Spring is in the air - I'm jonesing for a new bike

[NotDeadYet]

Well spring is in the air and I have an itch to add a new bike to the stable. I've been searching craigslist, kijiji, eBay and lots of different bike forums. After much research Ive landed on a 2003 moto Guzzi v11 Lemans. The bike is an original one owner garage queen with 2200 miles. I traded emails with the owner and spoke with him on the phone yesterday. He is 60 years old and has a number of bikes. He just bought another and decided to free up some garage space something had to go. He has all books and records and it appears he's over maintained this low mileage garage queen. We had a nice chat and agreed on what we both felt was a fair price to both of us. He seemed more motivated to see it go to a good home than he was by the money. Good on him - good for me. The bike is 700 miles away through great riding country. He sent me all of his paperwork on the bike including his insurance and registration. Everything appears as it should. Just to be sure I have a friend going over this weekend to start the bike, listen to it run and do a full visual check including matching serial number on the bike to the paperwork. If all checks out I am sending a bank draft deposit by FedEx Monday morning and I will fly and ride in two weeks time. I'm very excited, I'm new to the marque but can't wait to throw my leg over my first Moto Guzzi. My question for all of you - is when and how do I break the news to my wife?  

[ksann]

My question for all of you - is when and how do I break the news to my wife?  

When you pull it into the driveway. Duh.

But you might not want to take my advice, I am $32k into a divorce that is far from done......



ken

[ConPilot1]

I think those MG LeMan's series bikes were some of the most beautiful classic sportsbikes I've ever seen.

Good luck with it, they are really something to look at and hear. I'd love to ride one someday. I did a couple short rides on a MG Lario 650, and that was really cool.

Is it a red one?  

[blakebird]

I think those MG LeMan's series bikes were some of the most beautiful classic sportsbikes I've ever seen.

Good luck with it, they are really something to look at and hear. I'd love to ride one someday. I did a couple short rides on a MG Lario 650, and that was really cool.

Is it a red one?  

You know he is talking about the V11 LeMans, not one of the older ones.

They built some nice variations on the V11 platform, I had a Rosso Mandello that was gorgeous.

[atadaskew]

 After much research Ive landed on a 2003 moto Guzzi v11 Lemans.

Congrats

Have you test ridden one before or will it be the first time when you pick it up?

[NotDeadYet]

It is red, and no I haven't ridden one before.  It will be the first time I've ever thrown a leg over a Moto Guzzi.  I have owned and ridden lots of different bikes but this is a completely new marque to me.  I told honey that I thought we should go on a little fly and ride vacation and she immediately said "what did you buy?".  She knows me well.  The bike is only an hours drive away from her oldest daughter so we will include a visit while we are there.  She is still contemplating whether she wants to ride back or simply fly home and leave me to my own devices to get back.  The new bike is lacking in some of the things she considers essential.  No connections for her heated vest and no luggage - both could be deal breakers.  My main ride is fully rigged with hard luggage and dual adjustable controls for heated clothing.  Having no luggage also limits what she can bring with her.  She is a trooper, I'm betting she will opt to ride as long as the weather looks reasonable.  Either way, I'm happy happy happy!!    

[Oxman]

It is red, and no I haven't ridden one before.  It will be the first time I've ever thrown a leg over a Moto Guzzi.  I have owned and ridden lots of different bikes but this is a completely new marque to me.  I told honey that I thought we should go on a little fly and ride vacation and she immediately said "what did you buy?".  She knows me well.  The bike is only an hours drive away from her oldest daughter so we will include a visit while we are there.  She is still contemplating whether she wants to ride back or simply fly home and leave me to my own devices to get back.  The new bike is lacking in some of the things she considers essential.  No connections for her heated vest and no luggage - both could be deal breakers.  My main ride is fully rigged with hard luggage and dual adjustable controls for heated clothing.  Having no luggage also limits what she can bring with her.  She is a trooper, I'm betting she will opt to ride as long as the weather looks reasonable.  Either way, I'm happy happy happy!!    

So where is the new toy located ?  you should enjoy the guzzi , i had a 2000 v 11 and had a many a good time on it

[alphabet man]

Nice find and congrats, I bought an 03 Rossa Corsa last year that had 2300 km on it   enjoy the new bike, love mine but I wouldn't say it's much good for two up riding, but then again I am an old fart

[NotDeadYet]

Nice find and congrats, I bought an 03 Rossa Corsa last year that had 2300 km on it   enjoy the new bike, love mine but I wouldn't say it's much good for two up riding, but then again I am an old fart

Sweet, I found 3 or 4 different bikes that caught my fancy during my search.  I found a very sweet 1993 Daytona with 7000 original miles - it was from Florida and listed on ebay.  The bidding went to $8100 and it had a price of $12000 on it - I loved the bike but I didn't want to spend that much money plus the costs of transportation - and of course it's a 20 year old bike - I have owned rare birds like that before and they are lovely to look at but if you ride them regularly it can be difficult to find parts and keep them well maintained.  I found 3 newer models on the west coast, two V11 Lemans and one V11 Lemans Rosso Mandello.  The Mandello was an 01 with about 7000 miles and both of the V11 Lemans models were 03's.  One had 10000 miles and the other had 2000 miles.  I ended up buying the 03 with 2000 miles and wouldn't you know it - it was the cheapest of all of them - by quite a wide margin.  I did a lot of reading and from everything I gleaned the quality control is best on the 03 and newer models so I decided that's where I would focus.  The seller is 60 plus years old and so am I so we hit it off pretty well.  He had it listed very reasonable and I made him an offer that I felt was fair to both of us.  I bought the bike very right so I'm happy with my purchase.  I would have loved one of the Corsa's with the Ohlins suspension but it's rare to find a low mileage one that's priced right.  I saw your posting when you bought yours - 2300 kms - what a find.  I love finding reasonably priced low mileage garage queens.  It makes our hobby so much fun and keeps it affordable.

[NotDeadYet]

I picked up the 03 LeMans a few weeks ago and parked it in a buddy's garage.  I went out to ride it home this past week.  I rode over 1500 miles in 6 days taking my time and visiting some of the amazing roads in Washington, Idaho and Montana on my way home.  I checked the bike over and decided the tires were like new so I didn't replace them.  I did replace the factory original battery before I started out.  The bike ran beautfully and attracted attention wherever it went.  The only problem I experienced in my journey is that I picked up a few rock chips from some less than perfect roads.  Alas my garage queen beauty now shows signs of having actually been ridden.  I am sure I can find some touch up paint and make them go away.  There are only a couple but it's like putting the first scratch on your new car.  Maybe the bike was too perfect as it was, it will be much easier to keep it up now.

[radlefty]

"The only problem I experienced in my journey is that I picked up a few rock chips from some less than perfect roads.  Alas my garage queen beauty now shows signs of having actually been ridden.  I am sure I can find some touch up paint and make them go away.  There are only a couple but it's like putting the first scratch on your new car.  Maybe the bike was too perfect as it was, it will be much easier to keep it up now."

No touch up paint! Those are character marks! Guzzi's are meant to be ridden and ridden hard, not garage queens! Seriously, if I ever sell my Norge an 03 or 04 Lemans will probably be my next Guzzi. Sat on a couple but never ridden one. The ergos seem perfect for me and the Guzzi engine is so intoxicating. There's just one more thing you forgot.    
Congrtats on a great bike. Post up some more ride reports after you've ridden it  more.

[Orson]

I agree...touch up paint is for Ducatis  

Guzzis live to be flogged. They're not happy in city traffic. They long for the open road.

I came from an '84 FJ1100, which wuz a stellar sport touring mount. The Le Mans doesn't lose much in comparison to the FJ. The FJ had a plusher saddle, but I can ride all day on the Guzzi and not get butt-sore. The Guzzi engine is highly suitable for touring duties and is far more engaging and enjoyable  

In case you haven't heard, www.v11lemans.com is a friendly source for V11 info. Not much traffic nowadays as the bike is no longer in production, but post a question and it'll get answered

[Pete Roper]

I'm still manufacturing and selling my sloppage sheets for the V11 series bikes. If you plan to ride it hard I strongly recommend you install one as the "Broad Sump' motors, particularly in the V11 series bikes are rone to oil pick-up exposure under hard acceleration. The results aren't pleasant.

Pete

[NotDeadYet]

The LeMans has been home for a while and I haven't gotten to posting a pic yet - so here it is - taken with my zx14 in Washington on the way home.  I had a buddy ride home with me.  I rode the zx14 and he rode the LeMans.  Both bikes performed flawlessly during our 1500 plus mile trip.  We had good weather and a great trip home.  I have ridden the Guzzi lots since I got back.  I have a very different mind set when riding it.  I am much more relaxed and seem to enjoy the ride more.  When I get on the zx14 I am generally headed off to points unknown and I can't resist twisting the throttle and letting it go into warp drive.  The Guzzi is much more genteel and old school in a more relaxed riding sort of way.  I find the ergonomics of the Guzzi to be quite comfortable.  It fits me well but so does the zx14.  All in all I am very happy with my purchase.  It's a lovely bike and my first time riding a Moto Guzzi.  I can see where the marque grows on you.  

IMGP1255 by picante express, on Flickr[/

[honda4ever]

The LeMans has been home for a while and I haven't gotten to posting a pic yet - so here it is - taken with my zx14 in Washington on the way home.  I had a buddy ride home with me.  I rode the zx14 and he rode the LeMans.  Both bikes performed flawlessly during our 1500 plus mile trip.  We had good weather and a great trip home.  I have ridden the Guzzi lots since I got back.  I have a very different mind set when riding it.  I am much more relaxed and seem to enjoy the ride more.  When I get on the zx14 I am generally headed off to points unknown and I can't resist twisting the throttle and letting it go into warp drive.  The Guzzi is much more genteel and old school in a more relaxed riding sort of way.  I find the ergonomics of the Guzzi to be quite comfortable.  It fits me well but so does the zx14.  All in all I am very happy with my purchase.  It's a lovely bike and my first time riding a Moto Guzzi.  I can see where the marque grows on you.  

IMGP1255 by picante express, on Flickr[/

Gorgeous

[Orson]

When I get on the zx14 I am generally headed off to points unknown and I can't resist twisting the throttle and letting it go into warp drive.

You'll find that Guzzis enjoy being flogged  

[sagerat]

The LeMans is the most beautiful bike ever made.  If the checkbook and the garage allowed, I'd put one in my garage in a heartbeat.

Congrats.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

Great looking bike

[Emerson00]

I'm supposed to be studying... but then I remembered I've been thinking about an 03-04 LeMans again... you can guess from this post how much FEA I've learned this evening.   My favorite is the Nero Corsa or the Tenni, but the straight red you found is really sharp. Congrats.

Beautiful bike. I've got to find one to at least sit on,  and eventually I think I'll have one. Fortunately for my wallet/ADHD/Ducati, there appear to be no viable candidates for me (on the east coast) at the moment.