Moto Guzzi · 1976–1981
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans I and II: history and buyer’s guide
The great Italian sports bike of the seventies.
History
In November 1975 Guzzi unveiled the 850 Le Mans, a fierce sports bike based on the 750 S3. With 36 mm accelerator-pump carburettors and open bellmouths it made about 71 hp and could reach around 209 km/h. Just over 7,000 first-series bikes were built, with small differences between series A, B and C.
The Le Mans II of 1978 got a three-piece fairing with built-in indicators, a rectangular headlight, the 1000 SP dashboard and Nigusil-coated cylinders. In the US there was also the CX100 with the 1000 cc engine.
Key facts
| Engine | 90° V-twin, pushrod, shaft drive |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 844 cc |
| Power | Le Mans I: approx. 71 hp (claimed) |
| Carburettors | 2 × Dell’Orto 36 mm with accelerator pumps |
| Top speed | approx. 209 km/h |
| Production | Le Mans I: approx. 7,036 |
What to check when buying
- The Le Mans I seat cracks easily, and black-painted parts such as the exhausts rust. Look closely at the finish.
- An original Le Mans I is valuable. Check the numbers, the small headlight fairing and the original parts.
- Test the linked brakes and the riding position.
- Check the Nigusil cylinders of the Mk II for wear.
- Listen to the timing gear and ask when valves and carburettors were last set up.
Nederlandse versie: Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans I and II in het Nederlands
More English guides
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