Need help identifying a Moto Guzzi project '76

[GuzziDansker]

Hi guys.

I've gotten my hands on a Guzzi project that I want to build a caf� from.

After having read around on the web, i'm confused as to what model it actually is. According to the paperwork it's supposed to be a Le Mans from '76.

But the frame number and engine number are matching, which i'm being told that shouldn't be the case on a old Guzzi.
The bike came from the US to Europe about 10 years ago but I don't know if it originally was from the US.


Anybody that can help shine some light on this? I know the front end is from a Suzuki.

[Arizona Wayne]

I believe in the US the frame & motor ID #s should match. VE is LeMans I, II designation. 

[Kiwi_Roy]

I believe in the US the frame & motor ID #s should match. 

:1:, My 72 Eldorado match
Is that a Tonti frame?

[fotoguzzi]

the fork wheel and brakes don't look like they are from Guzzi. I think the VE prefix on the VIN is a Lemans.

[Arizona Wayne]

:1:, My 72 Eldorado match
Is that a Tonti frame?

Yes, it's a Tonti frame & PHF carbs, black LeMans pipes.   Someone  painted the heads/cylinders/motor, etc. black too.

[oldbike54]

the fork wheel and brakes don't look like they are from Guzzi. I think the VE prefix on the VIN is a Lemans.

 He stated Suzuki .

  Dusty

[fotoguzzi]

Thx Dusty, got my glasses on now. Yep they look like Suzuki.

[guzzista]

If it is a real 1976 Lemon perhaps it could be brought back to its former glory . Between the crashers and the  overly modded ones there are not  many left around...

[cruzziguzzi]

Seems like the "VF" makes the frame an 850 Le Mans III affair but that leaves the engine out in the cold.

Too, isn't the final drive newer than the motor?


Todd.

[oldbike54]

Seems like the "VF" makes the frame an 850 Le Mans III affair but that leaves the engine out in the cold.

Too, isn't the final drive newer than the motor?


Todd.

 Frame and motor numbers match .

  Dusty

[cruzziguzzi]

Frame and motor numbers match .

  Dusty

I guess then, "This Old Tractor" gets it wrong from time to time.


Todd.

[Hahnda]

Is it VF or VE? VF is the Lemans 3 and was a square fin.

[oldbike54]

I guess then, "This Old Tractor" gets it wrong from time to time.


Todd.

 OK let's reason this out . A PO searched around and found a motor that had numbers that matched the frame . I think conventional wisdom says the numbers don't have to match , not that they never
do .

  Dusty

[Arizona Wayne]

Is it VF or VE? VF is the Lemans 3 and was a square fin.

VE designates LM 1 or 2 motor.

[Hahnda]

VE designates LM 1 or 2 motor.

I know. That's where my question comes from. It looks like a VF on the frame in the picture so that would make it a Lemans 3 and the matching number motor is a round fin. That's my confusion. If its actually a VE then it all makes a bit more sense.

[Arizona Wayne]

I know. That's where my question comes from. It looks like a VF on the frame in the picture so that would make it a Lemans 3 and the matching number motor is a round fin. That's my confusion. If its actually a VE then it all makes a bit more sense.

I'm sure the LM1 & LM3 have the same frame as my CX100(LM2).  LM 4 frame is different.

[cruzziguzzi]

VE designates LM 1 or 2 motor.

Looking at it really, really hard, now, I can believe that it's a VE rather than VF. Makes more sense.


Todd.

[Cam3512]

Are the carb manifolds attached with 6mm or 8mm bolts?  6mm = 850 LeMans.  8mm = Other

[jacksonracingcomau]

I'm sure the LM1 & LM3 have the same frame as my CX100(LM2).  LM 4 frame is different.

No, LM3 is frame breather, your CX isn't, neither is OP's, LM4 slightly different again
VE correct

[motogman]

No, LM3 is frame breather, your CX isn't, neither is OP's, LM4 slightly different again
VE correct

What is a "frame breather"?

[oldbike54]

What is a "frame breather"?

 Engine breather blows into the frame .

  Dusty

[Tom]

Frame and engine block numbers should match if original.  However the frame number would be used as the VIN for title purposes.  If the engine was changed out the frame number would still be used in the title.  In other words, it's possible to have a titled '76 titled frame bike with a different year engine in it.  Caveat emptor if you're looking for an original LM1.

[GuzziDansker]

Wow I had no idea I could get this much help in that short time :)

I will go later today and take a closer look of the frame+engine number, and get better pictures of everything.

Thanks guys!

[John A]

The carbs look like PHF's. What size are they ?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Wow I had no idea I could get this much help in that short time :)

I will go later today and take a closer look of the frame+engine number, and get better pictures of everything.

Thanks guys!

Hard to beat WG..  I've never gone more than 12 hours without an answer, no matter how strange a question I ask. 
It's the main reason I make a small donation every year. (hint, hint)   

[Tom]

Hard to beat WG..  I've never gone more than 12 hours without an answer, no matter how strange a question I ask. 
It's the main reason I make a small donation every year. (hint, hint)   

Doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a relevant and/or correct answer.  :-0

[GuzziDansker]

Okay so I took a closer look. It does in fact look like the frame number says VF and not VE, but the stamping is pretty shitty so I guess it could be both.
The carbs are 40mm and the intake bolts are 6mm.

[nc43bsa]

That looks like a Commando in the L foreground.

That's all I got.   

[GuzziDansker]

The Guzzi is in one of our storage rooms where i work. We have more than a 100 old bikes in different conditions, so it's easy to find a project :)

We know nothing about old Guzzi's though, so thats one of the reasons why I want to build this one. And it's a cool bike 

[Anders Pedersen]

The Guzzi is in one of our storage rooms where i work. We have more than a 100 old bikes in different conditions, so it's easy to find a project :)

Hello GuzziDane!

Now where in Denmark would that be, if you don't mind me asking?

Med venlig hilsen Anders