Riding the LeMans III

[Guzzistajohn]

I was @ Hugh's Bultaco the year the World Round Trails was @ Watkins's glen. Hugh had about a half a barn full of Metralla's

[Guzzistajohn]

This conversation has me yearning for the scent of Golden Spectro smoke MMMmmMMmmmmm!

[sdcr]

Looks like a different carb setup than a standard Le Mans III. Why the modification?

All day yesterday : )

[Guzzistajohn]

Looks like a different carb setup than a standard Le Mans III. Why the modification?

That's how it was done when I got it. The previous owner has some pretty good 'sperience. No need to fix something that works really well.

[spmoto]

There are a couple of reasons to remove the bell cranks and go to flat tops on the carbs. 1) somewhat reduced throttle pull. 2) the little cables inside the bell cranks are no longer available and should one break you're SOL.

[Shuckinator]

Nice looking ride.  I look forward to seeing it at at the Cracker Barrel. 

[Denis]

This thing is just loping along in 5th at 80..

Nice bike! My '85 1000 LeMans is a white one. A buddy with an hopped up and lightened Ducati Monster was riding with me from Raleigh to Greensboro on I-40. It was windy and we were doing about 80. I changed lanes to pass a truck, rolled on the throttle a little bit, the engine got on the cam and I was gone.
Later my buddy asked "What's in that thing? Did you change gears or something?" :)

[twowings]

Tell him you changed sprockets...

[Denis]

Tell him you changed sprockets...

Ha! He was pretty amazed at the old thing. Especially since it was windy and he was getting blown all over the place but the good ole LeMans stayed the course.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ha! He was pretty amazed at the old thing. Especially since it was windy and he was getting blown all over the place but the good ole LeMans stayed the course.

That's when I really bonded with my Centauro.. my first Guzzi. I was riding back from Florida and had jumped on I65 to get through the wind and rain. I thought at the time, "Now, I get it. My BMW would have been blown all over the road from the gusts and semi turbulence, and this sucker is just sitting there.."

[Dimples]

What Chuck said-- Monza came first! With the Monza being the more elegantly designed machine.

In my experience the LM III is a fun and burly ride. In the same category as the 1100 Sport carb. to me. No comparison to a small block at all. Narrow clip-ons and quite heavy. I can only stay on its seat wearing leathers-- it's a slippery board!




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[leafman60]

What Chuck said-- Monza came first! With the Monza being the more elegantly designed machine.

In my experience the LM III is a fun and burly ride. In the same category as the 1100 Sport carb. to me. No comparison to a small block at all. Narrow clip-ons and quite heavy. I can only stay on its seat wearing leathers-- it's a slippery board!




upload images

The LM3 is supposed to be 450 lbs dry so maybe around 500 fully oiled and gassed.  Not a light-weight but I wouldn't characterize it as quite heavy either.

It is very compact and svelte. Skinny.  Everything is designed tight together.

On the seat, yes.  It's hard as a piece of treated lumber and, when you wind the bike up, be prepared to slip backwards on it. 

.

[Matteo]

I bought a Sheepskin cover from Alaska Leather and was impressed by how well it gripped the stock seat. Kept me planted when I opened the throttle all the way.

[Guzzistajohn]

I was riding with some guys in southern mo. Last fall, one dude was on a aprillia something or other. I told him I'd never seen an aprillia in the ozarks he said "I've never seen an antique bike corner @ 80 mph either"

[Chuck in Indiana]

Now, *that* is a nice pair you have there, sir..  
Seriously..

[Dimples]

 
The important (to me) design detail most people seem to overlook is replacing the misfitting US headlights!

[Aaron D.]

I was @ Hugh's Bultaco the year the World Round Trails was @ Watkins's glen. Hugh had about a half a barn full of Metralla's

Last time I was at Hughes he still had a bunch.

I've had 3 Metrallas over the years, they are very cool. Prices are a bit mad these days, I wonder if a nice special cafe bike with a Pursang motor would make sense.

[Fnq1000]

Hi Leafman
You have found a 'keeper' with that Lemans, spectacular!

On my Mk III, the bike I never should have sold and I am still berated by my wife for doing so even though I traded it in on a Ducati Monster for her, there were a few improvements that made it all the better:
- Conti type mufflers, free the noise a bit. It will bring you smiles.
- Agostini rear sets and Verlicchi adjustable clip ons, make you more comfortable

Also on the comfort front I'd suggest a new seat, hard braking into bumpy corners can make you feel a bit 'delicate' in the gentleman region. The Stucci Luigi seats are good, keep your eyes out for one.

Oh and put the daygo orange stickers on the fairing for the period look. Too cool.

I also had 38mm Marzocchi fork upgrade and a series or rear shocks (infinitely better options these days).  You'll figure out you need rear shocks soon enough.

Ride that thing in a most sportsman like manner and it will make you happy.

Cheers
Jason

[leafman60]

Hi Leafman
You have found a 'keeper' with that Lemans, spectacular!

On my Mk III, the bike I never should have sold and I am still berated by my wife for doing so even though I traded it in on a Ducati Monster for her, there were a few improvements that made it all the better:
- Conti type mufflers, free the noise a bit. It will bring you smiles.
- Agostini rear sets and Verlicchi adjustable clip ons, make you more comfortable

Also on the comfort front I'd suggest a new seat, hard braking into bumpy corners can make you feel a bit 'delicate' in the gentleman region. The Stucci Luigi seats are good, keep your eyes out for one.

Oh and put the daygo orange stickers on the fairing for the period look. Too cool.

I also had 38mm Marzocchi fork upgrade and a series or rear shocks (infinitely better options these days).  You'll figure out you need rear shocks soon enough.

Ride that thing in a most sportsman like manner and it will make you happy.

Cheers
Jason

Thanks, Jason.

I am enjoying it.

[Trogladyte]

The LeMans doesn't look right to me with handlebars. Each to their own, of course, but for me it is a purposeful looking classic gentleman hooligan's street tool, and it had clip ons. I think Biggles goggles are probably optional.

[twowings]

Getting to know it.

Pegged throttle in second gear will slide you back on the seat, third will take you up to 100 at redline, fourth puts you at 120 when the red matches up and fifth carries you on home.  Duck your head and hold on.

Can we get that on video, please?   

[Guzzistajohn]

The LeMans doesn't look right to me with handlebars. Each to their own, of course, but for me it is a purposeful looking classic gentleman hooligan's street tool, and it had clip ons. I think Biggles goggles are probably optional.

I agree with you on the looks aspect, but I like one I can ride all day. I didn't get it to look at. That 850 is just so sweet out of a corner in 3rd and 4th 

[Tom]

Hardest bike for me to pick up off the lawn.  The folding pegs had the bike totally lying on it's side.