Posts published in “Moto Guzzi”

Small World – 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans II

Published April 21, 2023 by Mike

Since the mid-1970s Moto Guzzi has been making the world a smaller place, thanks to their version of high-speed executive transport. Much like their BMW cousins, these Italian twins are well renowned for eating up the miles and shortening the distance between two points. Created originally as a sport bike to go up against fellow Italian firms such as Laverda and Ducati – not to mention the Japanese Big Four – the relatively uncompetitive LeMans instead was pushed into a sport tourer role where it met with critical success. Built from 1976 through 1992, today’s 1981 example is a Mark II version, sporting the larger fairing indicative of the sport touring goal.

1981 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans II for sale on eBay

From the seller:
I am riding this bike for the last 10 year and it never let me down, I always take a very good care of this beauty.

It has been carefully stored in a garage.It has good engine start ability and revving.
Almost everything on this bike is original.
Electrical equipment operation OK.

Lots of fun riding this beast, if you have any questions I am here to help.

This bike – available on the US eBay site – is actually located in Tokyo, Japan. It features fully metric gauges showing 26k+ KMs, which equates to roughly 16,500 miles. There is some key rash on the top cover of the triple clamps, and the fairing lowers have some nicks and scratches. What it does not show is the type of corrosion we typically see from bikes in this area of this world. By all accounts this has been a well cared for motorcycle, despite living far from its point of origin. You can check out all of the pictures (including walk around video) here. And then start planning that crazy world trip that has been on your bucket list since you first learned to ride. Good Luck!!

One Response.

Creamsicle – 1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

Published February 7, 2023 by Donn

Almost to show Piaggio what could have been, we continue to see gorgeous and rather sporty Moto Guzzi’s with museum quality restorations. Today’s is in very rare white, which sets off the orange binnacle, raw aluminum and black beautifully.

1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans for sale on eBay

Hearing footsteps from the east, Moto Guzzi developed their new model with an overbored V7 engine, displacing 844 cc’s and making 71 smooth hp at the rear wheel. A backbone frame and the engine’s low center of gravity were revered for their stability, and the geometry gave it good handling. Guzzi hallmarks like shaft drive and linked brakes were practically new then, and both were well received. Some Le Mans details like the neat fairing worked better than expected, and others like the one-piece molded seat were love-it-or-hate-it affairs.

Time stopped for this Le Mans at around 23,031 miles, and the restoration is stunning. No word about when it was or if the odometer turned after that, but at this level it’s not much of a concern. Not sure why the presenting dealer didn’t find someone to buff those brake disks, but it does detract from a winning presentation. Notes from the eBay auction –

Completely restored by a west coast expert and then placed in a private collection since

Immaculately Finished, Paint work is Beautiful and Hard Parts are all Powder Coated

Finished in beautiful White with Silver Wheels color combo

Original and Unrestored Factory Seat which is very uncommon

This Italian masterpiece starts, runs and rides outstanding

Powered by the 844cc Longitudinally mounted V-Twin

5 Speed Transmission with a shaft final drive unit

Extremely rare 1978 Model with only 1,738 examples being built worldwide

This example is one of the nicest we have seen

The Mark I was made for only a few years before fairing got larger and styling more angular. Even then no challenge to a homologation special, and now almost vintage rather than classic. Still an iconic cafe racer, for riders either old enough to have never had an energy drink or young enough to never have had a cortado. Eminently collectible and extra special in white, Moto Guzzi could still be making such focused bikes.

-donn

22 Year-Old Red Head – 2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Rosso Mandello

Published January 13, 2023 by Donn

OK, maybe spring on the shore of Lake Como isn’t in the cards this year, but Moto Guzzi had a limited edition V11 that celebrated life in red. Today’s Goose looks very good and quite original with a little over 16K miles.

2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Rosso Mandello for sale on eBay

Styled and named to commemorate 80 years in Mandello del Lario, the limited edition used the recent V11 backbone chassis and two-valve twin, with respectable power at 91 hp. Torque was actually plan A, with 69 ft.-lbs. and a new six-speed transmission plus a light hydraulic clutch. Nicer components spiced up the traditional drivetrain, with Marzocchi usd forks, an adjustable monoshock, 320mm Brembo brakes and wide 17-inch alloy wheels. The side view is a composition in red, black and grey, with candy apple valve covers and a helpful carbon fiber handlebar fairing and mudguard up front.

Not a great time of year for a test ride in central Wisconsin, but the owner has wheeled her out for a short video, hard to share but easy to play on eBay. A few touch-ups to the fuel tank, but otherwise looking quite good and just waiting for a proper detail. Fresh Michelins and the Power Commander will fill in the dry spots in the fuel injection map. Notes from the eBay auction –

Bike is #49 out of 300 numbered bikes produced. It was estimated there were around 177 shipped to the United States. Bike is all original besides a power commander and a Penske rear shock which was over $1000 new. I was told by previous owner the clutch was done but I do not have any paperwork for it. It feels great.

Bike starts and runs great. Has excellent Michelin Pilot Power 4 tires. Needs nothing. The pictures are unedited and speak for themselves.

I have all the original literature for the bike including pictures of it being uncrated, letter of authenticity, manuals, original sales receipt, advertising, and a small model of the bike.

Guzzi has a clean and clear WI title. A Mistral crossover and carbon exhaust will be available for this bike at an agreed upon price.

The Rosso Mandello was only mid-point in the V11’s model run, and the longitudinal V-twin and shaft drive soldier on in Guzzi’s current line-up. For all their traditionality, many innovations have come out of Mandello del Lario – the first motorcycle wind tunnel, a 500cc V-8 racing engine, and more contemporary CARC shaft drive that reduces torque reaction, and cartridge fork innovations. Just starting their second century, Guzzi’s continue to be unusual if not rare, with yearly production in the several thousand range. The Rosso Mandello came here in just a few hundred though, and this example looks very collectible.

-donn

5 Responses.

Original Owner Moto Guzzi 850 Lemans

Published June 26, 2022 by Dan

Advertised as original owner and garage kept for 44 years, this is a stunning MK1 Lemans — it looks restored but has somehow covered nearly 30k miles. While there are other iterations that came later with incremental improvements, the early MK1 with the round headlight is the best looking and archetypal for collectors.

1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans for sale on eBay

from the seller:

1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Lemans original one owner bike. Beautifully maintained and restored. Collector example.

Owner purchased bike new in November 1978 . Runs strong and has only 29,719 miles . Owner restored bike in the mid 1990’s .

Motorcycle has been garage kept for 44 years. Motorcycle has matching engine and frame numbers.

Motorcycle runs and idles great. Sounds fantastic especially when revved over 4k . Everything works. No electrical problems. Both front and rear brakes work great, has factory linked braking system.

Came from Moto Guzzi factory with velocity stacks on Del Orto pumper carbs . But owner has always ran the bike with K&N air filters fitted. Factory velocity stacks are included with bike.

Bike has the following upgrades, additions and modifications on it.

Alloy endurance timing gears

Bub Ent. Racing exhaust system

Rear Koni shocks (correct for time period)

Stainless steel brake hoses front and rear

VDO oil pressure gauge

Dyna III electronic ignition and 35kv Dyna coils

Telefix fork brace

Stainless steel oil lines

5 Responses.

Medium Rare – 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Published June 15, 2022 by Donn

Moto Guzzi’s V11 Sport constituted the lion’s share of their bikes from 1998-2006, and came with various names, colors, and small fairings. Though not a special edition, today’s 2003 is more designer vanilla bean than plain vanilla, and looks very good with a small wind deflector and heat wrap on the pipes.

2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport for sale on eBay

The V11 Sport could be described as big all over, with pictures dominated by the 5.4 gallon tank and each cylinder displacing 532 cc’s. It’s 91 hp is merely generous, but the 69 ft.-lbs. of torque make their case at just 6,000 rpm. 40mm of Marzocchi have a massive look, with a nifty front fender design to protect the extending USD fork legs. Located by the cast red frame connectors, the shaft drive and monoshock try to hide behind the XL Lafranconi silencers. Even the seat looks like it could almost hold two without uncovering the pillion.

Liking the head guards and K&N filters a lot more than the wrapped headers, but it’s true the wraps do contain some of the heat. Even if there is hell to pay when they finally come off, the total polishing time will probably be about the same as if they had never been. Otherwise it’s very tidy, just moderate miles and no apparent damage. Bar end mirrors sharpen up the looks a bit, but a new ( and matching ) front tire would really make the sale go. Notes from the eBay auction:

Exceptionally nice condition, pre-lambda (O2 sensor) model and has one of the rarer color combos available. The bike has never been down or knocked over but do expect to see normal wear from use. The headers are lava wrapped to keep some heat off your legs. The rear tire is new but expect to replace the front in 1,000 miles or so. Grips have been upgraded along with the mirrors on the bar ends. All service is up to date and everything works on the bike from front to back so turn key and ride on!

For all the current Guzzi models and branching into the cruiser segment, they’re still an occasion when sighted and wear their quirks in honor. Luckily the brand was supported and continued by the Piaggio conglomerate. A nice round number for the buy-it-now, not overly priced these days, but the Make Offer button might get a push before that.

-donn

2 Responses.

Track Day Tuesday – 1976 Moto Guzzi 890 Racer!

Published May 10, 2022 by Mike

If you are thinking about a track day bike – and you most certainly SHOULD think about that – you could either go the route of a bashed, rashed and crashed universal 600 or 1000 from [insert your favorite Japanese street bike here], or forgo all of the street deletions and go straight to a real race bike. Think of the benefits – you get a bike already built for the purpose of riding on tracks (usually already sorted) and you look positively bad-ass compared to the generic GSNinjaR1-X crowd. And nothing can prove that point more than this awesome looking 890cc Guzzi vintage racer.

1976 Moto Guzzi 890 Racer for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1976 Moto Guzzi – Stan and Pearl’s 890CC Middleweight Superbike

You are bidding on an iconic race machine built by my good friend, the late Stan Friduss and his wife Pearl. When Stan passed I acquired the bike from Pearl. She put her heart and soul into this bike with Stan’s tutelage. The result was a machine that competed successfully in AHRMA’s Middleweight Superbike class for several years in the hands of several top racers. It has earned many race wins and I believe a championship or two. One of Pearl’s proudest moments was when it took 2nd place in New Jersey on it’s maiden voyage to the track!

More from the seller:
Now, I am offering it up for auction as I realize it is just too much machine for me at 65, so would like to see someone get it who appreciates it for what it is and continues to use it as intended or displays it for all to enjoy. The bike is “garage fresh” and has not been run in a few years. Knowledge from years of building race Guzzi’s, Stan threw everything he knew at this bike. NOTE: The engine turns over with good compression but I have not fired it. I am sure the carbs will need cleaning and a general going over before it is ready to run. Some spares as well.

Bill of Sale only – no title. (i chose salvage just to get past the title type requirement). I believe the Tonti frame is from a mid 70’s 850T or similar. It does NOT have a LeMans serial number. The bike is located at my garage in Melbourne Florida. Buyer is responsible for shipping or may pick up locally. Thank you for bidding.

Track Day Tuesday has quickly become one of my favorite days of the week thanks to some different finds that would not normally fit on the pages of RSBFS. But seriously, how could you not look at this thing and see yourself motoring through the pits at your next track day? Imagine the stares as you boom your way out onto the track and thunder down the main straight. Glorious! The best part is that owning this wonderful motoring piece of history won’t set you back much by comparison: The Buy It Now price is set at a reasonable $7,500, and the seller is open to offers. Check out all of the details here before the checkered flag waves at this one. Good Luck!!

3 Responses.

Retro Sport – 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer

Published April 10, 2022 by Donn

Moto Guzzi has long been mining its prodigious past in search for models, and the modern V7 joined the line-up in 2009. This updated limited edition Racer whisks the rider back to when a helmet and leather jacket were all that was required.

2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer for sale on eBay

The V7 Racer shares quite a bit with Lino Tonti’s 1971 creation, mid-size V-twin, shaft drive, unfaired, and even the wheelbases are within a millimeter. But the substantially new engine for 2013 claimed 48 hp, and reviewed as feeling like more. Torque was optimized and allowed the use of a 5-speed transmission. A single front disc is a big 320mm, which will do better than 1971’s drum, with just 401 lbs. ( dry ) to slow. Almost the inverse of the -70’s finishes, the Racer’s frame is an accent color, with the large chrome tank, with black fenders and laced rims. The tank only appears to be secured by a very vintage leather strap, with racing number plates completing the picture.

Offered by an Indiana consignment dealer ( which also has cars and a museum ), this Racer has just 3,188 miles and looks excellent. The solo seat cowl has been traded for a dual seat, which doesn’t spoil the looks, and passenger pegs have been added. Discoloring on the pipes seems out of place for so few miles, but can probably be polished up. Highlights from the eBay auction:

Classic Cafe Racer looks meet Moto Guzzi reliability and rideability

Beautiful Chrome Gas Tank with Leather Strapping

Rich Deep Red Frame, Swing Arm and Accents

Iconic Fuel Injected 744cc V Twin Design

5 Speed Transmission

Adjustable Rear Bitubo Shocks

Production Number 377

Only 3,138 Miles

Rare Limited Production Model

Super Clean Example with no damage or issues

Freshly Serviced and Ready to Be Enjoyed

The V7 Racer is simply beautiful to ride and look at, this is the one you’ve been looking for!

Total edition numbers are hard to nail down, but with the company’s production figures hovering around 7,000 per year, it’s unlikely you’ll see yourself going by. The buy-it-now seems ambitious for a basic 750, though it is newer, hardly broken in, and a limited edition. Worst the Make Offer button can do is generate crickets. Just the thing for a Guzzi fan or someone with a sportier bike that’s a little much for a coffee run.

-donn

3 Responses.

Red Head: 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa

Published March 18, 2022 by Mike

America may have talent, but it’s the Italians who have Style. Whether its the super sexy shape of a Bimota, the hypercycle approach of Ducati, the engine-first stance of a Benelli, the unconventional-but-standard look of a Laverda, or the iconic “stick your cylinders out like you just don’t care” of a Moto Guzzi, Italian bikes are somehow just so, well, Italian. And hence we point out this striking 2003 Guzzi Le Mans Rosso Corsa edition.

2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa for sale on eBay

While the nomenclature Rossa Corsa literally means Red Racer, the moniker may be a bit of a hyperbole when comparing the Le Mans to more modern WSBK-worthy machinery. To do so would highlight the massive heft (500 pounds – dry), and the lack of horsepower (91-ish). But stats and figures miss the point of the V11 entirely, as these big Guzzis are perfect for eating up curvy, swooping miles with ease. And while endurance racing is in the DNA, the street translation is longevity and reliability. The Le Mans might be as heavy as a chunk of granite, but is built just as solidly and likely to last as long.

From the seller:
This is a 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa. This is the high end Limited Addition Moto Guzzi Lemans with the Ohilns suspension. I just had the front Ohilns forks rebuilt with new seals and fluids. The bike has just had a complete going over. The valves were set, motor oil and rear oil changed, fuel injection system flushed, cleaned, and checked for correct 44 PSI pressure, new Odyssey battery, injectors synchronized and more. I purchased the bike used in 2006 from MPH Cycles in Houston. I am the second owner. This bike is part of a large collection of motorcycles that I own. It has always been garaged and has been well cared for. It has aftermarket non-adhesive tank protectors, custom made bar risers, stainless steel brake lines, luggage rack, Corbin Seat, aftermarket windshield, aftermarket carbon fiber exhaust, pegs lowered, Throttlemeister bar end cruise control and more. Overall the bike runs wonderfully and should provide many trouble free years of enjoyment. All turn signals and brake lights and horn work. It does have an air box modification. There is a K&N filter in the air box. It was cleaned and resealed as well.

More from the seller:
Overall the bike looks really good and any owner would be proud to show up on a bike day with it! The Rosso Corsa currently shows 13,795 miles. This motorcycle is very comfortable for long rides. I did a couple of 550 miles days on it. V11 Le Mans where designed and tested using Moto Guzzi’s exclusive wind tunnel. The bike cuts through the wind like a dart and has a smooth wind stream. No buffeting helmet or strong updrafts. It’s a real pleasure to ride. I did discover one issue with the bike when I test rode it. After it was serviced, I noticed the odometer quit working. The speedometer and tachometer work fine. The last time I rode the motorcycle was in 2015. I’m not sure what happened. The odometer was working when I parked it. So 13,796 are pretty much the original miles. I didn’t see or detect any other issues with the motorcycle and everything seems to be in good order and ready to go. I don’t ride my motorcycles in city traffic. I normally ride long distances to bike rallies and overnight camping. At this point I just don’t have the time to ride as much anymore. So I’m starting to sell some of the motorcycles

With over 13,000 miles under the oil pan, this Le Mans is not new. But the pictures show a cared for and lightly modified example of a fairly rare bike. This is a nice mix between exotic and rare, without being a unicorn with no parts availability. This is a bike you can ride and is relatively easy to own. The carbon cans are befitting anything Italian, and the ergonomic mods point to this model as being an excellent sport tourer. You can check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

4 Responses.