Moto Guzzi Le Mans

In 1976 Moto Guzzi replaced their V7, their popular sporting bike, with the Le Mans. The Le Mans was created to be sexy and fast. One would have a hard time arguing against its style. While the Japanese were busy building cookie cutter motorcycles(so similar they were known as the "universal Japanese motorcycle") the Italians were cooking far more dramatic machines. Not only was the Le Mans a looker, it had performance to match. Its 850cc engine was a powerful piece and allowed the bike to keep up with the big Japanese bikes of the time. As time past Moto Guzzi lost its competitive edge against the Japanese. The Le Mans was updated twice, growing to 946cc's in 1978, but it wasn't enough. Pair this with Guzzi's questionable reliability and the Le Mans faded away. With the resurgence of Moto Guzzi under Piaggio the Le Mans name was revived. The new Le Mans V11 was introduced in the early 2000's (2001?) with a modern version of Guzzi's classic 90 degree V-twin.

Mk I 1976-78

Mk II 1978?

Mk III 1979-?

Le Mans V11