Trashed LeMans SE

[Denis]

A friend of mine took a spill last year on his LeMans SE. He told me it was bad off though I offered to buy it if he decided it wasn't something he wanted to restore. He told me this week that the former owner (who bought it new) picked it up and looked at it further.

Frame is bent, both wheels are bent, forks are bent, the rear shocks are even bent. The exhaust system is toast as are all the foot pegs. Tank has a dent, instrument panel is okay and the side covers might be usable.
He said the engine is fine and probably the transmission, though he can't tell if the rear end is good or not because it sounds like the wheel is bent up against the swing arm. Sad end to a bike that was in the showroom next to mine when they both were new.

He's decided, and he's probably right, that it's too far gone to restore as an SE so he's going to part it out if I don't want it. He says he's been told that the engine is worth $2000 (which I think is highly optimistic), but offered me the thing for $1500. I'm on the fence about it because Guzzi engines just don't go for much and it doesn't sound like many other parts on that bike are usable. Even (edit) 8 valve Griso engines can be had for less than $900. Plus, you can get a really nice running LeMans 1000 for between $4000 and $5000.

[Groover]

Depends on your plans. 1500 not too bad I don't think for a nice engine, good transmission (I think that model has something different with the transmiiom, shorter gearing maybe but not 100% sure) and nice carbs. Would be a great doner bike for a cafe project or similar.

But if that's not what you plan on getting into, then I'd let him part it out.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Since he's your friend, I'd pass on it. 

[Groover]

Forgot to say, I hope your friend is OK after that.. Sounds like a pretty bad accident.

Back to the parts, I would definitely inspect the engine case at the mounts if you do decide to dive into this. A lot of bent parts, be sure none of the aluminum casing is cracked.

[JoeW]

if you don't want it, I may be interested. That is a big valve 950 motor with a b10 cam and domed pistons. I have that engine in my sidecar. I would build custom out of it.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Where can I get one of those "12 valve Griso engines"? 

[Denis]

Where can I get one of those "12 valve Griso engines"? 

Jeez, I have NO idea why I wrote that!

[Tom]

$1500-$2K is real optimistic.  Engine cases would be suspect in all that twisting and bending that went on.

[lazlokovacs]

if he does end up parting it out.....

and it is an SE,

then

I'm looking for all of the dashboard, clocks, the dash itself, the headlight, the mounting points, everything!

PM me!

cheers

[pete roper]

Big valve SE had a straight cut gearbox. Worth a few HP on an 80HP big block.

Pete

[lazlokovacs]

AND the gearbox!

thanks pete

(though that might be stretching shipping rates a bit far... )