The Le Mans’ long history included a run of just 100 Special Editions for 1987, in classic red and white. This NorCal example is in surprising condition for its age and miles.
1987 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 SE for sale on eBay
The Le Mans was already venerable in 1987, having been introduced in 1976, and the 1000 SE was essentially a Mk. IV design with a few DeTomaso-era details. Based on the square-head Le Mans III, the 948cc longitudinal twin pushes 81 hp at a modest 7,400 rpm. The crankshaft sits low in the traditional downtube frame, the long chassis providing a stable platform, made a little snappier by the 16-inch front wheel. Classic eighties livery is making a high speed pass when parked.
Having somehow survived 30-plus years and almost 28,000 miles, this SE has just a few scrapes to show for it. K&N filters, head guards, and Corbin seat are signature updates. Not much maintenance history in the comments but the compromise handlebars are admitted in the eBay auction:
This bike is all original except that the stock clip-on handle bars have been replaced by a standard handle bar. The handle bar now on the bike makes for a more comfortable riding position. Very good condition, fully sorted, runs well, needs absolutely nothing. I ride this bike frequently around the San Francisco Bay area. California title and current registration. The only obvious cosmetic flaw is a small scratch on the left rear seat bodywork, shown in one photo. The bike is entirely unrestored with all original paint, decals, and seat. A Corbin seat also comes with the bike and is shown in one photo.
The Le Mans 1000 reviewed as a European thoroughbred, not at the leading edge of technology but a torquey bullet. Some may find it a bit of an ask for such a rider, but as they say, no more are being made. Despite its rubs and chips, this one is complete, nearly correct, and operational.
-donn
I’ve never realized how much this bike looks like Honda’s early VT250F. Kind of neat!
The Lemans 1000 came with big valve heads and the B10 camshaft that was part of the racing kit for the previous Lemans 1-3. ( 1-3 had medium valve heads)
The SE also came with a unique close ratio 5 speed gearbox.
I looks so 80s that I’d almost assume the engine would be a sleeved down, smaller displacement version. That front wheel reminds me of the vf1000f.
The 650, 500, and 350cc “baby” Guzzis of the 80s actually didn’t use sleeved-down versions of the big twin. They were entirely different engines, with Heron-style heads and even a four-valve version for the 650 Lario. Although the bodywork for the Lario looks suspiciously similar to the Le Mans seen here, so I wonder if that’s shared between the models.
Tad has it right, The small bocks had their own driveline and frame. some electrics and instruments may have been shared.
The body work may look similar, but is not interchangeable, and side by side you can see that it looks almost 3/4 scale.