This Moto Guzzi Mark 1 Le Mans was featured on Silodrome last year, after discovering that the bike was now up for sale on eBay (via Pipeburn), we decided to feature it again for all those who might have missed it the first time, and for all those who might want to sell the Prius and buy it.
The bike was built by Australia’s Matt Machine, a bike builder who needs no introduction to any regular reader of Silodrome, BikeEXIF or Pipeburn. He spent far more time working on the mechanicals of the bike than most custom motorcycle builders, I’ve taken Matt’s unabridged description of the work that went into this Moto Guzzi below;
The bike was completely stripped and the gearbox and motor soda blasted. The motor and box were taken to Peter Roper in NSW to have the top end checked and the gearbox re-shimmed.
The heads were removed, and all components checked and cleaned. Bores were still looking great and the decision was made to leave the bottom end as was.
The valves were reseated and the top end reassembled. The motor was running clean and strong prior to disassembly with no abnormal noises and still runs clean and strong now.
The gearbox was checked and reshimmed. The flywheel was replaced with an alloy item and the clutch also replaced.
This motorbike spent some time in the late 1980’s as a race bike until it was put back on the road sometime during the early 2000s.
As such, the motor has had extensive work done. It has high lift cams, headwork, 950 kit and much much more. I am constantly surprised how fast and strong pulling this motorbike is. It now weighs even less than prior to the build, and has no trouble cruising at 160-180km/h for extended periods.
I fitted new 40mm dellortos as the old 40s were tired. I have recently fitted electronic ignition which provides immediate start up and clean crisp running right through the rev range in each gear.
This bike will not disappoint in the performance or handling department. I have fitted new ikon shocks to the rear and have totally rebuilt the front end including fitting a steering damper.
The wheels are original issue acront alloys in great condition with new stainless spokes fitted. The wheels were trued and laced and new metzeler 120/90/18 and 100/90/18 tires fitted which give it a great classic look rather than the original mag alloys. New bearings fitted.
The bodywork is all alloy made to fit the original mark 1 Le MansTonti frame. The only modifications to the frame are the rear frame legs at seat level have been shortened, and a cross bar put between the two top frame rails to mount the alloy tank. The frame was blasted and checked by me in a stripped state to check for cracks or any signs of deterioration. none were found. no lugs have been removed and the frame was repowdercoated in gloss black. The seat was upholstered incorporating a zip and access to the internal section of the tailpiece. I use this to always keep a spare set of plugs with me. Although ive never needed them. The exhaust is stainless steel from front to back and has a deep, strong, crisp note.
Other powdercoated bits include the rocker boxes and crash protectors, shaft drive tube and alt cover. Stainless fasteners have been used throughout the bike where possible.
Tarrozzi rear sets have been fitted and that brings me to a very important point. I built this bike for me to ride. I am 5 foot 10 inches tall. I weigh 75kgs. This bike fits me perfectly and I can ride it for up to 600kms in one day without feeling tired. The tarozzi rear sets combined with the seat design give a high foot rest position. I have had friends who are 6 foot 3 ride this bike and they find it hard going for extended periods….. (more than an hour without a leg stretch). If your that tall or more and want to buy this bike i would anticipate refitting standard footpegs and linkages.
New Tommaselli adjustable clip-on bars have been fitted with new switchblocks and the existing levers and master cylinder cleaned and overhauled. A new twin pull Tommaselli throttle was also fitted. The front discs were machined and new pads fitted. New fluids added. A crack was found in the existing rear disc and so a new repro was purchased from thunderbikes in western australia and the caliper fitted with new pads.
The bike was 100% rewired by my local auto electrician. I fitted a new headlight, LED taillight and LED indicators. I have also fitted a couple of LED idiot lights….the high beam blue light is so bright it is disturbing but then i don’t use high beam very much at all. I have fitted a high CCA Deka battery also.
This is easily one of the best vintage Moto Guzzis you’ll find anywhere, if you need a new set of wheels hit the link here to take a look at the eBay auction.
Articles that Ben has written have been covered on CNN, Popular Mechanics, Smithsonian Magazine, Road & Track Magazine, the official Pinterest blog, the official eBay Motors blog, BuzzFeed, Autoweek Magazine, Wired Magazine, Autoblog, Gear Patrol, Jalopnik, The Verge, and many more.
Silodrome was founded by Ben back in 2010, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in the alternative and vintage motoring sector, with well over a million monthly readers from around the world and many hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
