Nova Motorcycles 1977 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

Wow, what a beauty we've got in the shop this week-and we're not talking Sam, although he is a tall drink of water. No, we're talking about a 1977 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. Sam owns an ‘82 Mark III, but after riding this, he had to admit he likes this one better. Now that's a spicy meatball!

[@beayewtee3687]

:-) Great video, Sam! Gorgeous 47 year old Italian bike described with excellent detailed technical info and a bit of passion. Definitely take it for a spin before the owner picks it up! ;-)

[@krtt750]

Sam, The "pee" hole at the bottom of the bell housing was placed there by Caesar Carcano for reason. To actually check by smell, of any oil that may seeping that could cause clutch slip. Engine oil from the rear main seal, no problem. However gear oil from the input shaft seal on the gearbox means, clutch slippage! So I hope you guys at least did both!

[@RickyJr46]

In the mid-Nineties I bought a Type B from a guy in NorCal, it looked virtually identical to yours here except for having the oe seat (complete with splits!). I rebuilt the rear wiring harness at some point, too. Sadly, I never had much time to enjoy her, so she was sold to the local Euro bike snob. Most regrettable!

[@wdhewson]

I almost bought a LeMansI when I lived in Illinois in 1977.
But it sold quickly and I did not get it. A week later it was back in the shop all wrecked.

[@robinfowler9477]

i had a Lemon III....35mm forks are way too small!

[@krtt750]

I disagree!

[@user-yc5ib5dw8t]

Yes, I had a V7 sport and a MK1 Le Mans and the MK1 was a much better bike all around. I sold it in the 90s. A guy drove a Honda Civic with a little cycle trailer from Colorado to Virginia got here in the late evening loaded up I asked him if he wanted a cup of coffee... nope just drove back to Colorado...