Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark II

Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark II

Make Model	Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark II
Year	1978
Engine	Air cooled, four stroke, transverse 90° V-twin cylinder, OHV, 2 valve per cylinder.
Capacity	844
Bore x Stroke	83 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio	10.2:1
Induction	2x 36mm Dell'Orto VHB
Ignition / Starting	- / electric
Max Power	81 hp 59 kW @ 7600 rpm
Max Torque	73 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed / shaft
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Front Brakes	2x 310mm discs
Rear Brakes	Single 242mm disc
Front Tyre	3.50 H18
Rear Tyre	4.10 V18
Dry-Weight	196 kg
Fuel Capacity	22.5 Litres

When Moto Guzzi introduced its first V-twin engine in the mid 1960s, it displaced 700 cc and was mounted in a shaft-drive model called the V7. The engine soon grew to 750 cc, and a performance-oriented model called the Sport followed.

Further enlargements to the V-twin in the mid 1970s increased displacement to 850 cc, and then to a full liter. Most of these engines were mounted in touring motorcycles, but in order to capture the attention of the enthusiast market, Moto Guzzi introduced the LeMans Mk I in 1976.

Like other Moto Guzzis of the period, the LeMans was built on a tubular frame, a section of which could be unbolted to allow for easy removal of the engine.

It also had a linked braking system where the foot pedal controlled not only the rear disc, but also one of the twin front discs; the other was activated by the conventional hand-brake lever.

Unique to the 1978 Moto Guzzi LeMans motorcycle was a bikini fairing, clip-on handlebars, and distinct badging and trim.