AN AMAZING BIKE , The attention to detail taken is a credit to you . A long time a go a chap I knew ,said he use to Jenolite all metal cycle parts a good coat of red oxide and 3 coats of Valspar enamel paint or Humbrol and then polish it with Braso metal polish and wax polish . When it must been 30 years later I saw him at a small classic show with 2 of his bikes and I asked and how many times have to painted those , he replied never . Keep in up and enjoy your ride .
I have been a biker for most of my life (have owned two Moto Guzzi le Mans in the distant past) and just wanted to say that I identify with your outlook (as a newly-qualified 74-year-old). Only problem is that I would feel very guilty to my two talented hip replacement surgeons if I fell off and messed up their craftmanship!
What a cool bloke Nick is he really should have his own motorcycle show on the telly and I'm absolutely sure everyone will agree with me . Most enjoyable video about bikes I have seen bar none . The fact that I love Guzzi and cafe racers don't matter . It's the passion the dream realized the attention to detail and the sound advice given to anyone thinking of starting a project themselves .
What a pleasure to see this video. A nice chap, easy to listen to and good at continuity of speech. After my life on Velo's I had a Lemans Mk II also, I had to sell it eventually to get on the family wagon. I used to wring its neck at times, which is one of the reasons I decided to make major changes and sell it, I'm 74 now, seeing and hearing this tasty Guzzi has been a pleasure.
@@caferacer850 Acknowledged Nick, I’m a painter Nick, I painted Alan Cathcart aboard Dr. John Wittner’s racing 999cc Guzzi when he was creating a report on it for ‘Motor Cycle International’ twenty odd years ago. I had to wait a few weeks for the Japanese to return the transparency to the UK before I could start on the painting. I was really pleased with the result, even though I say so myself.
@@caferacer850 Well, I didn’t take steps to have it high grade photographed (I do these days with anything that I create of a large format). And although I have a photo of my own of it I’m not sure if I have a spare one. But the actual original oil on canvas resides in the home of one of my long standing friends in Lincoln City, where I live. It may be a bit of a search task to find the negative or slide that I first took. Never mind because my friend will easily allow me to take a photo of it anyway if need be. And being as my phone is an iPhone the picture image should probably be better than my camera was all those years ago. Also it will be simple to send it direct to you. Quite apart from that, it may well be that I have an image of it somewhere on an old computer hard drive, it just means plugging the docking station in and searching through the hard drives. So one way or another I’m sure that I can pass an image of it to you. In the meantime I want to send a picture of something else I painted. Through my paintings it came to pass that I had to spend time at the Haslam’s place of residence, I painted several pictures of Ronny and one of Leon as a schoolboy racer. But the image I want to send you is a little unique in respect of that I faked the name of the bike on the tank. However I cannot find any method of sending it on my phone keyboard on this site. Are you on ‘Facebook’? I can send it by messenger on there or maybe even by the simple mobile phone ‘text’ system, in which case I’d need to know your mobile phone number.
Thanks Jonathan, especially considering it was all done first take, I was wondering what people would think of the video. It helps that it was edited so well by the classic motorcycle channel 😉
I've started doing a similar thing with my 1980 Benelli 900 Sei, I installed a bank of six 22mm Dellorto carbs and a modified six into six Silentium exhaust, Tomaselli clip on bars and Tomaselli q/a throttle. I fitted a Telefix fork brace and modified a pair of Tarozzi rearsets to fit the Benelli that were made for a Guzzi Le Mans Mk II.
Stunningly clean build. Attention to detail is exquisite. Sound is symphonic. Your presentation is engaging and interesting. Your Guzzi is 100%. -- Bravo!
I love this channel as it features proper bikers and their bikes. Who doesn't love a Moto Guzzi Le Mans cafe racer. Thanks Nick for showing us your gorgeous Le Mans and sharing lots of useful info. I've adored that shape of tank since the NCR race bikes in the 70's.
My favourite big bore Italian Bike. Job well done. I met a fella at the 1975 Daytona 200 who had a stock 1974 LeMans and I was fortunate to take it for a good run ; was quite a thrill for a 20 year old. Even Honda was inspired to built a similar design in 1978 called the CX 500 which they eventually turbocharged.
I'm lucky on my rebuild having spares and the bike for 36 years. I know how things should have been done but this bike is amazing for first off build. It is hard to divide grubby hand work from body finish work. If you can find original Tomaselli Racer levers not repops buy em so comfortable.
Brilliant video,, I'm the owner of a 2008 speed triple and I've changed loads of stuff and never will ever get the money back from it but I won't be selling it,,, like you I just enjoy modding,, from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated thank you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Wonderful build Nick. Great attention to detail, resulting in a fabulous looking and sounding bike. Well done The Classic Motorcycle Channel too. So nice to see an "interview" done so well, just allowing Nick to talk naturally about his passion, without interruption. 10/10.
Thankyou very much for your kind comments, much appreciated. Iam glad you like the content, to be honest, there's loads more detail I left out, but happy you like it, thankyou 😉
hi, thanks, still undecided about the wheel colour ?? the gold wheels and red tank are a throw back to my first mk1 le mans that was that colour, so its a bit of nostalgia for me , to make this bike like my old mk1 from years back. but i think the black wheels do look good to (ive still got them, they are a spare set !)
@@caferacer850 The gold wheels makes the wheels contrast instead of blending in. That does a lot to the perception of the proportions of the bike. With the black wheels, it was just a lot of blackness, and the tank (and that beautiful shiny tail) Anyway, that's just my opinion. I enjoyed the video, and the detail of which this is built to!
Thanks jef, yes it took a bit of thought! I took what I had learned from previous builds and it helps with the next build because you know what works and how to overcome problems more easily. What you dont see is that nearly every moving part in the engine, is new. And that it what I was trying to achieve, to restore and modify the bike to make a reliable, rideable bike. It really is great fun to ride 😉
Beautiful example, super clean build, wish I saw this before I did mine. Converted a G5 into full cafe, suspended motor, you'll need the 1100 sport front cover, still available. 07' GSXR USD front set up, not too difficult to make work, some machining involved on the stem and a spacer, only problem with that setup is a front fender, stock fender is for a 16" front, braking is out of this world now. You can run 1100 sport down tubes and aftermarket under gearbox X pipe. Suggest a EME charging system, helps clean up the charging clutter. Be wary of the Tab classics LeMans tank, they require a hell of a lot of playing with to get to seat right, think I used KTM tank bungs that was the answer, stock MG tank rubber bungs are too small. And they attach with a bungie cord at the back, yeah a bungie cord. Used aircraft cable and couplers and a clear fuel line to line the cable. Mike Rich heads, 1100 sport cam 36mm carbs, Dyna coils. Super fun canyon carver.
Hi Nick, Loved watching your video. The Guzzi is a beautiful thing and it was interesting to hear your views on finishes and parts amalgamation. I’m currently rebuilding my 1978 Ducati SD900 Darmah. I’ve had the bike more than 40 years and this is its 4th major rebuild. I do everything myself, except the valve shimming. Early on I made my own wiring loom from scratch and it’s been joyful, very reliable. This will be my last rebuild because at almost 70 years of age, I don’t ride as much as I used to. Also I have a 2013 Harley Davison Heritage Softail Classic 103. I’ve had bikes all my life and I’ve been thinking long and hard about finishes, so your comments were quite helpful. I live in Norther Victoria, Australia, so we have great weather and some long rides available.. Thank you for sharing your story Nick, I’ve always adored Guzzi’s but never quite managed to have one. Might need to work on that one. Cheers, Col.
@@caferacer850 That’s great Nick, yes they were a wonderful bike. In the 80’s I used to knock off work in Warragul Victoria and ride my Darmah to Bathurst NSW for the weekend racing on Mt Panorama. I remember it was a hell of a ride and I couldn’t do it now. I loved the induction noise when you backed off the throttle at 5,000 rpm. Bliss ! Are you still a rider Nick ?
Great video! Excellent straight forward advice that he passes on. There is nothing like building your own bike the way you want to do it and then enjoy riding it. That's what it's all about.
Lovely bike. I really enjoyed the logical and comon sense approach to this build. Great investment for putting a huge grin on your face. Well done. Nick Australia
Great choice on using paint on the frame instead of powder coating, what folks don’t realise is when you damage/chip powder coat the moisture travels under the coating and rusts the whole lot, also if you ever have to remove powder coat shot blasters hate the stuff, it’s really difficult to remove and you can cause excess damage to the joints etc.
Absolutely love it, you've made it look fantastic!! I went to Doncaster Cushworth's in the early 80's to buy a Le Mans and came away and bought a Reliant Robin instead Hahahahaha! What a fool............
That’s a great bike. I think we are about the same age so the Guzzi Le Mans and Laverda Jota and Mirage were the grail Italian bikes when we were young. The round barrel Guzzi engine has a presence, beauty and sound that is unique, nice job mate.
Very good video on the Guzzi. The level of detail was really good regarding the modifications. Thanks Nick for letting us see your bike and explain them. Well done.
Excellent film, CMC, beautifully put together; Nick's delivery and info was superb and a mouth-watering bike that he's built there - no wonder it puts a smile on his face. Fairly soon after I got my '82 Guzzi SP/LM2 about 26 years ago - a friend handed me a Raceco catalogue, saying, "Treat this with care, it's 24 carat porn for Guzzis!" Still LOVE my old Guzzi - something very special about them. Cracking job, Nick - and CMC - thanks, a really good half hour - it flew by
What a beauty. Took me back to the early 90's in Western Australia when I built up a LM1 (really a 2) with a race prepped engine by the legendary Mario at Stolarski's (of Magni Australia fame). I rode the crap out of it for 5 great years but unfortunately had to sell it to head overseas and I never went back.
Very nice work. FYI I also own a Guzzi LM2 since new and about 10 years ago I decided to do a full blown cafe racer conversion together with a famous German CR conversion company. But somehow, 2 years ago I began to like the bike less. Maybe the authentic feeling and look were lost, although still lots of fun. So I changed it back to full original (except tuned engine) and I fell in love with the bike again thereby figuring out for myself that I could not improve on Tonti’s genius. Anyhow, I do not want to discourage anyone from these type of very satisfying CR projects, but I find interesting to see how your feelings can change over time.
I've actually got a story behind this build myself. In the early 80s, I owned a red mk1 le mans with gold wheels. I always wanted it back again, and the way I've built this bike is very much with that in mind. Also, I haven't changed any of the original steering geometry of the frame and most of the suspension components are all original, just with upgraded modern internals. But the main thing I guess, is that I enjoyed the restoration process and having personally touched and know about every single nut bolt and washer of this bike makes it very special to me 😉
I’m making multiple comments as I’ve gone through your vid. I’m at the end. I absolutely love this bike and everything about the way it was made and put together.
What a fantastic video, I couldn't look away and wanted more. Very well explained , great picture and sound quality. Absolutely amazing bike and fills me with motivation. 10/10
Bravo! Well done, and explained beautifully. I'm starting on a second Guzzi from a pile of bits and I definitely took some inspiration from this! See you at the CAFE ol Chap!
Lovely bike Nick..thankyou for the video. I thought the point about maintaining the finish over a long build is well made. Have experienced the same thing, thought I'd share a tip. Rip a bed sheet up into inch strips and 'bandage' the frame..protects it really well when installing engine. Also the advice about pre thinking project, research and cost is really excellent if you dont want to waste money. Thanks again and congratulations on a great bike.
Hi Nick, decades ago I saw one used Le Mans advertised for sale in my region, which a rare brand and not taken up for a long time. I had been attracted by the elegant look let alone the brand's heritage, but for the lack of the ability to upkeep it that let it past. Great sense of solace now I saw you done up yours and you can guess how old I am.LOL. Anyway big cheers to you.
Just purchased a set of those Continental Classic Attack tires for my 74' V7 Sport. They look smaller especially the profile but can't wait to get it on the road and see how they feel and perform. Thank you for sharing your beautiful bike and the information presented in your well thought out video. Cheers.
Hi jeff Yes they do seem to be slightly smaller size, I had to move my front mudguard down to suit. But I think you will be impressed by the tyres performance 😉
@@19bus65 Sadly, I have to report that the guy who worked on my beloved V7 Sport took ME for a ride and ripped me off. The bike ran for a few days then wouldn't start and is now leaking everywhere. I paid way too much, waited over 2 years and got a fraction of what I paid for. Now the bike sits with no one local that even knows the brand, let alone a passion for what the bike represents amongst enthusiasts. I'd have to trailer it a few hundred miles and pay thousands more to get it back where I started from. Financially I'm broke and in a time where fuel costs are going to cost me more than ever before just to get it to the closest shop, not to mention their shop rates. While it was running though, the tyres seemed to offer a more agile ride...something that takes getting used to. Unfortunately, time wasn't on my side in that regard.
Hey man!! This ist a really beautiful looking Guzzi! I ride a Le Mans 2 since 37 years and I was never a friend of too extreme customized Guzzis. But after looking to your piece of sugar, i'm beginning to change my mind.......!!🤔 Greetings from Germany!
Hi, thanks, Iam a fan of Std guzzis too, my first guzzi was a red mk1 le man's in 1983. But because they are so expensive now, I couldn't afford to buy one like my old bike I loved. So I built this as a kind of replacement for my old mk1. Thanks for the lovely comments 😉
Main advice is to use a modern reg/rectifier when you fit a lithium battery. To be honest, the advantage is minimal, the guzzi is so heavy anyway, the battery makes little difference!
It looks absolutely stunning. No question about it. I'm very fond of spoke wheels instead of mags but then again this is personal taste. I'd probably had fitted a set of Kineo wheels.
@@caferacer850 I know....they are a lot of money. They cost me $3,000, I fitted them on my Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber. Are they worth the money? yes, considering a nice set of wheels will cost a bit under that plus the benefit of true tubeless tires. However, it all boils down to money or lack of. Trust me I wrestled with the decision to buy them for a long time and had to wait for them to be made for more than 5 months.
Dear Nick, what a great solution you have found at 13.06 with the frame modification on the front of the engine! Did you have this new distribution case custom made or is it a modified standard available part? I am mighty curious. Congrats with such a tasteful and refined build. regards, Ben van Gelder
Hi and thanks for the question. It's a trick I picked up from HT Moto in Germany, you need to use the later guzzi V11 timing cover, this has the upper frame mount, then modify the frame to fit it 👍
nick sharp would love to find out more about frame mods, it totally makes sense. Also electrics. Not very good with internet and your knowledge would save me a lot of research and less mistakes 🙂
@@joeqvarnstrom2625 you will need to use the Internet. Rear frame to gearbox bracket, get in touch with 'Bormi racing parts' Italy, they make the brackets. Frame mods, you need a few metal working tools, welder, etc and sus it out as you go! Electrics, I had a custom wiring loom made up, electrics are the only thing I font touch.
nick sharp The welding and bracket i can do. Who supplies the required timing cover? Will check out that mob in Italy for other goodies though, thanks.
@@joeqvarnstrom2625 OK, you need a timing cover from the V11, sport carb or similar bike, these guzzis use the different timing cover, try teo lamers in holland, good source of second hand spares, or e bay.
Half an hour of my life well spent. A beautiful creation Nick, you have a real head turner there.
Thank you for your nice comments :)
Thanks Phil, much appreciated 😉
Sounds awesome,powerful punchy motor.looks as fast as anything nowadays.clubman class.
Beautiful bike, and I could listen to this guy talk about bikes all day. Well done.
Thank you for your nice comments!
Thanks Steve, much appreciate the kind comments 😉
AN AMAZING BIKE , The attention to detail taken is a credit to you . A long time a go a chap I knew ,said he use to Jenolite all metal cycle parts a good coat of red oxide and 3 coats of Valspar enamel paint or Humbrol and then polish it with Braso metal polish and wax polish . When it must been 30 years later I saw him at a small classic show with 2 of his bikes and I asked and how many times have to painted those , he replied never . Keep in up and enjoy your ride .
Cracking looking bike. Takes me back 40 odd years to my build days.
Stil a biker at 73 ,got a thunderbird.
Keep going john 😉
I have been a biker for most of my life (have owned two Moto Guzzi le Mans in the distant past) and just wanted to say that I identify with your outlook (as a newly-qualified 74-year-old).
Only problem is that I would feel very guilty to my two talented hip replacement surgeons if I fell off and messed up their craftmanship!
Nice Cafe racer project with special tech work, and my tyres are Bridgestone Batlax
Excellent example of a Cafe racer great look and great sound congratulations
Glad you enjoyed it William :)
One of the best sounding engines ever
What a cool bloke Nick is he really should have his own motorcycle show on the telly and I'm absolutely sure everyone will agree with me . Most enjoyable video about bikes I have seen bar none . The fact that I love Guzzi and cafe racers don't matter . It's the passion the dream realized the attention to detail and the sound advice given to anyone thinking of starting a project themselves .
very kind thanks 👍
Always open to offers to front a TV show 😅
Beautifully built bike and a very informative and interesting presentation...Thanks.
What a pleasure to see this video. A nice chap, easy to listen to and good at continuity of speech. After my life on Velo's I had a Lemans Mk II also, I had to sell it eventually to get on the family wagon. I used to wring its neck at times, which is one of the reasons I decided to make major changes and sell it, I'm 74 now, seeing and hearing this tasty Guzzi has been a pleasure.
Thanks for your nice comments Victor :)
Thanks Victor, Iam happy it brought back some nice memories for you, its a great sound hey 😉
@@caferacer850 Acknowledged Nick, I’m a painter Nick, I painted Alan Cathcart aboard Dr. John Wittner’s racing 999cc Guzzi when he was creating a report on it for ‘Motor Cycle International’ twenty odd years ago. I had to wait a few weeks for the Japanese to return the transparency to the UK before I could start on the painting.
I was really pleased with the result, even though I say so myself.
@@victorwilliamson9761 hey, I would like to see a copy of that painting 😉 any chance you have any copies?
@@caferacer850 Well, I didn’t take steps to have it high grade photographed (I do these days with anything that I create of a large format). And although I have a photo of my own of it I’m not sure if I have a spare one.
But the actual original oil on canvas resides in the home of one of my long standing friends in Lincoln City, where I live. It may be a bit of a search task to find the negative or slide that I first took. Never mind because my friend will easily allow me to take a photo of it anyway if need be. And being as my phone is an iPhone the picture image should probably be better than my camera was all those years ago. Also it will be simple to send it direct to you.
Quite apart from that, it may well be that I have an image of it somewhere on an old computer hard drive, it just means plugging the docking station in and searching through the hard drives. So one way or another I’m sure that I can pass an image of it to you.
In the meantime I want to send a picture of something else I painted. Through my paintings it came to pass that I had to spend time at the Haslam’s place of residence, I painted several pictures of Ronny and one of Leon as a schoolboy racer.
But the image I want to send you is a little unique in respect of that I faked the name of the bike on the tank. However I cannot find any method of sending it on my phone keyboard on this site. Are you on ‘Facebook’? I can send it by messenger on there or maybe even by the simple mobile phone ‘text’ system, in which case I’d need to know your mobile phone number.
That's a very intelligent build there - well done
Great job, tastefully done and expertly presented by your relaxed delivery. Very enjoyable and worthwhile. Congratulations.
Thank you Jonathan for your lovely comments!
Thanks Jonathan, especially considering it was all done first take, I was wondering what people would think of the video. It helps that it was edited so well by the classic motorcycle channel 😉
Outstanding video! Shot well, informative without being boring, and fantastic owner who is passionate about his Guzzi
Hey Deetroiter, thank you for your lovely compliments on the video, yes, Nick does love that Guzzi doesn't he!
I like the black wheels too...what a cutie..
I've started doing a similar thing with my 1980 Benelli 900 Sei, I installed a bank of six 22mm Dellorto carbs and a modified six into six Silentium exhaust, Tomaselli clip on bars and Tomaselli q/a throttle. I fitted a Telefix fork brace and modified a pair of Tarozzi rearsets to fit the Benelli that were made for a Guzzi Le Mans Mk II.
Stunningly clean build. Attention to detail is exquisite. Sound is symphonic. Your presentation is engaging and interesting. Your Guzzi is 100%. -- Bravo!
Thanks for the great feedback Edwin! Nick’s builds are top notch aren’t they! Glad you like the video :)
Thanks Edwin, much appreciate the kind comments, glad you enjoyed it 😉
Fantastic! - just started the rebuild on my 1973 Guzzi cafe racer - this is full of inspiration!
Every second of this movie makes me love Guzzis more and more. Sheer beauty. One of the sexiest machines I have ever seen.
Cheers Hans 😉
Beautiful custom and nice attention to detail!
On another note I counted eight commercial breaks in 35 min. Video, Seriously UA-cam?!
Die Guzzis gehören zu den schönsten Motorrädern.
Beautiful build, very well explained
I love this channel as it features proper bikers and their bikes. Who doesn't love a Moto Guzzi Le Mans cafe racer. Thanks Nick for showing us your gorgeous Le Mans and sharing lots of useful info. I've adored that shape of tank since the NCR race bikes in the 70's.
Thanks Stephanie, much appreciated comments, 😉
Well articulated build of his stunning Moto Cuzzi racer - great advice. Thank you Nick Sharp.
Thanks Casimir 😉👍
Love the bike, Guzzi's sound like no other. I have a modern one but it still harks back to the era of yours.
Great bike Nick, I have never owned a Moto Guzzi............now lots older would love one , thank you Sir for the inspiration
Notice how big looks the engine in comparasion to the chasis it is awesome
I just love them big heads , remember pulling up next to one at lights, little exhaust out back big pots sticking out past riders legs heaven
My favourite big bore Italian Bike. Job well done. I met a fella at the 1975 Daytona 200 who had a stock 1974 LeMans and I was fortunate to take it for a good run ; was quite a thrill for a 20 year old. Even Honda was inspired to built a similar design in 1978 called the CX 500 which they eventually turbocharged.
The CX is no comparison to the equivalent Guzzi - I have a 1982 V50 Mk3 which is a much better bike in every way!!!
I'm lucky on my rebuild having spares and the bike for 36 years. I know how things should have been done but this bike is amazing for first off build. It is hard to divide grubby hand work from body finish work. If you can find original Tomaselli Racer levers not repops buy em so comfortable.
Love these break down builds. Gives insight on suddle mods, that would otherwise be overlooked.
Brilliant video,, I'm the owner of a 2008 speed triple and I've changed loads of stuff and never will ever get the money back from it but I won't be selling it,,, like you I just enjoy modding,, from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated thank you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Right on Cecil, thanks for checking in and your interesting comments :)
Wonderful build Nick. Great attention to detail, resulting in a fabulous looking and sounding bike.
Well done The Classic Motorcycle Channel too. So nice to see an "interview" done so well, just allowing Nick to talk naturally about his passion, without interruption. 10/10.
Hi Dom, what a nice comment, thanks so much for watching and saying that :)
Thankyou very much for your kind comments, much appreciated. Iam glad you like the content, to be honest, there's loads more detail I left out, but happy you like it, thankyou 😉
High quality build and narration rolled into one, Bravo Sir!
fell in love from the first few seconds of sound and again as soon as i saw it. currently 40 seconds in and i want one just like it
Haha! Thanks for watching!
Very nice bike with a beautiful sound. Well done Nick.
The gold wheels really set it off great compared to the black ones. Love this bike. Love the story. Great guy!
hi, thanks, still undecided about the wheel colour ?? the gold wheels and red tank are a throw back to my first mk1 le mans that was that colour, so its a bit of nostalgia for me , to make this bike like my old mk1 from years back. but i think the black wheels do look good to (ive still got them, they are a spare set !)
@@caferacer850 The gold wheels makes the wheels contrast instead of blending in. That does a lot to the perception of the proportions of the bike. With the black wheels, it was just a lot of blackness, and the tank (and that beautiful shiny tail) Anyway, that's just my opinion. I enjoyed the video, and the detail of which this is built to!
Thank you so much for explaining all this. Busy building a Guzzi and I will follow your advise!
Happy to help if you need a chat 😉
A lot of thought, experience, and hard work went into this gorgeous motorcycle.
Right on Jeffrey, thanks for your nice words, Nick has quite an eye for a good build eh!
Thanks jef, yes it took a bit of thought! I took what I had learned from previous builds and it helps with the next build because you know what works and how to overcome problems more easily. What you dont see is that nearly every moving part in the engine, is new. And that it what I was trying to achieve, to restore and modify the bike to make a reliable, rideable bike.
It really is great fun to ride 😉
Very nice vid with a really good based comment - so take my compliment from Cologne, Germany...GREAT !!!
The Le Mans has always been my dream cafe racer. This one is very well sorted. Nice bike.
What a beauty! I once had a ride to a 80s guzzi le mans, unique character and feel,I can see why they have a keen following 🙂
Hey Johnny boy, thanks for watching!
Beautiful example, super clean build, wish I saw this before I did mine. Converted a G5 into full cafe, suspended motor, you'll need the 1100 sport front cover, still available. 07' GSXR USD front set up, not too difficult to make work, some machining involved on the stem and a spacer, only problem with that setup is a front fender, stock fender is for a 16" front, braking is out of this world now. You can run 1100 sport down tubes and aftermarket under gearbox X pipe. Suggest a EME charging system, helps clean up the charging clutter. Be wary of the Tab classics LeMans tank, they require a hell of a lot of playing with to get to seat right, think I used KTM tank bungs that was the answer, stock MG tank rubber bungs are too small. And they attach with a bungie cord at the back, yeah a bungie cord. Used aircraft cable and couplers and a clear fuel line to line the cable. Mike Rich heads, 1100 sport cam 36mm carbs, Dyna coils. Super fun canyon carver.
Hi Nick, Loved watching your video. The Guzzi is a beautiful thing and it was interesting to hear your views on finishes and parts amalgamation. I’m currently rebuilding my 1978 Ducati SD900 Darmah. I’ve had the bike more than 40 years and this is its 4th major rebuild. I do everything myself, except the valve shimming. Early on I made my own wiring loom from scratch and it’s been joyful, very reliable. This will be my last rebuild because at almost 70 years of age, I don’t ride as much as I used to. Also I have a 2013 Harley Davison Heritage Softail Classic 103. I’ve had bikes all my life and I’ve been thinking long and hard about finishes, so your comments were quite helpful. I live in Norther Victoria, Australia, so we have great weather and some long rides available.. Thank you for sharing your story Nick, I’ve always adored Guzzi’s but never quite managed to have one. Might need to work on that one. Cheers, Col.
Hey, cheers Colin, I used to have a black and gold darmah in the 80s, great bike 😊👍
@@caferacer850 That’s great Nick, yes they were a wonderful bike. In the 80’s I used to knock off work in Warragul Victoria and ride my Darmah to Bathurst NSW for the weekend racing on Mt Panorama. I remember it was a hell of a ride and I couldn’t do it now. I loved the induction noise when you backed off the throttle at 5,000 rpm. Bliss ! Are you still a rider Nick ?
Admire your presentation and dedication to care, candor and respect for design.
A really nice build. Also a great presentation. Thank You.
Great video! Excellent straight forward advice that he passes on. There is nothing like building your own bike the way you want to do it and then enjoy riding it. That's what it's all about.
wonderful machine, I loved the tires I could see why Nick liked them, look at the way they were beaded, the man can ride
Lovely bike.
I really enjoyed the logical and comon sense approach to this build.
Great investment for putting a huge grin on your face.
Well done.
Nick Australia
Onya Nick, thanks for your nice comments and for watching :)
Amazing...Great job...!!!
Greetings from Italy 💪😎
Great work and great Guzzi
Great choice on using paint on the frame instead of powder coating, what folks don’t realise is when you damage/chip powder coat the moisture travels under the coating and rusts the whole lot, also if you ever have to remove powder coat shot blasters hate the stuff, it’s really difficult to remove and you can cause excess damage to the joints etc.
Such a quality build. Congratulations!
Stunning!
Thanks for sharing your bike build. Wow, what a beautiful bike. Must turn some heads when you pull up to the petrol pump or the coffee shop.
Hi Cathoop85, thanks for the kind comments, yes it does turn some heads, but its more fun to ride !
Absolutely love it, you've made it look fantastic!! I went to Doncaster Cushworth's in the early 80's to buy a Le Mans and came away and bought a Reliant Robin instead Hahahahaha! What a fool............
Thanks.. 😅
I can see the passion on both, the motorcycle and the video, beautiful machine very well presented!!👍🏻✊🏻
Thank you for your kind words Carlos!
The Classic Motorcycle Channel , very well deserved!!
I’m also a Moto Guzzi owner however your bike is a work of art!
That’s a great bike. I think we are about the same age so the Guzzi Le Mans and Laverda Jota and Mirage were the grail Italian bikes when we were young. The round barrel Guzzi engine has a presence, beauty and sound that is unique, nice job mate.
Cheers 👍
Inspirational. Lovely bike built in a shed by an enthusiast.
Great video.. lots of idea's convinced me to convert my mk IV..
Very good video on the Guzzi. The level of detail was really good regarding the modifications. Thanks Nick for letting us see your bike and explain them. Well done.
Thanks Todd, much appreciated 👍
Excellent film, CMC, beautifully put together; Nick's delivery and info was superb and a mouth-watering bike that he's built there - no wonder it puts a smile on his face.
Fairly soon after I got my '82 Guzzi SP/LM2 about 26 years ago - a friend handed me a Raceco catalogue, saying, "Treat this with care, it's 24 carat porn for Guzzis!"
Still LOVE my old Guzzi - something very special about them.
Cracking job, Nick - and CMC - thanks, a really good half hour - it flew by
Hey, thanks for your really nice comments. We're a small channel and they mean a lot to us, so glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the nice comments, yes it does put a smile on my face everytime I ride it.. 😊
What a fantastic guzzi! That sounds and looks the business!!
Great viewing. Wonderful machine and credit to the builder/presenter. Loved it 👍👍
Thanks for watching Speir Mor! Glad you enjoyed the videos!
Nick sharp caught me with this fantastic moto guzzi based build and with this smooth presentation. Very well done Sir.
All first takes for Nick!
Thanks Michael, much appreciated comments 😉
What a beauty! I Well done Sir.
What a beauty!
What a beauty. Took me back to the early 90's in Western Australia when I built up a LM1 (really a 2) with a race prepped engine by the legendary Mario at Stolarski's (of Magni Australia fame). I rode the crap out of it for 5 great years but unfortunately had to sell it to head overseas and I never went back.
Lovely bike man ❤
Steve O put it very well indeed here below! Many thanks for making and sharing this vid!
Thanks guys, much appreciated 😉
Loved my Guzzi's, a 850T and a Le Mans 850 111 which had genuine Ago rear sets and a full fairing.
Very nice work. FYI I also own a Guzzi LM2 since new and about 10 years ago I decided to do a full blown cafe racer conversion together with a famous German CR conversion company. But somehow, 2 years ago I began to like the bike less. Maybe the authentic feeling and look were lost, although still lots of fun. So I changed it back to full original (except tuned engine) and I fell in love with the bike again thereby figuring out for myself that I could not improve on Tonti’s genius. Anyhow, I do not want to discourage anyone from these type of very satisfying CR projects, but I find interesting to see how your feelings can change over time.
I've actually got a story behind this build myself. In the early 80s, I owned a red mk1 le mans with gold wheels. I always wanted it back again, and the way I've built this bike is very much with that in mind. Also, I haven't changed any of the original steering geometry of the frame and most of the suspension components are all original, just with upgraded modern internals. But the main thing I guess, is that I enjoyed the restoration process and having personally touched and know about every single nut bolt and washer of this bike makes it very special to me 😉
@@caferacer850 Not much wrong with the MkII, and nice as Nick's build is, I can go a few hundred miles on mine with no problem.
I’m making multiple comments as I’ve gone through your vid. I’m at the end. I absolutely love this bike and everything about the way it was made and put together.
Hi Stu, thanks for the nice comments, really appreciate it, thankyou 😉
Wow. Gorgeous! Exudes craftsmanship. Well done sir!
What a fantastic video, I couldn't look away and wanted more.
Very well explained , great picture and sound quality.
Absolutely amazing bike and fills me with motivation.
10/10
Thanks for the kind comments Shane, good luck with your build 😉
Bravo! Well done, and explained beautifully. I'm starting on a second Guzzi from a pile of bits and I definitely took some inspiration from this! See you at the CAFE ol Chap!
Nice one Kyle, good luck with the project!
Lovely bike Nick..thankyou for the video. I thought the point about maintaining the finish over a long build is well made. Have experienced the same thing, thought I'd share a tip. Rip a bed sheet up into inch strips and 'bandage' the frame..protects it really well when installing engine. Also the advice about pre thinking project, research and cost is really excellent if you dont want to waste money. Thanks again and congratulations on a great bike.
Nice tip Michael, thanks for checking in and watching :)
Love it - super job Nick 👍
Thanks Eric, we'll pass that onto Nick! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Thanks Eric, very kind comments, thankyou 😉
Brilliant job, beautiful bike!!!!!!! Congratulations from Hungary!!!!!!
Thank you very much!
Thanks for the kind comments 😉
Well Done and Happy New Year from Long Island, New York, USA!
Thanks and happy new year from the UK! 😉
What a fantastic bike 💯💯💯👍
Fabulous bike. Wonderfully soothing video. I do love a Guzzi.
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for letting us know!
Nice work man! A credit to your finely honed skills and taste.
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, Nick is a master cafe racer builder and has a very keen eye for looks and feels right on on a build.
Hey nick, have you come across 46 works? Like your machine, fantastic bikes.
Brilliant build. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Nick, decades ago I saw one used Le Mans advertised for sale in my region, which a rare brand and not taken up for a long time. I had been attracted by the elegant look let alone the brand's heritage, but for the lack of the ability to upkeep it that let it past. Great sense of solace now I saw you done up yours and you can guess how old I am.LOL. Anyway big cheers to you.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the reply, we are all getting a bit older, but bikes keep you a bit younger inside 😉
@@caferacer850 Thanks Nick, well said. Blessing from a former British Malayan Air Base tiny town.
Excellent work, beautiful machine very well done
Hey Richard, thanks for the feedback, we'll pass it onto Nick!
great bike, great owners review, top job.
Thanks for the nice feedback Neale!
Just purchased a set of those Continental Classic Attack tires for my 74' V7 Sport. They look smaller especially the profile but can't wait to get it on the road and see how they feel and perform. Thank you for sharing your beautiful bike and the information presented in your well thought out video. Cheers.
Nice one Jeff, thanks for letting us know and your nice comments!
Hi jeff
Yes they do seem to be slightly smaller size, I had to move my front mudguard down to suit. But I think you will be impressed by the tyres performance 😉
Jeff, how do you got on with the tyres? Would be interesting to hear your opinion. Thanks
@@19bus65 Sadly, I have to report that the guy who worked on my beloved V7 Sport took ME for a ride and ripped me off. The bike ran for a few days then wouldn't start and is now leaking everywhere. I paid way too much, waited over 2 years and got a fraction of what I paid for. Now the bike sits with no one local that even knows the brand, let alone a passion for what the bike represents amongst enthusiasts. I'd have to trailer it a few hundred miles and pay thousands more to get it back where I started from. Financially I'm broke and in a time where fuel costs are going to cost me more than ever before just to get it to the closest shop, not to mention their shop rates. While it was running though, the tyres seemed to offer a more agile ride...something that takes getting used to. Unfortunately, time wasn't on my side in that regard.
@@jefffredriksz1116 Hi Jeff, I’m sorry to hear this. Whereabout are you? There’ll be a good mechanic somewhere and a courier may be a possibility?
Hey man!! This ist a really beautiful looking Guzzi! I ride a Le Mans 2 since 37 years and I was never a friend of too extreme customized Guzzis. But after looking to your piece of sugar, i'm beginning to change my mind.......!!🤔
Greetings from Germany!
Hi, thanks, Iam a fan of Std guzzis too, my first guzzi was a red mk1 le man's in 1983. But because they are so expensive now, I couldn't afford to buy one like my old bike I loved. So I built this as a kind of replacement for my old mk1. Thanks for the lovely comments 😉
I'm in love, great informative video
Brilliant peace of art! Can you give advices on how you replace the old big and heavy battery for one such small an modern one?
Hi, I use an anti-gravity battery, it's been fine, but on older bikes, you need to upgrade the reg-rectifier .
Main advice is to use a modern reg/rectifier when you fit a lithium battery. To be honest, the advantage is minimal, the guzzi is so heavy anyway, the battery makes little difference!
Thank you so much for your answer. Cheers from Valencia @@caferacer850
Thank you!!!!!!!! @@caferacer850
@@nunotavares1774 anytime 👍😉
It looks absolutely stunning. No question about it. I'm very fond of spoke wheels instead of mags but then again this is personal taste. I'd probably had fitted a set of Kineo wheels.
Yea I would fit a set of kineo wheels too if I had a spare £2000 😅
@@caferacer850 I know....they are a lot of money. They cost me $3,000, I fitted them on my Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber. Are they worth the money? yes, considering a nice set of wheels will cost a bit under that plus the benefit of true tubeless tires. However, it all boils down to money or lack of. Trust me I wrestled with the decision to buy them for a long time and had to wait for them to be made for more than 5 months.
Thats a beautiful machine. Love your work to make it 'yours'.
Fantastic looking bike Nick. Great job mate.
Cheers John, much appreciated comments 😉
Such a COOL Guzzi! Very good video as well.
Absolutely beautiful job you should be very proud
Top job bloody lovely !
Great explanations coupled with good advice; not to mention a gorgeous machine. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it The East Man! Thanks for saying :)
Dear Nick, what a great solution you have found at 13.06 with the frame modification on the front of the engine!
Did you have this new distribution case custom made or is it a modified standard available part?
I am mighty curious.
Congrats with such a tasteful and refined build.
regards,
Ben van Gelder
Hi and thanks for the question. It's a trick I picked up from HT Moto in Germany, you need to use the later guzzi V11 timing cover, this has the upper frame mount, then modify the frame to fit it 👍
Really enjoyed that. Some great tips, thanks. Rebuilding my lemans and if it will look half as good as yours I’ll be very happy
Thanks Joe, feel free to get in touch if you need any help 😉
nick sharp would love to find out more about frame mods, it totally makes sense. Also electrics. Not very good with internet and your knowledge would save me a lot of research and less mistakes 🙂
@@joeqvarnstrom2625 you will need to use the Internet. Rear frame to gearbox bracket, get in touch with 'Bormi racing parts' Italy, they make the brackets. Frame mods, you need a few metal working tools, welder, etc and sus it out as you go! Electrics, I had a custom wiring loom made up, electrics are the only thing I font touch.
nick sharp
The welding and bracket i can do. Who supplies the required timing cover?
Will check out that mob in Italy for other goodies though, thanks.
@@joeqvarnstrom2625 OK, you need a timing cover from the V11, sport carb or similar bike, these guzzis use the different timing cover, try teo lamers in holland, good source of second hand spares, or e bay.