Moto Guzzi Le Mans - 850 Le Mans II

850 Le Mans II

Basically the same motorcycle to the original Le Mans, except Moto Guzzi changed the fairing from a small 'bikini' fairing to a larger, more angular one in keeping with emerging fashion trends of the period with incorporated indicators and with two small frame mounted fairings similar to those of the 1000cc SP model. The fairing had been tested in Moto Guzzi's own dedicated wind tunnel, which had stood dormant for many years but had been used originally to test race bike fairings in the 1950s. The new nose fairing had a rectangular headlight, rather than the round headlight of the original. Other changes included addition of Nigusil instead of the iron bore cylinders used on earlier mkII's. It also had improved air assisted front suspension. The brake calipers on the front wheel were mounted behind the forks, whereas they had been mounted on the front on Le Mans Mark I. The problematic single seat of earlier models was also replaced with an improved saddle now capable of accommodating a pillion.

Improvements included a revised instrument cluster derived from the 1000cc SP model, however the new dash used an integrated circuit board which was in itself problematic. Brakes were still linked with the hand lever operating the front right caliper and the foot brake operating the front left and rear caliper.

Frame numbers are VE17312 - VE22635 in the first series of the Mark II, with the second series starting in 1980 from frame VE22636 to VE24086. Moto Guzzi patented Nigusil-plated cylinders were incorporated from engine number VE80390 onwards. The CX 100 version sold in the US - 1000cc with downrated carbs - carried a new frame number sequence beginning at VU11111, with only 353 being made in total it "remains a unique model in the history of the sporting Moto Guzzi."