Unbelievable motorcycle restoration - Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1 - My hardest yet!

#myrestoration #motorcycle #motoguzzi
Welcome to the channel which shares quality motorcycle restoration tips and tricks.
One of the hardest restorations. I usually do not restore for others however an ebay deal turned out that I restore the Mk1 as a trade for a 916 Ducati. The client was clear in that they wanted it as original as possible. Unfortunately like so many, this bike was in a rough and modified state which made it that much harder to revive it. As the budget was limited to £2000 in parts onmly, I could not bring it back to a perfect state but rather an original Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1 from 1978 with some battle scars. Still I was surprised just how wonderfully it turned out. There are 14 videos detailing all the stages of restoration. If you are new to this bike then you just might find a treasure trove of information for free!
Enjoy the series.
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[@talltom1129]

Anyone who restores an old part rather than just buying a new one gets my attention and respect every time. NOS parts are great, but if you're not made of money, and not too lazy, I say fix what you already have. So much more satisfying, too.

[@umakantgajjewar8898]

I am like you..I try to repair as much possible..from repairing our kitchen grinder to motorcycle parts. Thanks.

[@shyvaYY]

Dont need yo respect

[@davidburne9477]

True to a point, but on my mk2 Le Mans I am replacing all the mild steel cap head bolts etc with stainless, to lower the ongoing need for rust removal and touching up. And everything goes together with a dab of Never-Seize on the threads as well, something they didn’t do (apparently) on the long engine mounting bolts that run through the engine and eventually electrolytically corrode. A mate is going to turn-up new ones made from stainless as well. But where possible it is good to keep what *is* good. That doesn’t include the ugly LM2 fairing lol.

[@leslieaustin151]

@@davidburne9477Got some sympathy with that approach, as stuck bolts - anywhere - are a pain. But take care that those stainless bolts don’t gall in the alloy.. that’s an equal pain! Les

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

This is a masterpiece of editing and restoration. You've saved everything that can be saved. You haven't remanufactured it. This bike is simply superb.

[@tinymonster9762]

I think the red Mk1 is one of the most beautiful bikes ever. What a lovely thing to restore.

[@pandrop490]

100% agree !

[@61js]

The Le Mans featured on the centre fold of UK Bike magazine sometime in 1976. As a 16 year old at the time, I can remember just staring at this magnificent machine thinking 'one day'. Sadly that day never came but my thoughts remain the same. What a beautiful job you've done.

[@MyRestoration1]

How very kind!

[@andrewsurridge-qu2yr]

I remember it well. I may have to go look in the loft for the mag. Fairly sure it is there

[@pdm2201]

The 1977 Le Mans was on the cover of the U.S. magazine Cycle. The caption was “A Flash Bike for the Thinking Man”.

[@201Jeep]

ah yes I remeber the cover of that edition!

[@davidcornforth3786]

I also remember the girl draped all over it as a 16 year old got the bike two years later sadly not the girl !!😆

[@bozzbee13]

I owned a 1978 mk1 le mans in the early 80s , lovely bike one of the ones that I wished I still had!

[@chrisb.1464]

"I could not bring it back to a perfect state but rather an original Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1 from 1978 with some battle scars." That what means "perfection" for me, as riding thousands of kilometers is what Moto Guzzis are made for : they're not showbikes: the result looks like a good old bike shining again. I'm impressed by the quality of your work! Bravissimo!👍

[@therealunclevanya]

That was a labour of love. Thank you for bringing another Le Mans back to life.

[@splodge5714]

Great to see a Le Mans in good original condition back on the road. I had one for 10 years in the 80's, loved that bike. I hope its still out there being used and enjoyed.

[@rs8197-dms]

So did I. A bike with many flaws and a lot of character

[@brianperry]

The best, most Iconic Guzzi ever.. Looked like it was doing a 100 mph on the stand. Sounded great, handled great plus was pretty quick for its day..130 mph or there about....l owned a new LeMan 850 in 1978/9. Mine was fitted with the smaller, flatter rear light but otherwise was much the same. l didn't realise at the time what a classic icon it was to become.... Oh, the benefit of hindsight. Thanks for a memory of my youth...

[@villiamo3861]

Your light is the 2nd/later batch of the mark 1s. He's got the light of the 1st batch, but the seat of the 2nd batch: the 1st batch of the mark 1s had his light and a more humped, almost single-style seat.

[@humanbeing1675]

Always a joy to watch someone who knows what he is doing. Respect. Excellent work👌

[@davidberelson2925]

I was incredibly fortunate to have been the original owner of an identical example of this great machine which I bought in ‘77. My wife and I had truly unforgettable times and memories of days and nights riding through Northern California. It always was reliable and devastatingly beautiful to behold. Lovely resto is spot on, and respectful of this princely machine. BIG THANKS…

[@roberthocking9138]

It was a nice change to see a restoration completed in one highlights package for a change. Great work.

[@geneahart5607]

The Guzzi looks brilliant!!! What a beautiful thing!! Your work is stunning and encouraging!!!!! Can't wait to see the Norton take flight!!!

[@michaelsandy3353]

Fantastic restoration of a great bike. The array of skills used is fascinating to watch. Well done.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Thank you for posting your video, I will soon be tackling the restoration of my 1980 Benelli 900 Sei, I've owned her since 1986 and she is starting to look her age. I'm now retired so I have plenty of time to dedicate to my beloved Benelli, the last time she ran was in 2010, so she'll need plenty of love and attention to get her looking her best. The six pot Benelli's reached classic status years ago and the 900 is gaining value rapidly, Benelli only produced 1878 of them from 1979 until 1989, so the weren't exactly mass produced. Incidentally, all the Benelli multi-cylinder motors were produced at the Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, the final assembly was undertaken at the Benelli factory in Pesaro.

[@hamishclayton347]

Loved what you did with those cooling fins 😮 great job 👏

[@NikkiAyumu]

Subscribed! Your level of attention to detail is just unbelievable. Not everyone would have that kind of patience. Amazing job.

[@peternaur]

Oh goodness, what a job! I recognize so many parts from my old Guzzi V35 that got me started 15 years ago. Motorcycles are just so wonderful! I love your edits - you pace the videos really well and theres a small touch of humour every now and again. It just works. Thank you for all the effort!!

[@alxx1378]

Back in the 90s I had a v35 82 model Imola loved it. With the monza 500 cylinders it went up to 440 cc. 😊

[@JourdainColeman]

The bike is looking amazing!! 👌🏼 - You can see the delight on the owner's face a the end

[@sprezzatura8755]

It is not over restored. That's what I love.

[@MyRestoration1]

That is a compliment!

[@manirajmanimuthu9110]

This is incredible. I appreciate the attention to detail. Thank you for sharing this work with us. It was a pleasure to watch you restore the motorcycle.

[@davidmitchell4899]

Excellent film Rob. Was really nice to see the start of the project to the finished restoration in one video. I can see why you’d have felt a bit sombre to see the Guzzi leaving your workshop for the final time. Congrats on completing this challenging project and thanks for taking it on 👍🏻. I’m now hooked on the channel. Can’t wait to see the Norton and the Ducati.

[@MyRestoration1]

David. I have to say that you made this much easier by being so supportive and understanding with my bereavement and other work. That said I believe this to be a triumph in terms of reintroducing the Mk1 back into its rightful place as an important part of motorcycle history. I was shocked at how many are now not accurate examples. Glad I could do this project for you and your family. Safe riding.

[@John-yf2uf]

What he said

[@user-ui6kv4ph2p]

Your work is so many repairing , few replace. You have done the good job, great restore. I feel for you to loving the MOTO GUZZI.

[@cgln8760]

When I was a teenager (many moons ago), I worked for a summer as an unpaid bike polisher at sports motorcycles in Manchester and the showroom was full of these and California T3s etc. Wonderful.

[@petesharpe4120]

Perfection! Thank you so much for faithfully restoring one of the best motorcycles...ever!

[@firestorm755]

I love the fact that you've kept the old patina on a lot of components, it looks like a well cared for old bike. Well done! I always wanted a mk1 lemans and when I had opportunity I went to look at one. Imagine how disappointed I was to discover it's a really small bike and there's no way I'm going to fit on it. Oh well, I got a big v twin a Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm. We've been together for 24 years now. Big twins just feel alive when you ride them rather than a piece of machinery, they have soul.

[@MyRestoration1]

That’s it Phil. You nailed it. It was supposed to look like a well kept reconditioned mk1! Job done!

[@Jungleland33]

Superb labour of love. Magnificent result. Well done.

[@hoozleup]

I can tell you’re a good bastard straight away by hearing the snippets of music in the background. Incredible job with the bike and an even better job on the editing. Well done Sir.

[@MyRestoration1]

Never been called that as a compliment but I’ll take it pal 😂👍

[@hoozleup]

@@MyRestoration1 It’s a mark of respect down here in New Zealand mate. 😄 Wear it with pride. But seriously, top effort on that resto (and video). I challenge anyone to not watch it all the way through once they start.

[@MyRestoration1]

@@hoozleup then happy bastard I am 😁

[@BlackRust]

After all these months, it would be a real shame if the bike wasn't ridden. One hell of a job, thanks for letting us join you for the ride. 👍

[@henryodge]

Wow. How lovely to watch such a wonderful bike being restored so sympathetically. Kudos to you, and LUCKY client! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@timhicks2154]

My current LeMans 2 had been made to look like a Mark 1. I added a Sprint SR Endurance fairing, twin headlights, electronic ignition, gear drive cams, Saprisa alternator & regulator rectifier, lightened clutch basket & starter ring gear and more. Got it resprayed by a friend…looks mint!

[@treborif]

Great job - i've had 5 Guzzi's and love the way they fit together with the frame splitting and lifting while the engine sits on the bottom frame rails and centre stand. They have the best exhaust note of ANY motorcycle. And the throttle makes my previously broken wrist ache so bad!

[@pandrop490]

BEAUTIFUL !! I had a poster of one of these on my wall in the 70s , just soooo beautiful and you have done an amazing job, especially as you have kept as much of the original parts as possible which is just so important . One new subscriber !

[@barrydavy4098]

Absolutely bloody brilliant. Another fabulous Guzzi brought back to life. Loved every minute. Thank you.

[@afidarkside]

I really miss the sound of my guzzi! Good to hear one again

[@CoberBox1]

Holy crap, I would not be able to let that go. What a beauty.

[@MyRestoration1]

You would if they gave you a 1996 Ducati 916!

[@CoberBox1]

🤔, I play this game with my kids all the time. Rules are it’s your only bike and you can never sell it. What do you choose? I’d go with the Guzzi.

[@scottcates]

Stunning bike and right proper workmanship. Very nice video, to boot.

[@MyRestoration1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FrancescoUggetti]

Great job . Never stop to restore and keep our history alive

[@nappyheadedhoe]

I own 6 Guzzis here in the states.3LM!'s,2 big valve 1000S'S and an 1000SP.Along with 9 other classics.Great job on the LeMans ! I watched the whole video a couple times.Great work man !!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you. It was my first attempt at a Guzzi so big compliment!

[@Ian-bq7gp]

You know what's nice, seeing the joy on your clients face at the end. Well done, it was a lot of work, especially guzzi electrics .

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Amazing, fabulous, a really great job!

[@huguesdepayens1070]

I’m speechless. .. . Absolutely Stunning.

[@TheJameswort]

What a brilliant series, forgotten lots, so thanks for recap. Well done.

[@stefanandersson5604]

Great job, awsome restauration. 😊👍

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Loved watching this restoration. What a great attention to everything. Very inspiring. Thanks.

[@jimmarshall807]

Wonderful job, I'd be absolutely delighted to have that in my garage

[@peterdoe2617]

Where are you located? A friend of mine want's to sell his LeMans II. He lives near Lemgo, Germany. 1st owner.

[@jimmarshall807]

@@peterdoe2617 I'm in the UK and have just picked up a Laverda so not actively looking for a Le Mans - thanks for letting me know

[@SorryIwasntListening]

Even through the medium of a laptop, that FEELS like a beast to ride!! Excellent Job.... subscribed!

[@MyRestoration1]

Welcome aboard!

[@KenMcKinnon-c4r]

Guzzies are unique and a LM1 is a special bike. Great restoration and its excellent that the bike gets to live on.

[@davidgibbings6085]

You are quite the top guy for restoration , love these , I had a monza and v50 2 but couldn’t afford the lemon but after watching this I want one , I feel pulling som pension money is the only way , + bit of super tramp music for to sooth the resto is a must 👍🙏💯😉

[@MyRestoration1]

Haha you spotted the music. Good man! Yes a very interesting bike. It really grew on me as it went on. Thank you 🙏

[@doublebrain9038]

My greatest respect for this unbelievable restoration!

[@amp2amp800]

Thankyou for the memories of my LeMans restoration in 1996. You did a great job!

[@Martyn-NFFC]

Awesome restoration

[@sK3LeTvM1]

Very nice work. Classical music is the best companion to restoration! But never, and I repeat never drive a bike without protective clothing!

[@overlandmotorcycletours4785]

Fantastic ! brings back memories, A few years ago I managed to acquire a genuine 1972 v7 sport in Italy which I improrted into the UK. After a couple of years of work it was finished. What a joy to ride, took a bit of getting used to the gear shift on the other side and upside down !

[@steveguest8028]

This is a brilliant restoration 👏👏👏

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Steve! I fell in love as it drove off now I want one..

[@steveguest8028]

@@MyRestoration1 Always loved them in my youth many years ago, there is something special about them

[@alivdee9946]

Had the honor off putting the first 4000 km on a new Le Mans II in '82, which belonged to a friend of me, while i had a girlfriend in germany and he only worked around the corner ;) The fun of that bike i first reencountered when i bought my '99 1150GS in 2000

[@stephenbarry3201]

Well done. That looks a very honest restoration with nearly all original parts used. Looks and sounds fantastic 👍

[@garmit61]

Fantastic job. Reminds me of when i restored my old LM mkII. Guzzis are beautiful and the engines go forever

[@TheHkluivert]

This was so very satisfying to watch! The Le Mans 1 was featured in the first motorcycle magazine I ever bought, when I was 12 years old. Now, all these years later, I have my first Guzzi; a California 3 Full Fairing, waiting to be fixed in our garage.

[@MyRestoration1]

Go for it. Trust me it’s worth it!

[@LiquidAudio]

Stunningly beautiful bike and incredible restoration mate! I’m lucky enough to have spent some time on one of these, truly a legendary bike.

[@isidormaker2482]

Wow, Simply Great👍

[@timhicks2154]

Magnificent work!

[@MyRestoration1]

Many thanks!

[@MrSebfrench76]

We french, keep the art of cooking. You Brits, are unchallenged when it's all about motorcycles. Beautiful 👍👍

[@MyRestoration1]

Merci Seb. I’m moving to France so we can change that!

[@jorgemercatali9319]

So beatifull bike !!! Love it congrats to you and the owner

[@originalforgery]

Outstanding.... Something very special about a Guzzi.. I have a late 1100 sport which if i'm honest I get as much pleasure looking at as riding - there's just something about them..

[@Simulera]

First of all, this is a serious mechanic, the level of experience is impressive and obvious. (And rare). Secondly, Moto Guzzi motorcycles are just wonderful things I have discovered as items of personal interest and ownership only in the last decade. I rank them on levels with /2, /5, /6 BMW airheads in character and quality, as well as joyous rides. Even the new/newer Moto Guzzi are special things that proper machine culture people and riders can appreciate. The Le Mans rebirth here will produce considerable good karma for you!

[@hansdegebruiker1968]

Just amazing how perfect you work, up to every minor detail. Respect.

[@promerops]

Absolutely beautiful job! Well done!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Amazing skill set, I’m envious

[@patdwyer6274]

Wow! Great job and a new subscriber 😊

[@MrLeonardoibarra]

Amazing work, congratulations!

[@MyRestoration1]

@@MrLeonardoibarra Thankyou

[@115liam]

Well done looks fantastic

[@thewoodster8607]

Your skill set is incredible. I also loved that you cleaned and allowed as many parts as possible to be reused. It looks so much better then something pristine.

[@MyRestoration1]

Exactly! It came out better than I had hoped. Thank you

[@fideldiaz5931]

What a beautiful job😍💯

[@manuelbarrios6621]

Perfect, this is a Masterpiece

[@64faffi]

Having done a similar job to my 1982 Yamaha V-twin over the winter, I can really appreciate the labour involved, and the finish you achieved is fantastic, while retaining as much original parts as possible. Well done!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you for your accurate comments

[@rabcspaniel5679]

I did a similar job in the summer of 78. It was turning a 350 Ducati Sebring into a Bruno Spaggiarri rep, Following an engine rebuild that left some crank end float. One night John Peel played the entire new Spirit Album, Future Games, The balmy late edinburgh evenings have a good place in my memory.

[@peterprior1]

Thank you for this video. Amazing restoration of one of my dream bikes.

[@xtremluck6260]

Your videos never disappoint. I feel glued to the screen every time I watch one. Nobody on KZbin does a better job of Restoration and detail work. Welding air fins onto the cylinder head, and not painting them afterward to hide the mismatch, is amazing. Truly a spectacular looking LeMans MK1 at finish. The one thing I wished you didn't change would have been swapping the Green paint for the Black. I think the Green just gave it a little more POP. Cheers, till next time.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks for chiming in. It would simple be incorrect to put green on a mk1. I would get lynched!

[@timhicks2154]

I bought a tatty & unloved Guzzi LeMans 3 and did a rolling restoration on it. It gradually transformed into a motorcycle of much beauty

[@colb9916]

Phenomenal job mate . The original aged look on many of those parts keeps the heart of the bike intact. Some would replace with new and spoil that. She has been refreshed & resurrected as the aged beauty she is. Owned a MK lll for a handfull + of years. Outstanding bike to ride and love.

[@riccardoaddis8398]

Great job "congratulazioni!!!" Bye from Italy!!!!!!

[@MyRestoration1]

Graci Riccado!

[@ΜακηςΠετουσης]

Congratulation,you are an artist

[@BigBear59]

Awesome work and a great result…you certainly have a knack and patience to do this work …I like you videos…Thanks for sharing ….until soon …Alex🇬🇷

[@clausentumsoton]

Excellent work!! Really nice to see a recap from start to finish. Wish me luck with a California T3 I've bought recently.

[@MyRestoration1]

A restoration means to restore back. I understand that to mean back to the designer sign-off. When we restore it back we show our appreciation to the design for the investment we make in owning it. Good luck my friend.

[@peterroda8156]

What a gorgeous bike. Great job. Really enjoyed your work. Thank you.

[@howardtowler6146]

Amazing work.. saving a piece of motor cycle history

[@thurstonhowelliii9501]

The most beautiful bike ever built! Your array of restoration skills are extraordinary. Watching from California.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you Thurston!

[@axkoula7851]

Just as I thought "I can change my own brake pads, I am a semi-god"... Incredible work, one cannot put a price on it. Just the wiring harness would have me in tears, let alone the gearbox or the damaged cylinder head. I recently acquired a (new) Guzzi and I can say that now I get it. Before I test rode one I just saw an archaic oddball machine that vibrated like a paint shaker.

[@dynomike4142]

Great work. I really enjoy these videos. From Kennewick WA.

[@peterturnbull9133]

I really enjoyed tht VFR restorations (particularly because I have one), But this Le Mans restoration was amazing. Your persitance in using restoring original parts is the mark of a true craftsman. The finished product is a true work of art - the owner must be truly delighted - you should be very proud. When I was growing up the Moto Guzzi Le Mans and BMW R90S were the bikes of dreams.

[@jamesgoddin8880]

Beautiful work

[@crnamrlja]

Amazing stuff. Joy to watch you bring it back to its fullest!

[@davidreed6817]

Absolutely fantastic, Sir you are a genius. Congratulations on recreating a motorcycling icon.

[@svendtveskg5719]

Proper good job mate! And a bike that's worth it. :)

[@andymckee53]

Wonderful workmanship with a sympathetic eye to leaving patina here and there. Super job!

[@paulheron3150]

First watched the two VFRs you sorted and your work is super and love the GUZZI well done turned out Fantastic 👍👍

[@MyRestoration1]

Excellent Paul thanks!

[@jandvorak2725]

amazing work !!! big congratulations !!!

[@robt1805]

Well done, definitely a labour of love. Looks very original to me. I bought a new blue mk1 series 2 in 1977. Still got it today, removed every nut bolt washer as you have. All the mechanics as it left the factory. They were built like a tank, and handled like one, until you learned how to ride it. I believe the series one had a stepped seat. alloy yokes, they were only black on the series 2, also the lower fork legs. But a brilliant job, I take hat off to you.

[@MyRestoration1]

Always the viewers! Many lessons learned from the comments. Yes correct in most but in my research of the mark 1, depending on the serial number, received a few variations throughout its life. The yokes for example on this were black and seemed to come on this bike. Stator cap changes. Small things I’ve observed. It’s not uncommon. Thanks for chiming in!

[@robt1805]

Yes, not uncommon, mine was registered Sept 1977, on a S plate, yours could of been one of the last series one's made. Hope I didn't sound negative, just as I have had mine from new, I know the exact spec it left the factory. And have a original sales brochure. I see alot with the orange headlamp cowl, but mine was just blue. Polished forks & yokes. Should I have left them original. ?? I do have the original silencers. But who in the right mind would leave them on ( to quite ) I think you can go to far trying to keep originality. One of the first things I removed was the linked braking system. Had great pleasure out braking all the jap bikes that had thundered past on the straights. Sorry for rambling on. Fantastic restoration, on a budget. Well done.

[@davidlutton4560]

What a fantastic restoration. Excellent work. Your Client must be a very happy man indeed. As a young man back in the '70s, I drooled over the 850 Le Mans and much preferred it to Ducati's 900ss at the time. Mind you, what I'd give to have both in my garage! I will look forward to watching your other videos. Great stuff.