Description
This Guzzi started life as a Le Mans MKll. (VIN number confirmed Mark 2)
- PRICE REDUCED - To sell before winter lay up. Bike will be taken off market until summer 2025)
As with many MKll's it was subsequently modified - by a previous owner. The majority of MKll's became MKl replicas, often passed of as originals. Many however were converted into cafe racers. Such was the case with this MKll, which has been tastefully and skillfully modified, resulting in a gorgeous hybrid of MKl, MK ll and the essence of its predecessors, the V7 Sport, 750s and 750 S3.
Whilst the bike remains essentially a Le Mans MKll, in terms of its frame and engine, the fairing (incorporating a rectangular headlight) was removed to show off the beautiful shaft driven engine and the Tonti frame - (painted in red as a nod to the highly-prized factory V7 Sport racer Telaio Rosso).
Also removed was the expansive instrument console and a round headlight introduced. The instruments and console predate the Le Mans models and are believed to be from a V7 Sport. The bike benefits from the standard handlebar set up rather than clip-ons, making for a more upright riding position, ideal for any long-ish rides.
The bike has had 3 owners showing on the V5 document. The Guzzi was MOT'd last year but last month, to avoid the ULEZ scheme, I decided it was time to officially register it as an Historic Vehicle. It is therefore now ULEZ and tax exempt.
I handed the Guzzi over to Hybrid Motorcycles in Watford to repair and repaint the front fibreglass mudguard which had a split through age. I then found another on eBay in perfect condition - which just required repainting. I still have the original which will be included in the sale. Also added is the colour matched MK l style rear guard and brake light combo from GuzziBits.
Whilst the bike was in their care we also found a nicer NOS seat which we fitted to complete the rear end re-jig.
I had intended to replace the exhausts with black Lafranconi MKl style items however the chrome exhausts currently fitted look lovely alongside the polished alloy and chrome bike parts - and sound exquisite.
Due to new physical limitations it's became apparent that in order to continue regular riding I have to down size to a lighter, smaller machine. For this reason i am very, very reluctantly offering the Guzzi for sale to finance the purchase of a smaller cc bike.
The milometer is reading 26441 miles which may be correct but unlikely as the instruments are not original to the bike. I do not have any information outlining any major work to the engine so will have to assume it that it is untouched, just very well looked after.
The bike was serviced and road tested recently in August by Hybrid Motorcycles and is in fab condition. Starts easily (and ticks over nicely).
I have all the receipts for the work carried out by Hybrid. There are no rattles, no smoke and the engine pulls like a freight train. The gears are close together and smooth for effortless changes up and down.
A bit of Mark ll History:
The Mark II was similar to the Mark I, but the small 'bikini" fairing became a larger full fairing, in three parts, incorporating indicators. The fairing had been tested in Moto Guzzi's wind tunnel (which had been used to test race bike fairings in the 1950s). The new fairing had a rectangular headlight, rather than the earlier round item. later bikes saw an oil sump spacer to increase internal volume and move the oil away from the crankshaft and cylinder bores were updated to alloy coated with Moto Guzzi's patented "Nigusil".
The front forks were slightly changed and now held slightly wider in the yokes (triple trees). The seat was the same as the Le Mans and could comfortably carry a pillion. Further changes included a revised instrument cluster derived from the 1000cc SP. Brakes were linked, with the handlebar lever operating the front right caliper and the footbrake operating both the front left and rear caliper via a simple splitter. For enthusiasts of Tonti framed Guzzi's this has to be one of the nicest low mileage Cafe Racer inspired examples available.
For lovers of these Le Mans 1970's / 1980's Tonti frame sports bikes this is a peach and a joy to ride. It looks fabulous and always (and I mean always) causes a stir around bike people and non bike people alike.
One of the unique qualities of a Moto Guzzi is the directness of the shaft driven engine. It just delivers masses of torque. The ride is easy through traffic, it is quite low and the weight feels low down - this helps stability at low speeds. However it is when you open up the throttle that the bike comes into its own. On motorways it excels, gobbling up the miles effortlessly.
The famous Tonti designed frame was regarded one of the best of its day and i can vouch for it's excellent handling quality at speed - in contrast to my Triumph Bonneville of the same period.
I am certain that the new owner will be delighted with their motorcycle and yes, i will be very sorry to see her go. She's just not getting used enough and deserves to go to a new home where she's going to be ridden and enjoyed. Ride safe. Regards Jamie
