2022 V7 LeMans 850i - building it -

[lemans850i]

I’m going to post pics here how my bike is evolving...
As this project is already for quite a few weeks at Todd’s shop for his R&D I want to thank him and his team for their graciousness and professionalism ! The best place to bring your bike to!!!!

 

[lemans850i]

I just noticed that I never took a pic of the bike after I bought it.. I rode it around the block and then destruction began....
But the pic below is what I used to look like.... normal blue (pretty) V7

 

[lemans850i]

Getting my hands on all the parts to be painted.... gas tank layout is most complex...
(please note in the picture of the front view The upper edge of the tunnel! This is original brand new!
Measuring for the lines is kind of challenging if you don’t have any equal reference points left and right)

 

[lemans850i]

The original stripes on the tank are stickers with clearcoat on top and have to be removed...
Also the gas thing doesn’t really have a low point! Once “everything” is drained I was left with half a pint or so, I removed the paper towels..

 

[lemans850i]

Rear fender is getting color too!!
Small eagle on side covers ..
Front fender extension in black

 

[lemans850i]

After extended drying period...
The original Guzzi gas tank emblems... cutting off the 2 studs in the back, creating the “box” where it will be living... the emblem has to be bend to follow the gas tank...
Bend with a twist... took one hour a side to lay down correctly... PITA!

 

[lemans850i]

When I was in Mandello for the year anniversary, I knew that I am going to do this project and I made a lot of pic of different LM1 of this area... The gas tank on the V7 has a crown, not the flat top, it isn’t as long, and do you have to make adjustments of the position of lines
to get a longer looking effect.

 

[lemans850i]

Painted the front black to have more the shape of the classic LM1
Due to the lock and this is really the only flat spot on the side cover that works for the emblem... black stripe merges to become the Guzzi eagle of the LM1 area...

 

[lemans850i]

The wheelbase of the 1976 LM 1 is 1470mm and the 2022 V7 has 1463mm... 7mm difference..
but if you look at the bikes the V7 looks short... stubby.. compared to the LM
One of the main reasons is the black rear fender... beautiful blue front fender, gas tank, side cover.... the end...
Second reason the tall gas tank...
Third... a lot of black (engine trans) nothing to see here...

 

[jstorm1]

Really enjoy watching your bike evolve and the process. About time you started your own thread for it haha

 

[scott_m]

This is fun! Keep going please!!!

 

[lemans850i]

Gas tank is already off.. making a fiberglass part for the seat to extend up the gas tank like the LM had. Plan is to have a 2 part seat with this extension attached to the tank and the bench sliding into it.
The original design was a one piece but the pan broke most times where it goes up.....

 

[lemans850i]

I added about 1/8 inch to the gas tank with tape to allow for the vinyl when the fiberglass is getting covered. Tank bolt will hold it in place and bench secures it firmly.
Part the foamed and sculptured.

 

[lemans850i]

Next is the rear light / fender
The original tail light is unbelievably heavy!!! Holy $...!
Little modifications and the LM1 first Gen light fits perfectly !
Loosing the license plate light and move the plate up as well...

 

[lemans850i]

The filler threads on the gas tank are the same as Harley Davidson Sportster... I found an aluminum cap I liked, not vented... there are some gas caps that are 3/16” to long and bottom out (nothing a sander can’t fix) but the majority did fit including locking caps...
I just didn’t like the cheap plastic look

 

[lemans850i]

While tank and side covers are removed it’s prime time at Todd’s place to install GTM SAS cover plates (super easy without tank)
& removal of the charcoal canister & removal/plugging/ leaving open the appropriate hoses.

 

[lemans850i]

I ordered in December the valve covers from the V85 and got them polished After they finally showed up in the mail...
They fit Perfectly with no modifications! Makes the cylinders look so much more prominent!

 

[lemans850i]

Also note the dust covers on the fork tubes… original MG part for 40mm fork tubes! At this point in time it was very very cold outside and I had to wait for a little bit warmer weather to put them on all the way

 

[lemans850i]

Next pieces on the list to get polished are the front engine cover, engine sump, rear swingarm, and final drive...

 

[lemans850i]