1978 Moto Guzzi 850 LE Mans

Highlights

Highly original Mk1 850 LeMans
Distinctive Italian styling
Well maintained mechanicals
UK registered from new
Low mileage

The Appeal

Stylish, fast, and sure-footed, the masculine Guzzi 850 LeMans was released at the Milan Motorcycle Show in 1975. Heavily engineered and well built, the 850 LeMans was a marketing success and paved the way for later models.

Looking sharp in it’s original red and black colour combination, this Guzzi is presented in good cosmetic order and features it’s original V7 derived shaft-driven 844cc four-stroke twin.

Clearly looked after during it’s lifetime this low mileage example appears unrestored and unmodified. Following a mechanical overhaul in the mid-nineties, the current owner has only needed to carry out some basic servicing during 2024. He has enjoyed riding it locally during the summer months but feels it is not getting enough use.

A superb café racer, this classic Moto Guzzi is a must for any lover of Italian bikes.

The History and Paperwork

Manufactured in 1977
First registered on the 17th June 1978
Early history is currently unknown
Owner acquired the bike in February 2024
V5 present
Two original Owner’s Manual’s
Moto Guzzi Club GB Machine Dating confirmation
A few older MOT’s from 1992-2008
MOT and road tax exemption letter
Complete parts manual
Technical maintenance and servicing articles
A selection of invoices
Motto Guzzi Owner’s Club magazines and reviews
No current MOT (exempt)
Tax status is Sorn
The owner is happy to deliver to Southampton or Portsmouth

The Condition

Overall, a nicely presented and usable Guzzi
Glossy red paintwork and black frame
Bikini fairing and screen are in good condition
Original Veglia Borletti instrumentation
Good handlebars, levers and grips
Clear headlight and CEV rear light
Undamaged CEV indicators
Dual saddle with minor wear
Alloy components could be enhanced with a polish
The painted exhausts are presentable
Excellent original wheels
Metzeler/Pirelli tyres with plenty of tread

The Mechanics

Rugged 844cc, four stroke 90-degree, OHV V-twin
Factory top speed of around 125mph
36mm Dell’Orto carburettors
Shaft-driven 5-speed transmission
Tommaselli throttle
Points ignition, electric start
Telescopic forks/twin rears
Brembo callipers
Recent oil filter replacement and fresh engine oil

The owner informs us that looking at the accompanying MOT’s, it appears the bike has travelled 24,832 from new before a mileometer change. Now displaying 5,866, the total mileage is therefore 30,698.

Invoices dating back to 1992 include new petrol/oil pipes, exhaust down pipes, overhauled carburettors, new battery, starter solenoid, clutch and latest type UJ. New high compression pistons, valves and big end shells were fitted in 1995 at 15,000 miles.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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