29, 2026, 04:48:00 PM

Title: Le Mans 3 rebuild & restore
Post by: jerryS on June 29, 2026, 04:48:00 PM

Hi everyone,

I hope I got the right category.. I'm sure someone will move this post if not..

This is my first proper post here. I'm based in NZ. I've had a variety of Italian bikes many years ago (Jota, Darmah etc..). In a fit of nostalgia, I bought a mostly original '83 LM3 a while back and finally getting into my 'project bike'.
I'm owner #3. The first owner bought it new in Italy and drove it down to NZ with his wife apparently.
I'm doing a complete strip and rebuild with the goal of restoring the bike keeping it as original as possible without getting anal about it.. so a complete strip, respray and fix some mechanical issues.

I have trawled this forum and others for info and I have to say, I'm slightly better informed, but still unsure of the 'right' direction on some issues.

The forks have no damping, so I suspect I'm up for replacement dampers and maybe springs. Can someone give me the pros & cons of FAC vs Bitubu dampers. I've read reports of a. too stiff, b. takes 100's of km to 'bed in', c. too soft and bottoming out. I have no complaints about the current spring preload (I'm 90kg), but maybe new springs would 'freshen' the ride? It's always possible (but unlikely) that the existing dampers can be salvaged.. I'll know more when I get them apart. I welcome your thoughts.

I have other questions.. I need a clutch replacement, but that's a way down the track.. Head gaskets are leaking, so I'll pop the pots and replace the rings while I'm in there.

Is there anything else I should consider replacing as a matter of course whilst it's in bits? (It's done 55k km)


(https://i.ibb.co/tM1mj7TT/IMG-20241217-200620.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tM1mj7TT)


Thanks for your time - Jerry

Title: Re: Le Mans 3 rebuild & restore
Post by: Dave Swanson on June 30, 2026, 08:48:18 AM

it appears to be a fine example to be starting with!

I am sure the complete strip will show you what it needs.  If going that far, be sure to check the health of the bottom end and clean out the crank sludge trap. 

Is the hand painted accents on the wheel webs staying?   :grin:

AND, welcome to WG!  May your stay be long and fruitful. 

Title: Re: Le Mans 3 rebuild & restore
Post by: jerryS on July 01, 2026, 05:23:03 AM

Thanks Dave,
I'll be sure to do that.
Did you mean the red pinstripes on the wheels? .. I assumed that was standard Is that not so?.. I like it so I'll probably keep it.. adds a flash of colour without being too OTT