After bringing Moto Guzzi under the Aprilia umbrella in 2000, the company’s depth was a great help to Guzzi, and build quality improved within the year. The V11 Le Mans was introduced in 2001, the recipient of many special parts and paint schemes. Offered by a Mass. dealer, this example was stored since the buyer balked, and has been freshened up for a new life.
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans for sale on eBay
The V11 Le Mans uses the 1064cc longitudinal V-twin, modernized in the 1990’s – and though 91 hp isn’t bad for a 2-valve engine, the 70 ft.-lbs. torque is more important and comes on early. The chassis has been lengthened around 20mm for the Le Mans, and the massive frame connectors developed for earlier models look great here too. Forks are 40mm Marzocchi upside-down units, and a Sachs monoshock controls the Guzzi cantilever swingarm, which includes linkage to limit the tendency for a shaft drive swingarm to raise the bike under acceleration. Though the linked brakes of older Moto Guzzi’s are gone, the industry-leading Brembos are up to the task with 320mm fronts and 282 mm rear. The frame mounted supersport fairing provides better protection than any previous Le Mans, directing air to the cylinder fins and away from the rider.
Guessing the dealer had a soft spot for this bike, since he kept it around after the purchase fell through. Basically unused with 478 miles, as the eBay auction relates:
2002 MG Le Mans , MINT, Has been Dealer Climate controlled storage since new, ONLY 478 miles, Dealer ordered for a customer, made out paperwork, customer never came thru, so it sat while new paperwork was done, dealer rode it a couple times. It is now Serviced, Oils and new battery, and ready to go. Bike is Mint, NO scratches or dings, AS NEW.
Around town might be ok, but new tires would be a requirement for pushing 600 lbs. with rider more seriously. Not much to worry about in the engine dept. since the cam is chain-driven and it has electronic fuel injection. Might expect a seal here or there but that’s all.
Even now, Moto Guzzi recalls their heritage on every bike, they have a continuity of character which can’t be replaced by the latest innovation. This new-(er) Le Mans is a fast, stable ride, modern in ways that effect safety and rideability, with great reverence to Guzzi’s past. One of their sportier offerings of late, this Le Mans has taken a long break in the back of the dealer’s shop, but will still grab attention on the next owner’s first coffee run…
-donn
As a former Le Mans I owner all i can say is what over grown bloated unattractive machine.