Moto Guzzi Le Mans 3 Part 10: The Clutch and Carbs

[@martinbutler1598]

Hi Mark, I am very much enjoying your work, great project. Many years ago, before the internet gave so much help and information, I oiled a speedo and ruined the clock. The rotating cable migrated the oil up into the mechanism and the needle fluctuated wildly. I can dimly remember that I should have wiped the top 6 inches dry. Hope this helps you avoid what was for me an expensive mistake. Thanks again for a great series of videos.

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Hi Martin. Thank you for the feedback and the tip. I'll whip out the cores and clean off the excess oil. Much appreciated. Cheers, Mark.

[@MichaelHenderson59]

Babe, wake up. Another Moto Guzza Lemans 3 restoration update episode just dropped!

[@DoRC]

Love the series! You need more subs.

[@rustyturner431]

Enjpyed the video. I have a seriously-modded 1000 Le Mans that started life as a '78 850 (it's a long story, and I was a dealer for Guzzis in the 1980s, which gave me access to some interesting stuff when I went to the factory each year). I had Mikunis for some time and replaced them with Lektrons a couple years ago, which are WORLDS better, especially at altitude. Anyhow, I love Guzzis and will never part with mine. Mind you, I've "personalized" it to the point where nobody sane would want it...suits me just fine. Keep it upright, or leaned WAY over!!

[@rongeernaert1208]

Nice work on this MG LeMans 3, I have a MG 850 LeMans 2 white Black version 99% original only rear shocks are not original and there are different carbs mounted on the factory than on this LeMans 3 !

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

My LM III’s didn’t have dog leg levers. They were a bit extra Long and had excellent leverage. They might have had a plastic sleeve over the lever, too. Also, my LM III’s had a very handy enriched lever on the left side of the engine under the carb. Very handy and short cable run. Sadly, I don’t the parts are available anymore. Really love the way you make up ‘bespoke’ spindles, bolts, etc.

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Yep, I think someone else flagged this too. I'm coming across a few things that aren't original, no surprise given the age of the bike and it's apparent lack of care. Cheers

[@mattcc6603]

Very well shot and informative, thank you. Sub'd

[@johnpartridge7623]

Good job Mark.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Excellent!! reminds me, must go and give the V50 carbs a quick nearly spring flush out!

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

👍😁

[@TheElderlyBiker]

Is that a non standard clutch lever? Be interested to know what it is as I'd like that style for my LM2. Enjoyable series - thanks

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Hi Matt, I really don't know. It's what was on the bike when I bought it. I've just compared it the brake lever and they are completely different in terms of styling :-) It couldhave been a replacement fitted along the way, or given it's such a late model, maybe the parts bins were being raided in the factory! Cheers, Mark

[@jurgenx4050]

Hi Mark,, do you use the original jet setup in the carbs? Some people say that is too lean because of legal regulations, especially with the LM3. BR Jürgen

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Hi Jürgen, I think the carbs have oversize main jets fitted due to the pod filters and I played around with the needle positions when I last had the engine running because I was going to run it with open bellmouths. I will need to look more closely at the mixture once the bike is ready to take on the road. Cheers Mark

[@matthiaslahr829]

hi mark, wrt to your clutch adjustement issues (fully extended adjuster at the handle bar) : if you turn the adjustment screw in at the gearbox clutch arm, you will notice, that only a few turns in will do the trick of bringing the handle bar adjuster into its comfort zone i had the same issue and wanted to share with you however the flat part on the end of the clutch arm sucks because the rear swing blocks access and a spanner will not do the trick you will need to fabricate a special tool (flat bar with a notch) or you need a pair of needle nose pliers and a lot of patience good luck mate :-)

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Hi Matt, good point. I was going to make reference to this in the video, but obviously didn't :-) The adjuster on my gearbox lever is also quite a long way in, but it's worth another look. Cheers, Mark

[@matthiaslahr829]

mark, you will notice that - due to its mechanical advantage/lever ratio - already a quarter turn or so on said adjustment screw will effect quite a lot - maybe just give it a try :-)

[@MarksMotorcycles-rk4yp]

Ok, done. No special tool required as everything is clean and greased. I probably gave it a turn and a half, with just enough exposed for the locknut to get a good purchase. Cheers 👍