From The Classifieds: 1977 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

Moto Guzzi has produced many classic motorcycles in its long and storied history, but the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans remains one of the most famous.

The Italian firm will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. Since 1921, the company has used the Mandello del Lario factory on Lake Como and, despite changing ownership several times, has always stayed loyal to its roots and remained in its historic location.

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Known for its iconic 90 degree V-twin engines today, the first Moto Guzzi V-twin didn’t actually appear until the 60s when the Moto Guzzi V7 debuted. The V7 and its café racer offspring, the V7 Sport, helped define the company’s legacy, but it was the 850 Le Mans that would really make its mark on the motorcycling world.

Originally conceived as a bike for the race track, the production version of the 850 Le Mans was introduced at the Milan Motorcycle Show in 1975, and was built on the successful V7 platform. The 850 Le Mans was powered by an upgraded 844cc OHV air-cooled V-twin that carried 71hp as opposed to the V7 Sport’s 53hp. It also featured a five-speed gearbox.

The original 1976 model featured a bikini-nose fairing, clip-on handlebars and classic café racer styling. Later versions of the Le Mans would do away with the bikini fairing and raise the engine capacity to 949cc, but the original model (often dubbed Mark I) is the most sought after.

In 1978, the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark II debuted, and replaced the bikini fairing with a bigger full-fairing. A Mark III appeared in 1981, and in 1984 the engine was beefed up to 949cc; the bike becoming the Le Mans 1000. It remained in production until 1993.

There were two runs of the original 1976 850 Le Mans. Series 1 featured a round taillight, and some sources say only 2000 units were made. Series 2 came later in 1976 and instead featured a rectangular De Tomaso taillight.

Collectors rate the original 850 Le Mans Mark 1 very highly, and it can be quite hard to find a decent one. Every now and then, however, one will become available,

Located in Willoughby NSW, this 1977 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark I doesn’t come cheap, with the $28,500 price tag reflecting its exclusivity. It appears to be in original condition, with the current owner importing it from Italy five years ago through a vintage motorcycle dealer (Carollo Moto Classiche) near Venice.

The owner says the bike ‘runs beautifully, idles perfectly, and pulls strongly and easily through the gears'. The bike recently had a $1500 service in preparation for sale, with the electrics refurbished, full piston and seal kits for the brake calipers and master cylinders, and a clean and balance of the original Dell’Orto 38mm carburettor. Also featured is Lafranconi competition pipes, which add a unique sound. The original pipes are included in the sale.

According to the owner, the only blemish is a small dent on both the tank and one pipe, as well as few minor scratches, and a small tear in the seat cover. A previous owner has painted the wheels black, but the current owner notes that it suits the look of the bike. The bike is currently on non-transferable club registration.

With 31,647km’s on the odometer, the bike is still in excellent condition for its age, and would be the perfect addition to any collection or Moto Guzzi enthusiast’s garage.

View the full listing for this 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 Mark I HERE.