MotoGuzzi 850 LeMans Mark III 1982

Classic Motorcycle review of the Guzzi 850 LeMans.

[@hughmac7423]

I had a Mk V, had to sell it because I got a divorce, I regret selling it. Moral of the story, don't get married. I remember the suspension being very hard, the handling being excellent, and that motor had character.

[@jimw7916]

You rode past my old house

[@JumpersJim]

It’s great to have you back at your brilliant best! Since you deserted the NC I’ve missed your dry Aussie quips and hilarious expressions. Your analogous use of ladies funbags for engine cylinders is a new high for me.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks mate. Glad someone appreciates my dopey sense of humour.

[@bmp72]

I had one of these in white, about 25 years ago. Had to sell it because I emigrated. Still my all time favorite bike. Unfortunately the current 850cc V7’s come nowhere near the old LeMans 3, they have non of the character.

[@tonycomerford9213]

Used to love guzzies until I went to buy one an 1100. The gearbox was. Terrible and the clutch was hard to pull in, I bought an bmw1100s instead . It did not have the carector of the gussy but was a good bike. Regards , tony nc Ireland.

[@tonycomerford9213]

Always liked guzzies went to buy one 1100 but was bitterly disappointed wit the gearbox and clutch my dream was shattered ,bought a bmw 1100s instead. Not as much carector but a good bike . Regards tony nc. Ireland.

[@MrHws5mp]

If the throttle was light, then something's been modified because they were always nototoriously heavy straight from the factory: something to do with the linkages on the accelerator-pump carbs, I believe. Lighter throttle mods were one of the most common aftermarket things back in the day. Another thing that was always heavy was the clutch: again, numerous aftermarket mods were available. Lastly, the gear change had a reputation for being heavy and clunky, but this was usually down to wear and incorrect setup in the linkages. My V50 Monza had a ridiculous heavy gearchange that cost me several traffic light GPs back in the day, but that was because the factory "adapted" it to have rear set foot controls by just moving the pegs a couple of inches back and lopping a couple of inches off the gear lever!

[@mfitzgerald130]

I love my Guzzi..✨💫

[@bcgraham3512]

Counterintuitively, the comfort of the riding position (at least on the LM and LMII, but the MkIII uses the same wonderful Tonti frame I believe) can be greatly improved by fitting Agostini (dealership in Mandello) rearsets. I'm a lanky guy too and found this set-up all-day comfortable riding from Scotland to Mandello. The LM is a great real-world road bike and probably the most reliable, oil-tight, dependable and useable classic bike to own and fettle. Well engineered, built to last forever and sporty with it when you want.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Arrr. Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@philipgardner-uz5ne]

How long can you ride with that body position?

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Hmm? With my 190cm frame, not very long.

[@returnrider4952]

What a gorgeous bike, had no idea they were that quick - but I'd still rather be riding that Honda :-) But I'm very biased.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ha! Nice to hear from you. Still have the Honda4 ?

[@returnrider4952]

​@@AfricaTwin-Stuff yep, still have it. Still love it. I've been up to Jerry's via the old Pac a couple of times which was super nice. Took the long way home via Broke and back down the Putty Rd. Long ride, gorgeous 🙂

[@nigelfisher3756]

Thanks for posting. I reckon the Le Mans Mk3 is the best of the breed. A great, underrated sports bike from Guzzi.

[@ronsmith6242]

Another great video 👏enjoy everything

[@barnabybeere1557]

Thanks for this review - I have always fancied one of these Guzzi's, and the Mark III with the large white rev counter would be my favourite choice. Glad to hear that it's as good to ride as it looks!

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks. It’s surprising how good a 42 year old bike is to ride, even by modern standards.

[@couttsy222]

Just lovely!!

[@Batman-m8r]

Beautiful ❤