Buying a Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000

The Moto Guzzi LeMans was built between 1976 and 1993. This review covers what to look for when buying one of the later Le Mans 1000s.

[@driesvandenhurk1412]

I had a le Mans 1000 when i was 24. Ik did 1000and of km al over Europe. Great memorys. Best bike ever. Never led me down. Great Video thank you.

[@MAHGlie]

Great bikes. Bought mine new in '86 and still have it.

[@cota2472000]

I bought my 86 Lemans 1000 in 88 and still have it.I doubt i'll sell it.

[@alexanderwoodbury5593]

Great video for someone looking to purchase a machine from the golden era of Guzzi’s V-twin. Amazing how you can cover just about every potential sour spot in a ten minute video. So long as you don’t have to remove the frame, you’re an afternoon away from being back on the road. The square-head machines are vastly superior in many ways to the old roundies. From emissions to performance, ergonomics to finish, handling to braking. And there’s a lot of rich history behind why they changed what they did.

[@fabiopunk1661]

I bought a 1000SP2 in 85 and today I rode 350 km. It works great. I have just replaced clutch (Newfren is better than original) chain tensioner (the Stucchi type) all wheel bearings and swing arm bearings. I put YSS rear shocks that improved the ride. All the rest is original and virgin. No issues of oil leaks whatsoever. Fork is original. No oil consumption. No oil buildup in breather. Original disks rust easily, I got them grinded and painted the nonworking area. The saddle would need new padding but the outer shell is ok. These bikes are underrated because not glamorous. They need some respect and care. Note I still have the contact breaker. Easy to adjust. Reliable. Cheap

[@mark.e.p]

Always wanted a Le Mans, bought a T3 in the 80's instead, never let me down.

[@SB-Kiwi]

Very good and informative upload. Thank you.

[@MikesMachines]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@dennisthemenace1773]

Last year (2021), I started bird-dawgin the 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello “S”, which pays homage to the LeMans! In September 2022, I gave Plano, Texas USA Moto Guzzi a $500 deposit. Early in the morning of 10/17/2022, on the Moto Guzzi USA web store, I entered my online “reservation” for the 2023 V100 Mandello “S” in “Centenario” Livery (premium Verde 2121 color) - Special Edition $17,490. The customer care representative told me my Order# 190 was the 1st V100 Mandello order received by Moto Guzzi USA. I’m SUPER EXCITED! To me, the V100 Mandello is STUNNINGLY EXOTIC & HANDSOME!

[@David-sb7vg]

Very interesting Mike and a lovely motorcycle. I've been catching up with some of your other videos and you live in a lovely part of the world. I was taken with Yea in particular when I worked in Australia and had ex's family in the Noorat area - lovely place!

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Had a LeMans III & IV, both with the integrated braking system. You're right, it took some getting used to, but I loved it. Much better than ABS in my opinion.

[@stevemcdermott62]

Hi Mike, An excellent summary on the Mk V. As a 25 year & 120k Kms owner a couple of additional points. Exhaust valve guides, with regular servicing will last over 100k Kms and the only reason I really needed to fix mine (K lined) was an embarrassing cloud of smoke on startup when cold, otherwise ran fine. The rear drive seal, yes relatively easy to fix but you need to be aware of the cause of the seal leaking or you might end up doing it again. The seal surface on the rear drive can gather dirt or become tarnished from moisture (rain, washing bike) so need to be checked very carefully. Overall they are not as collectable as the early ones but they do embody all the modifications that the owners of earlier versions tend to move to (better forks, bigger capacity, bigger carbs, bigger valves etc) and far more comfortable to ride long distances.

[@MikesMachines]

Thanks Steve, good advice!

[@christophertrott5083]

Excellent, informative vid....totally enjoyable.

[@alxx1378]

Had the v35 82 Imola for a couple of years back in the 90s really good bikes I want a tt850 love the motor.

[@jimnaylor6009]

Thanks for this, useful, didn't know about the valve guides. Mine has done 60k miles now. I also did 40k miles on a mark 4 back in the day. The big think you didn't mention is the gearbox. They are not especially fragile but they do wear and I have had issues with selector forks and also gear wear. I would recommend a careful test ride to check the gearbox and look out for good consistent changes and any quietoperation with no whining etc. Some sadly neglect regular transmission oil changes.

[@geirgulland2217]

Thanks for great input. I just my first Guzzi (leMans 1000 /85) and prepares winter service..

[@MikesMachines]

Thanks Geir!

[@patricksbobbin9655]

Mike fantastic presentation

[@hotwheel6663]

Great video mate

[@larryleejohnson2821]

March 18th. 2022 I purchased the last 2004 V11 LaMans from a Moto Guzzi dealer in Santa Anna California. ONE year later and said he has a customer that wants YOUR V11 LAMANS! He accepted my price and drove from Santa Anna to San Diego California with cash. I had them NEW MAP sensor and the Titanium exhaust plus the cover and a Moto Guzzi leather jacket AND the old exhaust and old Map sensor. I ride at 24,000 miles and sold it for $2,000 OVER what I purchased it for.

[@albertopadovani4237]

Very nicely video Man, about the AMAZING Trademark that is in my smaller Town that I live 🏍🇮🇹👍

[@SPSteve]

What a beauty, love the styling.

[@lupo631]

Well done! Thank you for your excellent video. Lupo Mille GT 1993 59k km

[@garypermanent9724]

Excellent info , however Ive been happy with my 20 year old BMW and 4 year old Honda- both which are extemely reliable and robust and allow me to ride rather than wrench on my weekends. Cheers.

[@mikesherwood5497]

Great vid

[@rolonmascara]

Tapered roller bearings increase bearing area by 9 times compared with stock.

[@davidroberts1702]

Bought an 850 in '80, loved that bike but it had a quite pronounced speed wobble at the steering head. Scary. Of course there was also a linked shock absorber (steering head to bars) at the head as well, which tells me it was a known problem; apparently NOT due to bearings. The other problem "out of the box" was jets too lean, in an attempt to comply with CARB regulations; barely idled; drop in fatter jets and good to go. So........buyer beware.

[@limitless1692]

This is a beautiful Motorcycle :)

[@henryhawk7038]

Everything mentioned about what could need attention could be applied to most all Guzzi from late 60's to 2005

[@kenneth61]

Hi, thats what many missing, a new Le Mans! 1400ci/150hp something and a new Norge to with cruise control. I think they are in the wrong direction with cruisers and lifestyle/nostalgic motorcycles.

[@dave6467]

I totally agree. When you look at what Triumph has done with the new Thruxtons and even BMW with their R9T range of bikes, it's beyond belief that Moto Guzzi has not 'cashed in' by resurrecting the LeMans name and style. Instead they offer the rather poor conceived and styled V7 Racer. I'm not sure it should be a 1400cc, however the 1200cc engine, or even the V9 engine, suitably tweaked, in a package which replicated the style of the early LeMans (Mk1 or even 2)must surely be a "no brainer". Seems the Guzzi executive team can't see it though. Strange.

[@cavedog309]

Owned 3 Moto Guzzi,s , Best Damn Motorcycle in the World.

[@danielsantiago9719]

Hi, Mike. I'm from Brasil and I own a 91' Le Mans 1000 V like yours, since 1995. She has 22.000 km on the odometer now. I want to change the front forks oil but the literature I have of it does not show the same details. I am not sure what nut (out of the 3) I should start slacking to expose the space to introduce the oil. Would you be so kind and give me a hint? Thanks!

[@rabcspaniel5679]

My favourite was the 750 S3. World of Wheels (ian gillan's shop) had a black an orange one that I'd die for but being a penniless schoolboy what could I do? Be careful with cusp where edge is more appropriate, (check Guardian style sheet?).

[@everythingrevolution8228]

Hey Mike, i''m new to the guzzi world- if you have time for a question- from Florida. when i'm looking at the right cylinder of my 04 breva 750, (17k miles)- just below and to the left (in the block seams) is an oil leak where the vertical and horizontal seams meet- (both sides actually) weep a mist of oil. it's more the vertical seam, but a tiny bit of the horizontal going towards the front of motor... is that typical or indicative of some bigger problem? & if it's easy, what's the fix?

[@MikesMachines]

Hi Bernie, It's really hard to tell without investigating it further. I'd suggest posting your question to the Wild Guzzi forum. It's one of the best resources for Guzzi owners that I know of. You may also find someone local who can take a look if necessary. www.wildguzzi.com/forum

[@smallsc111]

Dang man that book you mentioned at the end is almost 500 bucks on amazon

[@MikesMachines]

That's for the hardcover version which is out of print now. You can buy the softcover for under $50. Try the book depository. www.bookdepository.com

[@coobye]

Hi Mike, did they change the type of Delorto carburetors from the MK4 to MK5. Your MK5 seems to have the same flat top carbies as on Ducati bevels whereas the earlier Lemans had a different top to them. I assume they are both 40mm.

[@MikesMachines]

Mine are the original 40mm carbs. The bell crank tops have been swapped out by a previous owner who didn't like the heavy throttle.

[@1999zrx1100]

Cheers 😎

[@mikesherwood5497]

Mike I love your Vids series mate..... saved them all... I have an 84 Lemans 1000 on the way and it needs paint.... do you know where i can get hold of the RED color code to ensure i et it right?

[@MikesMachines]

I've had no luck finding colour codes in the past for the Le Mans. I'd suggest asking on the Wild Guzzi forum. www.wildguzzi.com/forum

[@wildbob]

Hello Mike, Love your channel. I own an 89 LeMans IV, now transformed as a cafe racer. I was wondering if you have any experience installing a kickstarter on these... thoughts and recommendations.

[@MikesMachines]

Hmm, there was a kickstarter fitted to some of the small block military models but that involved different gearbox cases I believe. I've not seen any conversions for big blocks though.

[@machiningbasics1729]

All very transferable to the smaller v twins mines a 350 imola

[@PieterBreda]

I used to own the one in this clip ( a similar one). I loved riding it but everything broke down, and I mean everything. Gear box, cylinders, puhsrod, valve cams, valves, cardan etc. I can't believe how much broke on this bike. Even the gas cables broke on a regular basis.

[@984francis]

That's not usual for the bikes, quite the opposite.

[@davidburne9477]

Hmmm, sounds like not enough attention to maintenance. They need way less than Ducatis of the same era, but they’re not Japanese fours…

[@caribman10]

Prety much everything he says goes for any MG made during the late 70's/early 90's period. Excellent Cliff's Notes version here.

[@thierryroullier8401]

Thanks for the great video. Do you have a magic trick to put her on the center stand? Foot on stand and Left hand on handle below saddle. How about right hand? Thanks.

[@MikesMachines]

My Le Mans is pretty easy to put on the stand. I just put a foot on stand, one hand on lifting handle, the other hand on the bars and just roll it on.

[@Team-fabulous]

At first I never liked this model of Guzzi but now I think they're beautiful, but hey.... it's gota be beautiful, it's a Guzzi...

[@garmit61]

Hi there, I've just bout a mk IV LM 1000 and need to remove the fuel tank. I can't work out how to do that. I seem to recall my old LM2 had a securing bolt under the saddle and once that was released the tank lifted back off the rubber mounts but I cannot see a similar thing under the saddle of the newer bike. Any pointers would be helpful as the manuals I've managed to get hold of don' mention the removal of the tank or the bodywork. Thanks, Gareth

[@MikesMachines]

The tank is held by two rubbers at the front pretty much like the LM2. At the rear, there's a flange on the base of the tank that sits on a lug. Mine just lifts off after the seat is removed, but there may be a clip on the lug (it has a groove in it) though it's not shown in the manual. Mike

[@cota2472000]

No Clip.It just Straddles the post on the Frame with the grommet in the Tank.Just pull up.

[@rogerallon1198]

Hey Mike, Enjoy your videos. I have an 86 Lemans. Keep breaking my rear indicator stems as i move around my shed. Do you know a supplier for the replacement rubber stems. Thx

[@MikesMachines]

The rubbers on their own seem hard to get. GuzziBits in the UK have them but most dealers only sell the complete indicator. You can get the complete unit in Australia from Thunderbikes, in the EU from Stein Dinse. and MGCycle in the USA. I have to say though that the quality of the replacements is pretty poor. They are quite brittle. They would certainly be a good candidate for 3D printing.

[@johnpali5894]

Great video, very educative . I'm looking to buy a 1982 moto guzzi 850 , cafe / racer , is 64k mils to many for this bike??

[@MikesMachines]

No it shouldn't be if it's been looked after. Just be aware that it's a 35 year old bike and it will need some TLC from time to time.

[@Adrian-ru8ei]

Hi Mike Do you have a view as to the Moto Guzzi 1000se becoming a collectable classic? I am tempted to buy a 1992 1000se in the UK with just 1000 miles on it.

[@MikesMachines]

Yes I do. I assume that you are referring to the UK only 1000se based on the 1000s? Either way all the later Tonti framed sporting Guzzis are now heading up in price.

[@Adrian-ru8ei]

@@MikesMachines Thank you for that, trouble is the bike is around 26,000 of your Australian dollars.

[@edwardschnaars8064]

I do believe the Le Mans 100 CX was put out in 1981 ( not 1984). I rode that bike ( when the elec system would work) into the ground for ten years…. Best of all my seven bike ( which included three BMW’s) Even today the sound of the engine stirs my gut….

[@MikesMachines]

I found a road test on the CX100 in the July 1980 edition of Cycle magazine. So it looks like the CX100 may have been available even earlier.

[@edwardschnaars8064]

@@MikesMachines Grin, details aside… it was a great bike….

[@edwardschnaars8064]

Thanks for your ride up

[@philandrea8954]

Hi Mike Just brought a very clean 93 le mans mkv L/E this week & love it, however the bike runs perfect when cold but very rough when hot, I've checked & tightened all manifolds for air leaks, checked carby etc Any ideas would be helpful or a good mechanic in Melb Vic that I could trust with my new pride & joy

[@MikesMachines]

It could be ignition based. The spark timing could be out on one or both sides. If you are still running points the gap could be too small or the capacitor could be a dud for one side. If you are running a Dyna ignition or similar it could be the black box or a dud coil. I've had both fail on me. A timing light is a good tool to check for this. A few other things to check include valve clearances and the cables to the starter carbs. If the cables are too tight they can leak fuel all the time. In regards to Guzzi mechanics in Melbourne, the two I'd recommend would be Brad at Bike Boy and Robert at Guzzi Spares. Just Google for contact details. Let me know how you go!

[@philandrea8954]

@@MikesMachines thanks Mike No points, choke cable checked, valve clearance was my next option I'll check today & if electrics I'll leave it to the mechanic Thanks again Mike

[@mikesherwood5497]

Hi Mike, I am restoring my 74k '84 Mk4 (originally from Holland) and i have had my Lanfranconi 28 (Riservato Competizion i have assumed are original) exhaust system disassembled, and blasted and ceramic coated in the original black colour. Before disassembling exhaut i did notice that the crossover pipe, which runs between the two headers midway along seems loose and can be spun around when in situ, seemed odd to me and probably not optimal. I wanted to ask you if that meant to be loose like that (I imagine exhaust gas escapes there) and or, if not how should that be installed / fitted in to ensure that there is a snug / tight fit ensuring all the exhausts ejects out through the rear pipes. Should i wrap some form of packing / heat resistant cloth inside the pipe sleeve where it joins or is there supposed to be some form of gaskets available which provide packing. Any guidance you can offer on this would be very helpful before i reassemble? Look forward to hearing from you

[@MikesMachines]

Don't quote me but I seem to recall that those mufflers originally used a high temperature o-ring in the joint. Most likely it was a Viton o-ring.

[@mikesherwood5497]

@Mike's Machines mate that looks exactly like what it is meant to have and has been missing... the flanges coming from the pipes that the cross pipe slots into, has a sort of a pressed recess which looks like its meant to accommodate an O ring as you say of some form of packing... thanks greatly for your guidance Mike and the suggested O ring brand / type... I will see if I can get a listing and or a part link... again thanks

[@coobye]

Mike, can mark 3 lemans side panels, ducktail and seat be retro fitted to the mar 4/5 1000 lemans.

[@MikesMachines]

I'd say yes but with some frame and bracket work. The seat and side panel mounting points are quite different between the two models. Plus the upper frame rails kick up at the rear of the Mk 4/5 frame which would I suspect interfere with a mk3 seat. You can compare the two frames on the Fowlers Parts web site. www.fowlersparts.co.uk/browser/manufacturer/moto-guzzi

[@coobye]

@@MikesMachines Interesting, I didn't realise they had changed the frame. I assumed the Tonti frames were unchanged right through to the early 90's. Thanks for the link to Fowlers.

[@TheMontydog33]

Hello mike am looking into getting a moto Guzzi griso looking for 2010-2012 one green would be incredible but do you have any tips kilometres or anything going wrong with them that you know off over the year please cheers Russell

[@MikesMachines]

The only major issue that I'm aware of was with the tappets. There was a roller tappet conversion done as part of a factory recall on early 4 valve Grisos. But I don't know what year new Grissos came with this update as standard.

[@TheMontydog33]

@@MikesMachines G’day Mike thank you so much forgetting back to me

[@brettsmith8280]

Could someone tell me what the sale price for a 91 Lemans 1000 with 16,000 Ks on the clock and in very good condition.

[@jimnaylor6009]

In the UK now, you could be looking at around £4-5k. Very few left with such low mileage. Depends on history.

[@glenn1411]

couldent GIVE those away a few years back sat in the back of our shop gathering dust !because the Le Mans MK1 is now doing silly money the rest of the same period machines are slowly going up in value still DOESENT make this model desireable sorry !

[@gregwilson9035]

Is that Mr Bean looking on @ 0:20??

[@ranter7100]

Mr bean test rides a rare and expensive moto guzzi up coming episode