As far as I am concerned, the LM1 is the first true superbike. Others were fast, the Guzzi was too. The big deal was the Tonti frame which was stiff in it's own right but also took advantage of the torsional rigidity of the crankcase and gearbox case. It handled superbly and was also extremely stable without being heavy. Bloody brilliant.
Absolutely love them. I had two MkIIs over the years. The first I did a complete restoration on. The second one was big-bore with an ambitious tune (gas flowed, inadvisable cam etc) and needed a good amount of work after a long layup. The lap I did of the TT course on that second one just before going to the ferry to come home is the best ride of my motorcycling life so far since 1976. Went to the Dutch TT on that first one along with a mad mate on an RG500. We were cruising at 85 on the way down to Amsterdam which was comfy on the LeMans, but the RG500 didn’t like it. My mate signalled that he was going to pull ahead to try and clear his plugs. I have never seen so much smoke from a bike ever, it was epic. I always wanted a MkI, I think they’re one of the best looking bikes ever. Sadly I’m just not stretchy enough nowadays to live with a bike with clipons.
Any 850-1000 Guzzi big twin is a great bike, even the 1000s and Le Mans 4 (with the 18' front wheel preferibly). The gear change is argricultural and the direct shaft drive takes some getting used to. You have yo be careful when entering tight corners as the bikes are bollody long. But the sound and immense, immediate torque waves send shivers up your spine. I have lived in Rome since the 1980s and frequented a famous mechanic's workshop: Giuseppe di Vito, known to all his firends as just 'Vito.' In his tiny, tiny shop I saw the best of all the 70s and 80s Italian esotica from original V7s to Ducati MHR Mille's, from Laverda 750 SFCs (his own bike). One thing I noticed immediately, apart from the cover on the seat, is that green paint. I really think that is was an addition, covering the original black, as the Ducati MHR was red and green, many other bikes got painted in similar colours but not by the factory. Hope this note helps. Ken
I am looking forward to this restoration as I like Guzzis and have restored a couple of my own in the past, but not a MkI. I like your ethos of clean, fix and refurbish rather than replacement, where possible. It is always good to learn new tricks, Thank you.
Great channel. I’ve restored quite a few airhead BMWs, very similar to the Guzzi, and have the same approach as you. Fix rather than replace, and keep as many original parts as you can. I also get sidetracked during strip down, like cleaning seat, dismantling instruments etc. Look forward to the rest of the Guzzi videos.
I started watching for the Norton (i have a 74 850 commando) but as a mechanic i love the restoration techniques and practices.. they carry over to any motorbike or car etc. Thank you for your content!
This is easily my new favorite channel. The attention to detail and the problem solving skills are tremendous. I’m looking forward to watching every minute of it. The jazz intermissions are a nice touch.
Hello again Just watched the first video of Guzzi restoration and I'm loving it, I may have a few parts for you if interested, rear light lens and head light glass, I noticed there was no H piece in the exhaust assembly?, for balance?, Ignition switches were troublesome but I'm sure easy to get, I'm looking forward to seeing more videos about your Mk1 LeMan, P,s,early bikes had round rear light, I have later oblong DeTomaso style, ( 1979), Good luck with project, Take care 🙏👌
Hi William, thanks for your nice comments. Always motivates me to get better! I’ll note your offer thank you. Not sure how we connect otherwise find me at CarbonBikeRepair! Cheers
There's a black rubber product that's excellent for near invisible repairs to those types of formed seats, comes in a tube that fits in a DIY compression squeeze tool, it'll dry under parcel tape to conform to shapes and will even fill missing chunks, it's called _Marine Flex_ and will match for colour straight from the tube, any good Yacht Chandlery should stock it. _Back to Black_ Car bumper dye might help with the side surface marks, failing that Colour Magic or even black Boot polish might be worth a try.
I have just completed my Le Mans, and looking at yours there is a lot of work. At this stage I see where you are going and I am interested with your progress and am happy to offer suggestions. There was absolutely no gold paint used anywhere. Your model looks about late 76 - 77, and the rear drive looks like it is from a later model. Your videos are terrific btw.
Cheers Warren! Yes there is a lot of work on the go here but making good progress. I’ll start to query when it comes time for assembly. I’d love to see what you did? 👍
There is one thing, the gearbox/ frame plate, the bolts that go into the gearbox can easily strip the thread in the gearbox, I have had 2 of 4 threads helicoiled, and upon completing the tightening of the plate 1 more thread gave way, but I left that bolt in as tight, but I should have had all 4 threads helicoiled.
I found the absolute best., non efforts involved , way to remove glue on plastics , paint , skin , glass , anything fragile , was to use the solvents sold in pharmacy to remove band aids glue on skin to avoid tearing on wounds ...In France such solvents can be found under the name "proseptine" ....As opposed to nail polish solvents it won't melt plastics or rub off paint ( like paint of labels ) ..... You'd save yourself a LOT of harsh rubbing using such a band aid removing solvent ( if you can find one in the UK using the same composition as proseptine )
@@MyRestoration1 De nada ...Discaimer tho ...I never tested it on neoprene glue or very very old crusty glue ... But anytime i have to remove glue from stickers or labels on platics i use it with 100% success ...So it's well worth a try
I'm looking forward to this series! I've always thought three were cool bikes. Were you using a torque wrench to remove the oil drain plug? Made me laugh a little, haha.
Please, its not pronounced guzi (like UZI) there are 2 zs. It's pronounced Gut'zi (like pizza). Other wise great video series. When changing a clutch on the Moto Guzzi it is work buying the specialty tools. It makes it much easier.
This channel needs more recognition
As far as I am concerned, the LM1 is the first true superbike. Others were fast, the Guzzi was too. The big deal was the Tonti frame which was stiff in it's own right but also took advantage of the torsional rigidity of the crankcase and gearbox case. It handled superbly and was also extremely stable without being heavy. Bloody brilliant.
Absolutely love them. I had two MkIIs over the years. The first I did a complete restoration on. The second one was big-bore with an ambitious tune (gas flowed, inadvisable cam etc) and needed a good amount of work after a long layup. The lap I did of the TT course on that second one just before going to the ferry to come home is the best ride of my motorcycling life so far since 1976.
Went to the Dutch TT on that first one along with a mad mate on an RG500. We were cruising at 85 on the way down to Amsterdam which was comfy on the LeMans, but the RG500 didn’t like it. My mate signalled that he was going to pull ahead to try and clear his plugs. I have never seen so much smoke from a bike ever, it was epic.
I always wanted a MkI, I think they’re one of the best looking bikes ever. Sadly I’m just not stretchy enough nowadays to live with a bike with clipons.
I really enjoy your videos, I'm learning lots
That tail section is for a series 1. Awesome project, good luck !
Any 850-1000 Guzzi big twin is a great bike, even the 1000s and Le Mans 4 (with the 18' front wheel preferibly). The gear change is argricultural and the direct shaft drive takes some getting used to. You have yo be careful when entering tight corners as the bikes are bollody long. But the sound and immense, immediate torque waves send shivers up your spine.
I have lived in Rome since the 1980s and frequented a famous mechanic's workshop: Giuseppe di Vito, known to all his firends as just 'Vito.' In his tiny, tiny shop I saw the best of all the 70s and 80s Italian esotica from original V7s to Ducati MHR Mille's, from Laverda 750 SFCs (his own bike).
One thing I noticed immediately, apart from the cover on the seat, is that green paint. I really think that is was an addition, covering the original black, as the Ducati MHR was red and green, many other bikes got painted in similar colours but not by the factory. Hope this note helps.
Ken
I am looking forward to this restoration as I like Guzzis and have restored a couple of my own in the past, but not a MkI.
I like your ethos of clean, fix and refurbish rather than replacement, where possible.
It is always good to learn new tricks, Thank you.
Pleasure Anthony. I hope I don’t disappoint!
Fabulous job, beautiful to see and especially HEAR!!!!
Great channel. I’ve restored quite a few airhead BMWs, very similar to the Guzzi, and have the same approach as you. Fix rather than replace, and keep as many original parts as you can. I also get sidetracked during strip down, like cleaning seat, dismantling instruments etc. Look forward to the rest of the Guzzi videos.
There I was thinking I was alone out there 😂 thanks for the contribution!
A lot of work ahead of you there mate!!! Guzzis are worth it tho! Looking forward to more videos of this resto. 😎
Thanks mate. Yes it’s a big job but it’s coming along now. Not fighting anymore..👍
Great work, as always.
🙏
I started watching for the Norton (i have a 74 850 commando) but as a mechanic i love the restoration techniques and practices.. they carry over to any motorbike or car etc. Thank you for your content!
Thankyou very much for chipping in 👍
This is easily my new favorite channel. The attention to detail and the problem solving skills are tremendous. I’m looking forward to watching every minute of it. The jazz intermissions are a nice touch.
Gosh that’s very encouraging. I really believe in what I’m doing. Thank you mrbxv 🙏
Autosmart Tardis is good for removing glue, safe on plastic at the correct ratio.
I use carbon matting plus Cyanoacrylate glue..
Came across a totally original 4k miles bike couple of years ago. Like they say u only get an original once. Yes i did buy it.
Hello again
Just watched the first video of Guzzi restoration and I'm loving it,
I may have a few parts for you if interested, rear light lens and head light glass,
I noticed there was no H piece in the exhaust assembly?, for balance?,
Ignition switches were troublesome but I'm sure easy to get,
I'm looking forward to seeing more videos about your Mk1 LeMan,
P,s,early bikes had round rear light, I have later oblong DeTomaso style, ( 1979),
Good luck with project,
Take care 🙏👌
Hi William, thanks for your nice comments. Always motivates me to get better!
I’ll note your offer thank you. Not sure how we connect otherwise find me at CarbonBikeRepair! Cheers
Silly question perhaps, did you have the throttles open while pumping?
No. I was changing the rings anyway. 👍
There's a black rubber product that's excellent for near invisible repairs to those types of formed seats, comes in a tube that fits in a DIY compression squeeze tool, it'll dry under parcel tape to conform to shapes and will even fill missing chunks, it's called _Marine Flex_ and will match for colour straight from the tube, any good Yacht Chandlery should stock it. _Back to Black_ Car bumper dye might help with the side surface marks, failing that Colour Magic or even black Boot polish might be worth a try.
Very interesting MC2. I wondered. I’ll look it up! 👍
Early Series 1 Le Mans had a habit of the seat cracking at the passenger step.
Brilliant , when will part 2 be available ?
I hope soon! Editing takes time
I have just completed my Le Mans, and looking at yours there is a lot of work. At this stage I see where you are going and I am interested with your progress and am happy to offer suggestions. There was absolutely no gold paint used anywhere. Your model looks about late 76 - 77, and the rear drive looks like it is from a later model. Your videos are terrific btw.
Cheers Warren! Yes there is a lot of work on the go here but making good progress. I’ll start to query when it comes time for assembly. I’d love to see what you did? 👍
There is one thing, the gearbox/ frame plate, the bolts that go into the gearbox can easily strip the thread in the gearbox, I have had 2 of 4 threads helicoiled, and upon completing the tightening of the plate 1 more thread gave way, but I left that bolt in as tight, but I should have had all 4 threads helicoiled.
I found the absolute best., non efforts involved , way to remove glue on plastics , paint , skin , glass , anything fragile , was to use the solvents sold in pharmacy to remove band aids glue on skin to avoid tearing on wounds ...In France such solvents can be found under the name "proseptine" ....As opposed to nail polish solvents it won't melt plastics or rub off paint ( like paint of labels ) .....
You'd save yourself a LOT of harsh rubbing using such a band aid removing solvent ( if you can find one in the UK using the same composition as proseptine )
Brilliant thanks Benoit! I’ll look it up
@@MyRestoration1 De nada ...Discaimer tho ...I never tested it on neoprene glue or very very old crusty glue ... But anytime i have to remove glue from stickers or labels on platics i use it with 100% success ...So it's well worth a try
I'm looking forward to this series! I've always thought three were cool bikes.
Were you using a torque wrench to remove the oil drain plug? Made me laugh a little, haha.
Haha keen eyes Seth! Thing is…it doesn’t know it’s a torque wrench 😉
How did it get in that state! 😒
That was my first thought. How could anybody allow a valuable motorcycle like this go to waste?
Please, its not pronounced guzi (like UZI) there are 2 zs. It's pronounced Gut'zi (like pizza). Other wise great video series. When changing a clutch on the Moto Guzzi it is work buying the specialty tools. It makes it much easier.
It’s a form of insanity.
We all a little bit crazy tho..........😎