Classic Moto Guzzi Le Mans Motorcycles

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Moto Guzzi, built their first prototypes in 1920, with production starting in 1921. Since then, every type and style of two-wheeled transport has been made, including mopeds, scooters, commuters, cruisers, tourers and sports bikes.

Although the company has changed hands a number of times, the original factory at Mandello del Lario continues to produce iconic machines, focusing on large capacity models with V-twin engines fitted across the frame.

Ducati, Harley Davidson and many others make V-twins, but these are in-line models, where one cylinder sits behind the other. In recent history only Honda, in the late ’70’s, copied Guzzi with their transverse engined CX500 and CX650 bikes. Read More

Owning a Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000

As explained in Classic Moto Guzzi Le Mans Motorcycles, the the Le Mans 1000 series ran from 1984 to 1993. They are not talked of with the same reverence attached to some other motorcycles of the era such as the Ducati 900SS. But, if you are looking for something affordable, practical and a bit different, the Le Mans is worth considering as an alternative to British bikes of the 1960s.

Unlike them, the Guzzi foot pedals follow the modern convention of gearchange on the left, brake on the right, so riding is easier for motorcyclists used to today’s machines. New, genuine spares are available via distributors in Britain, the Continent and North America. Fasteners are to the metric standard, so in Britain and mainland Europe they and the tools to fit them are in abundance. Another plus point for those on a budget – thieves tend to pass these bikes by in search of more fashionable pickings, resulting in lower insurance premiums. Read More