Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Cam3512 on April 16, 2015, 07:22:17 PM
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Last weekend I took the 7 hour drive up to Lima, NY, to retrieve my '78 850 LeMans (LM1). It's been five months since I negotiated the purchase, and the day had finally come. Lots was done to the bike over the winter, and it really came out nice. AFAIK, a little more than 60 "Ice Blue" bikes were ever produced. This one has FAC Dampers up front, Koni shocks, sump spacer, and Agostini timing gears. I added a new seat (original was nice but faded), Brown sidestand (modified for Tonti Guzzi by Boxerworks), and Joe Kenny headguards. Still debating on whether to add the orange to the fairing, and how to do it.
It runs like a beast. Much more grunt than any big block 850 Guzzi I've ever ridden. Not exactly a touring machine due to the riding position, but that's not why I bought it. It's just one of the coolest looking Guzzis I've ever seen. Love the stance.
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg.html)
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1195_zpsyymvx2no.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1195_zpsyymvx2no.jpg.html)
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/FullSizeRender_zpszjfkicrc.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/FullSizeRender_zpszjfkicrc.jpg.html)
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:+=copcar very nice cam---hope to see it sunday :BEER:
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:+=copcar very nice cam---hope to see it sunday :BEER:
Thanks, I plan on riding it up.
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Bad to the bone.. ;D
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Looks much better in blue than the common red!
cr
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;-T Sweet!
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Beautiful Cam! I'd hold off on the dayglo fairing. Then again, I live in a dayglo free household. BTW I like to see a pic of the side stand. I put a MK IV side stand on my '78 LM1 only to discover that it interfered with the center stand so back to the drawing board.
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Beautiful bike.
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Beautiful Cam! I'd hold off on the dayglo fairing. Then again, I live in a dayglo free household. BTW I like to see a pic of the side stand. I put a MK IV side stand on my '78 LM1 only to discover that it interfered with the center stand so back to the drawing board.
I also have a Brown on my V7 Sport, search here ("Brown Sidestand for Tonti Guzzi") for detailed purchase and install photos. It does block the centerstand. I always deploy the side first, then get off and put on center if necessary. Do the opposite to put them back. No big deal to me, and worth the piece of mind.
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I also have a Brown on my V7 Sport, search here ("Brown Sidestand for Tonti Guzzi") for detailed purchase and install photos. It does block the centerstand. I always deploy the side first, then get off and put on center if necessary. Do the opposite to put them back. No big deal to me, and worth the piece of mind.
Nice scoot cam, That's what I do with my Brown side stand too, no problem. Works great.
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wow! simply stunning!
Is there any engine work done other than the gears or is it stock?
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That's Amore ;-T
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wow! simply stunning!
Is there any engine work done other than the gears or is it stock?
All stock (except ignition). I am getting some pinging when I hammer the throttle as the tank had some low octane gas in it when I got it. Been adding premium as I burn it up, and it seems to be improving. Is this typical for a LM 1 engine?
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I run a 75 T so not the same but it likes cool temps and premium fuel. I usually run a little Marvels Mystery Oil in it in the spring time.
Mainly just should probably strobe the timing at advance to check it out. Maybe retard it just a touch for insurance
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IIRC doesn't the LM use the light dizzy advance springs?
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All stock. I am getting some pinging when I hammer the throttle as the tank had some low octane gas in it when I got it. Been adding premium as I burn it up, and it seems to be improving. Is this typical for a LM 1 engine?
I would check the timing if you still have points. There were two types of advance springs used on the 850s. I think the Lemans got the stronger springs which makes full advance around 3200 RPM? If it reaches full advance before that you might have the weaker springs or the springs are just whipped. Mine doesn't ping. Did you get this from Dave B? FWIW my '76 was originally blue but was repainted red about 30 years ago.
Pete
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Wow that is pretty. you must add the blaze orange stripe !
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No more points. Dyna ignition and NEW stronger springs.
I also noticed if the bike sits for a while, I need to flip the enrichiner to get it to fire up then it's fine. Is this typical of the big pumper 36 carbs? NEVER have to do that with the VHBs.
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I always use the enrichener when its cold but I am able to flip it off in just a few seconds.
Pete
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I always use the enrichener when its cold but I am able to flip it off in just a few seconds.
Pete
Yup, I flip it off immediately after it fires up and all is well.
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:drool :drool :drool :drool
wow Congratulation....
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Looks fantastic, an Iconic machine if there ever was one ;-T
So how does it compare to your V7 Sport?
Cheers
Jim
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Very nice - I want it!!! ;-T
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One of my all time favorite bikes. I think you should add the orange to the faring - it deserves it.
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Bellisimo! Go for the orange headlight trim.
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So how does it compare to your V7 Sport?
Cheers
Jim
Obviously more grunt, about the same weight, LeMans is higher (think it's the seat), more agressive and less comfortable riding position than the Sport (different clipons) and better braking with discs all around. Same feeling riding an iconic Guzzi - priceless.
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One of my all time favorite bikes. I think you should add the orange to the faring - it deserves it.
Still might. I have to figure out exactly how to do it. It was originally a decal, but they don't sell a reproduction. I did get some ideas from you guys in another thread I started a couple months ago. I don't want to butcher the new paint job by "experimenting".
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Very nice! always wanted one. ;-T
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Cam,
Gorgeous, and stunning looks....I bet she is a runner...enjoy!
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Beautiful!
Pinging-mine didn't, and ran better after replacing the cam chain (with gears, ut a new chain and tensioner would work if you religion prohibits it), timing is critical.
I miss mine sometimes. I think its capabilities are perfect for sport riding on the street.
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Lovely bike, apart from the side reflectors ;)
I've replaced the timing chain/tensioner, points/springs and plugs on my LM2 and it pinks under heavy load, but I then realized it needed to run on super unleaded and not regular.
Still to run it after the winter upgrade but I've set the timing to 34° BTDC and the strobe show's its spot on. With the lighter flywheel, I'm hoping that'll cure the problem.
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Beautiful Guzzi. Looks better than new.
About the orange blaze, find a repro fairing and let a paint shop match the blue, add the day glo then swap it out and see if you like it.
Better to have the option if you find you prefer the present look. Either way, it's stunning!
;-T
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Another option for the orange on the fairing is a vinyl graphic. These guys can make it to fit for not a lot of money and many can be removed with a heat gun if you change your mind.
Pete
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My vote is for no orange. Just detracts too much from the looks of the bike IMO. I didn't put it back on mine when I did the repaint.
Are those the stock exhausts? if so...kind of quiet aren't they? what did you do for intake, still have the stacks or go KN?
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Cam, Very nice bike. Good luck.
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Are those the stock exhausts? if so...kind of quiet aren't they? what did you do for intake, still have the stacks or go KN?
Yes, stock exhaust. I'd like to add some black Lafranconi Comps at some point in the future. Has K&N filters. Might switch to UNI pods.
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I think a good option for the DayGlo orange is 3M Scotchcol Fluorescent Film 3483 Yellow - Orange, self adhesive, removable, opaque film.
A sign manufacturer should be able to source this (or an equivalent product) and apply it over the painted fairing. If you decide you don't like it the film is removed by heating it with a heat gun and pulling it off.
I feel the DayGlo orange panel makes the bike really stand out.
I keep looking at your pictures, damn that has to be the best looking Le Mans I have ever seen, the Ice Blue really sets off the lines. Lovely.
Cheers
Jim
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I think a good option for the DayGlo orange is 3M Scotchcol Fluorescent Film 3483 Yellow - Orange, self adhesive, removable, opaque film.
A sign manufacturer should be able to source this (or an equivalent product) and apply it over the painted fairing. If you decide you don't like it the film is removed by heating it with a heat gun and pulling it off.
I feel the DayGlo orange panel makes the bike really stand out.
I keep looking at your pictures, damn that has to be the best looking Le Mans I have ever seen, the Ice Blue really sets off the lines. Lovely.
Cheers
Jim
Thanks Jim, I'll look into that. Only the 2nd blue one I've ever seen in person. They made even less white second series bikes. Never laid eyes on one of those. Not sure the ever imported white.
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That's a nice one! I suppose you could always photoshop on the orange and see if you like it on paper!
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nklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg.html](http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg)[/URL]
:drool :drool :drool
That's-a-nice!!! ;-T ;-T
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That's the kind of Italian art I really appreciate. What a beautiful Guzzi . I wouldn't change a thing cosmetically as the black and ice blue are a perfect combination . Simply stunning !!
Ciao , Steve
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Looks great. Equally nice with or without the orange
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Nice Bike Cam.
Congrats
I own a white one.
Have considered to repaint her in iceblue (looks better imho), but will stick to the original.
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Nice Bike Cam.
Congrats
I own a white one.
Have considered to repaint her in iceblue (looks better imho), but will stick to the original.
Hey, can you post a photo of your white LM? Tried your photo link but didn't work. I agree, blue is best but you'd be nuts to change the color of a rare bike like that.
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I have a post about the white LM
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=68653.msg1062393#msg1062393 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=68653.msg1062393#msg1062393)
The zenfoliosite is in maintenance for a few hours :-( , so that topic is also without pics.
I'll try to put some pics in a gallery here.
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=myimages;u=12742 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=myimages;u=12742)
But my lady is very Shy ;-)
The european LM's have a smaller rim on the headlight
(http://wildguzzi.com/forum/gallery/12742_18_04_15_6_10_41.png)
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Real eye catcher Matey..its perfecto
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(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1196_zpsovrwxfxr.jpg.html)
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1195_zpsyymvx2no.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/IMG_1195_zpsyymvx2no.jpg.html)
Super cool! ;-T
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Awesome bike. Love the look and round jugs. ;-T
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Hi Cam , yesterday i collected the iceblue Le Mans http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75965.0 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75965.0)
I noticed a little pinging too
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Hi Cam , yesterday i collected the iceblue Le Mans http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75965.0 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75965.0)
I noticed a little pinging too
Saw that, it's beautiful! I'll be taking mine to Charlie M. (Antietam) for a proper tuning.
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I started a debate not too long ago about the best looking bike ever. I put your blue lemans over the ducati 750 gt. Everyone else loved the ducati, it does have a handsome motor. But i'm partial to bikes whose crankshaft will last 100k miles. The GD dukes just fall apart at 30k. I bought an 860 gt last year and was looking at close to $2k to rebuild the crankshaft. I was shocked to find Ducati didnt move to a 1 piece forged crank until the pantah series(I think, been awhile). Congrats on that bike man. I love the blue ones. Where did you find a seat? I'm tempted to convert my mille into something more classical.
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Best looking bike of the 70's (ok probably ever in my book) 76 ~ 78 Le Mans, The early Duc 750 GT is pretty but it looks spindly and fragile to me while the Le Mans is tight, brutish, and composed.
Cam's bike sums it all up.
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Saw that, it's beautiful! I'll be taking mine to Charlie M. (Antietam) for a proper tuning.
If you're passing through the Harrisburg/Hershey area on the way, stop in for a visit, and a :BEER: if you wish.
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If you're passing through the Harrisburg/Hershey area on the way, stop in for a visit, and a :BEER: if you wish.
:BEER: :+1
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If you're passing through the Harrisburg/Hershey area on the way, stop in for a visit, and a :BEER: if you wish.
I may go that way just to do that. Probably last week in May, keep ya posted.
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I started a debate not too long ago about the best looking bike ever. I put your blue lemans over the ducati 750 gt. Everyone else loved the ducati, it does have a handsome motor. But i'm partial to bikes whose crankshaft will last 100k miles. The GD dukes just fall apart at 30k. I bought an 860 gt last year and was looking at close to $2k to rebuild the crankshaft. I was shocked to find Ducati didnt move to a 1 piece forged crank until the pantah series(I think, been awhile). Congrats on that bike man. I love the blue ones. Where did you find a seat? I'm tempted to convert my mille into something more classical.
Thanks man, appreciate the comments. Seat is a new repro from MG Cycle. I still have the original. What's amazing is the repro seat is at LEAST twice as heavy as the original. Better, more dense rubber I suppose? I considered several types of seats, but stuck with the stock shape. I personnaly like the smaller step-up in the back.
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Hi Cam,
found this ad for sale on ebay, ice blue :e Mans and no dayglow orange on the front fairing, looks like they came without the orange as an option??
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTO-GUZZI-LE-MANS-1978-1-PAGE-COLOUR-ADVERT-/271871959184?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4cd4e090
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Hi Cam,
found this ad for sale on ebay, ice blue :e Mans and no dayglow orange on the front fairing, looks like they came without the orange as an option??
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTO-GUZZI-LE-MANS-1978-1-PAGE-COLOUR-ADVERT-/271871959184?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4cd4e090
I've seen that ad. I think the orange on the fairing was for US imports only?
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The suggestion about getting a second aftermarket fairing sprayed in matched blue with the orange stripe is the way to go IMHO. Both looks have a place.
Your bike is fantastic. Congrats.