Motorcycle specifications Moto-Guzzi1000 Le Mans IV 1984

The Guzzi Le Mans continues to make headway in an increasingly dynamic and frantic sports category. Motorcycles are becoming more powerful and more agile. The "Le Mans", an old-fashioned sportbike, could no longer compete on equal terms with Japanese motorcycles (like almost all European brands).

so, in 1984, Mandello decided to upgrade his sportbike to 1000cc, give it a new look and fit it with some fashionable equipment.

the first change, while seemingly the most important, was the simplest. The brand has been marketing 1000 (or rather 949cc) models for several years, and many Le Mans owners have already upgraded their bikes to this displacement, thanks to these cylinders whose bore has been increased by 5 mm. These new cylinders (combined with a pair of large carburetors) enable the sports bike to achieve 82 hp at 7,200 rpm, making up for lost time. This increase in displacement simply by increasing the bore also translates into an increase in engine inertia. While this inertia is a sign of character, it's not really in keeping with the times, when Japanese motorcycles are becoming ever more powerful and, above all, ever more lively thanks to their multi-cylinder engines.

in terms of looks, Guzzi has retained a front end reminiscent of the previous version, while the main focus of the makeover is on the rear end. The rear end is quite successful. Its modern, streamlined lines assert the machine's sportiness, and above all, it doesn't copy the competition. Rather, it recalls another of the brand's sports bikes: the 650 Lario. In terms of color, red dominates: the full red version (Guzzi are not Italian for nothing) is accompanied by a two-tone version (red and white) and a more classic bluish-grey metallic version (with red frame and rims, it's a minimum).

the chassis is still based on the Tonti frame. This frame has obvious qualities, notably excellent cornering stability. However, the newcomer is fitted with a brand-new 16-inch front wheel. This rather unfortunate choice was probably dictated by 2 reasons: The "Le Mans" now has a very classic sports car image. From a marketing point of view, the choice of a fashionable 16-inch rim, much used in competition, can only bring a more modern image to this bike. What's more, liveliness is an increasingly important criterion in the sport class, and the traditionally ultra-stable frame of the Le Mans no longer fits the category. A 16-inch front wheel should give this bike the liveliness it lacks.

unfortunately, this new equipment is detrimental to the homogeneity of the chassis. Liveliness is improved, but the front end seems a lot fuzzier and less sure-footed. This change is also detrimental to the machine's overall stability. The "Tonti" chassis seems to reject this fashionable gadget.

although the brand no longer really had the financial capacity to renew its sports bike at the same pace as in the 70s, the "Le Mans" would evolve in 1987 to at least correct the regrettable choices made in version IV.

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