Description
2023 MIS Stock
This motorcycle has been the subject of a full restoration and presents in superb condition.
Huge file of paperwork available, has recently had
New electronic ignition
New Tyres
Full Service
Fresh MOT
The Mk1 is probably one of the most collectible classic motorcycles and it your going to get one, get the best and this is pretty much it.
Model history
The Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans had the 844cc four stroke OHV two valve per cylinder air cooled V-twin engine as developed by Lino Tonti for his prototype models, producing a claimed 80bhp (measured power at the rear wheel was 71bhp). Compression ratio was 10. 2:1. Transmission was a five speed gearbox with a shaft drive. Top speed was approximately 130mph. The exhaust system had been designed by Lafranconi and was whisper quiet. The 36mm Dell’Orto pumper carburettors were provided with wire covered velocity stacks for air intake so they were not quiet resulting in some riders humorously suggesting they felt their kneecaps might be sucked into the intakes.
This original Moto Guzzi V-twin design was solid and a bit old fashioned but it certainly delivered speed reliably although quarter mile acceleration figures disappointed some. One result of that big solid engine with its heavy crankshaft/ flywheel assembly mounted longitudinally was the feeling that the bike would twist sideways as the throttle was blipped. Something that riders either liked, or didn’t, but it certainly gave the bike personality. The frame of the 850 Le Mans was a derivation of that of the Moto Guzzi 750 S3. The front forks were telescopic whilst the rear swing arm featured twin shocks adjustable for pre-load.
The braking system was of an integrated type featuring twin Brembo 300mm front discs and a single 242mm rear disc. The integration of the braking system meant that the handlebar brake handle operated the front right brake whilst the foot brake pedal operated the left front brake and the rear brake. This level of sophistication may have been thought preferable because some shaft drive Moto Guzzi V-twins of this time had demonstrated a propensity for rear wheel lock-up. This was reported by the Western Australian Police when they evaluated the Moto Guzzi police model in the mid seventies for example. Wheels of the Le Mans were cast-alloy FPS (Fratelli Pedrini Sarezzo – Brescia) with 4. 10-18 front tires and 4. 25-18 at the rear. The styling of the 850 Le Mans was masterful, clean, and unmistakably Italian.
The small front fairing was fitted with an Aprilia headlight except for the United States market where Department of Transport regulations forced the use of a sealed beam unit. The sealed beam unit protruded from the fairing spoiling the intended look. There were two series variants of the first model 850 Le Mans. The rear light of the early Series 1 model was a round CEV unit but after only about two thousand bikes had been produced this was changed to a De Tomaso designed rectangular tail light for the Series 2. The fuel tank was stepped and of 5. 9 US gallon (22. 5 liters) capacity. The bike’s seat extended up onto the fuel tank in the Series 1 and was a two seater stepped design so the pillion passenger sat a little higher than the rider.
