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Hi I have a 1978 lemans mk1 series 2. The bike needs retiring as the previous restoration was not done very well. I am looking for photographs under the tank and behind the side panels etc etc to help with installing the new loom and making sure relays, rectifiers etc are all installed in the right locations. Any help / links to photos etc would be much appreciated

Hi David,

Here's a start.

Tank: https://vdcon.nl/files/pdf/pdffile635470_691564.pdf

Side panels: https://vdcon.nl/files/pdf/pdffile613153_867616.pdf

And here you can find a lot more: https://vdcon.nl/technical/manuals/manual-850-le-mans

Good luck!

Thanks, note I am re wiring the bike ( not retiring it ! - Google auto spell malfunction)

I have all the manuals an am looking for photographs under the tank, behind the side panels and under the seat. This is to help me see where all the relays, volt packs and wiring should be 😊

I have had my mk1 for a year and the side stand is rubbish. Incorrect angle or stand how can I get a original replacement. Is it the same as any other model.

Thanks Jan I will follow that up. I could do with replacing the front indicator bracket, the one on my bike blocks the use of the steering damper, any ideas.

Hello Martin,

The part number is 14432050 and you can order this at: http://www.harpermoto.com/side-stand-14432050.html

Good luck!

Hi Jan, I can't get harpermoto to post a picture of the sidestand you suggest. Can you post an image so that I can see the part. Regards, Martin.

Heren, leuk om elkaar te treffen?
Zie:https://www.facebook.com/events/716014958433013/

22 juni in Roosendaal

Een mooi initiatief. De poster staat ook op de homepage van deze website.

Jan, kom je zelf ook?

Da's wel de bedoeling. Vorige week met de 2 jaar geleden gekochte Le Mans die zo'n 8/9 jaar niet heeft gelopen naar de Guzzi Classic Caferacerdag geweest. Ging goed, dus Roosendaal moet ook lukken. Zie je zondag.

I have a Mk1 frame no. VE15254, engine number VF74193. DEFINATELY not a MK111 engine as Ive had it rebuilt and it had cast iron bores. MK111 had Nikasil Im told. One expert reckons its just a poor stamp on the engine block. Dunno about that

Hello Paul, I know this is a few years late but just saw this post and thought I'd chime in.
On my early first series LeMans, the E too looks like an F unless you get in there very close and at look at the bottom of what appears to be an F....it's definitely an E.
It seems on my bike that the letter was struck too low on the rib making the bottom horizontal line of the intended E appear much fainter than the rest of the letter.
I've seen this on one other LeMans and relative to how few first series LMs were built perhaps not too uncommon.
Also on my LeMans the letter V of VE too is difficult to see when viewed from a normal distance but is there partially hidden by a rough part of casting to the left of the engine number. I also have seen this on other early LeMans'. And then of course there are other LeMans' where the stamps are very crisp.
I suppose it all depends on who was doing the stamping.
Hope you're enjoying the LeMans!!!

Hello Paul, I know this is a few years late but just saw this post and thought I'd chime in.
On my early first series LeMans, the E too looks like an F unless you get in there very close and at look at the bottom of the F. It seems that the letter was struck too low on the rib and as on my bike a much fainter bottom horizontal line can be seen.
I've seen this on one other LeMans and relative to how few first series LMs were built perhaps not too uncommon.
Also on my LeMans the letter V of VE too is difficult to see when viewed from a normal distance but is there partially hidden by a rough part of casting to the left of the engine number.
Hope you're enjoying the LeMans!!!
I'd provide a close-up photo explaining but not sure where in this site.

Hi, excuse me for reviving an old question, I just read it. I can confirm Alfred's version. here in Italy, through the 850 Le Mans Facebook group, we are gathering infos on bikes with the aim of creating a registry. We have seen many instances of engine numbers where the VE looks like VF. All of those are original VEs. The VF engine block as fitted on the LM3s is materially different. So there is no doubt about it. The correct matching between frame & engine number can reveal. I am available to provide advice. Regards

Just thought I would let you know I have the same engine stamp on my Mk1 1975.... I have checked it out and mine deffinitely looks like the bottom of the E is missing yhru bad stamping

Hi Paul

Very interesting comments about your engine numbers on your MK1.
What country was your bike first registered

Cheers

Hi Jan

Thanks for your informative response.I have contacted the previous owner of my bike in New Zealand (second owner) he was very surprised when I asked if he was aware of incorrect engine number for a MK1.
I have the original rego papers that have these number,from the UK were bike was first registered .
Do you think some MK1 bikes did have VF engine numbers.
Great to hear your responce, it has been interesting looking for information .
I will look up the Falloons book
Cheers
Australia,,,,,

I am re-painting my 1976 Lemans 850, and looking for the correct color and paint co for the orange that is on the front of the fairing.

Please help!

Mike
mmmmoto@aol.com

Hi I have a Lemans mk1. chassis number VE 12086 engine number VF 070847
.bike first registered in UK in 1976.
I have been told all MK1 engine numbers start with VE so could you please advise me if there was some MK 1 with theVF or what motor I have.
It is a round case heads and all components match a MK 1.
Any advise would be much appreciated
Cheers

Hi Steve,

According to Ian Falloons Moto Guzzi Sport & Le Mans Bible chassis number VE 12086 belongs to a first series 850 Le Mans (page 62) and engine number VF 070847 to a 850 Le Mans III (page 86).

The information about the engine numbers is to my opinion not right. The chassis number of my 850 Le Mans comes very close to yours and I also have a VF engine number. It is absolutely sure that the chassis and engine are not separated in the past.

You can find a link to Ian Falloons book on the homepage (third one).

Kinds regards,

Jan

Hi Jan,
just a note regarding the engine number for a Mk1, I also have a Mk1 with the engine number starting with VF*070626*
Note sure what to think??
Cheers.

Noticed your comments on the mk1 guzzi frame and engine numbers, mine is a uk bike too,with original mot papers
Frame number ve14820
Eng no. VF 074312

John Betteo,

Is your bike still for sale?

Beste Jan,

Ik had het gisteren al tegen je gezegd, nu nogmaals. Erg leuk dat je deze meeting hebt georganiseerd. Jammer dat ik met een lekke band moest afhaken. Als er voldoende animo voor is zou ik meer dan eens per jaar willen afspreken (eventueel met alleen LM rijders)

Vriendelijke groeten, Gaspard

Lijkt me een goed idee. Misschien dat anderen ook ideeën hebben. Laat het weten in het gastenboek of via de contact pagina.

Groeten,

Jan

Your Manuels have proved invaluable, the bike is roaring and eating up Tuscan roads, thank you for the help you have made so freely available, yours Alex

Dear Jan ,

I found the "beyond the scope of this manuel " so I phoned Ted at Mototoer , he told me what to do, in no uncertain way ! Thank you, Alex.