The rebuild: Summary

Aims

  • To replace all worn or cosmetically poor (e.g. corroded) parts.
  • To make the engine more tractable and increase low- to mid-range power.
  • To improve the handling and braking.
  • To improve the ergonomics.
  • To make the bike as weatherproof and corrosion-resistant as possible.
  • To improve the cosmetics to achieve a sleek look based on the 1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans I and the 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.

What was done

Engine

  • General: engine and gearbox plus ancillary components (carburettors, shaft drive, bevel box, etc.) completely stripped and rebuilt with new/reconditioned parts to as-new or better condition.
  • Gearbox: Moto Guzzi V11 détente pawl (to improve gear changes).
  • Barrels: Gilardoni 949 cc big bore kit (capacity increase from 844 cc).
  • Cylinder heads: new Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans type (stage 1 gas flowed + lead-free valve conversion by Wessons).
  • Camshaft: Raceco SS2 (to improve performance throughout rev range).
  • Valve springs: Raceco high-performance (to improve reliability).
  • Crank assembly: balanced by Raceco.
  • Clutch: late version (Moto Guzzi Le Mans V) deep-spline clutch input hub (to improve reliability). NB: since replaced with a RAM clutch/flywheel assembly.
  • Engine breathing and cooling:
    • late version (Moto Guzzi Le Mans V) oil filter union (to allow use of deep oil filter)
    • Raceco ventilated sump extension (to improve breathing)
    • high-capacity breather box (to improve breathing).
  • Carburettors:
    • tops changed to flat type plus Venhill low-friction cables (to lighten action)
    • Tomaselli throttle
    • S&B air filters
    • jetting modified.
  • Exhausts and silencers: Wessons large-bore stainless-steel high-performance system.
  • Cables: one-off Venhill low-friction clutch and throttle cables.
  • Other:
    • alloy rocker box protector bars
    • oil hoses: stainless-steel braided hoses and fittings.

Frame

  • Powder-coated gloss black.
  • All brackets powder coated or replaced with stainless steel items.
  • Moto Guzzi Le Mans I frame-mounted ignition switch housing.
  • Wessons modified Triumph side stand (i.e. it works – and doesn't self-retract!).
  • Footrests + levers replaced by rear sets (custom built, based on Tarozzi type).
  • Moto Guzzi V7 Sport chrome grab rails.

Electrics

  • Alternator: Bosch unit replaced by later Saprisa unit (+ Saprisa regulator/rectifier unit).
  • Wiring harness: custom built using weatherproof connectors.
  • Battery: Odyssey maintenance-free gel battery.
  • Ignition: points replaced by Lucas Rita electronic ignition unit.
  • Switchgear: replaced by Yamaha RD400 left-hand switch.
  • Front light: Moto Guzzi Le Mans I unit. NB: since replaced with a Raybrig multi‑reflective 100 W unit.
  • Rear light: 1950s Wipac 'bullet' unit.
  • Starter motor: rebuilt.
  • Datatool Series 2 alarm/immobiliser.
  • RoadPilot Geodesy speed camera detector.

Brakes

  • Front master cylinder: Moto Guzzi V7 Sport (Brembo).
  • Front brake calipers: Brembo four-pot.
  • Front discs: Moto Guzzi Daytona items (Brembo, 298 mm stainless steel). NB: since replaced with 320 mm discs as on the Moto Guzzi California.
  • Rear brake and master cylinder: Brembo Goldline.
  • Rear disc: one-off stainless steel rotor by Spondon.
  • Brake lines: stainless-steel braided hoses and fittings (brakes delinked).

Front end

  • Front forks and yokes: replaced by Marzocchi Strada items, rebuilt and modified by Maxton Engineering (suspension specialists).
  • Moto Guzzi V50 instrument binnacle, speedo and tacho.
  • Modified Harris alloy clip-on handlebars.
  • Tomaselli headlamp clamps.
  • Front wheel: 2.15 × 17 inch diameter stainless steel rim and spokes to suit 110/80 tyre (was 18 inch dia., but reduced to quicken handling). One-off stainless steel bearing carriers to suit the new brake disc rotors. Note: both front and rear rims are wider than standard to allow modern tyres to be fitted.
  • One-off adaptor brackets to suit Brembo four-pot calipers.
  • Ohlins steering damper.

Rear end

  • Swinging arm modified to accept wider 130–140/70 tyre.
  • One-off Maxton Engineering shock absorbers.
  • 3.5 × 18 inch wheel with stainless steel rim and spokes to suit 130–140/70 tyre.

Paint and other finishes

  • Tank, fairing, side panels and mudguards: black and Yamaha pearl red by Ty Lawer at Pageant Paintwork.
  • Frame, wheel hubs and various other items powder coated in gloss black, satin black and silver by Triple 'S' Powder Coating.
  • Sandblasting and protective ceramic coating by Camcoat:
    • clear, colourless: engine cases, carburettors and bevel box
    • satin black: exhaust pipes, silencers and brackets
    • aluminium: carburettor inlet flanges, clutch actuating arm.
  • Chrome by London Chroming.

Other stuff

  • All worn and cosmetically unsightly parts replaced by new/reconditioned items (rubber items, tank badges, side panels, etc.).
  • Moto Guzzi Le Mans I fairing and front mudguard.
  • Moto Guzzi Le Mans I petrol tank. Stainless steel petrol cap.
  • Stainless steel fasteners used throughout.
  • Various one-off stainless steel components (bearing carriers, caliper mounts, shock mounts, clip-ons, etc.).
  • Side panels and rear mudguard: modified.
  • Seat: custom-built leather Corbin seat.