My "new" LeMans V

[rocker59]

Look what I dragged home last week! Courtesy of Chuck in Indiana!

Show some love for the LM-V !!!

I've been wanting a Tonti LeMans since about 1983 when the LM-III was all the rage in the bike mags...



This is one of the "1 of 17 in the USA" 1991 LeMans 1000s. Cool bike.

Now, tell me what I need to know about this beast! (And Tonti LeManses in general).

[GT-Rx]

Congrats! If Chuck owned it, just enjoy it. He likely fixed everything there is to even remotely concern yourself with it.

[rocker59]

Thanks Todd!

Now I have bookends. The last Tonti LeMans and the last V11 LeMans!



The little LM-V is a sweet machine. Nice shifting tranny and very revvy engine. I can't wait to put it through its paces here in The Hills.

[Rafael]

Wow what a beauty! I was going to mention the air pressure for the 16" front tire but it looks like MG dropped that feature in the model.

When this bike came out I thought " too much plastic" and now it's just right - relatively naked.

Congrats and enjoy

[Morizzi]

The last and best of the Tonti lemans series.

I'm a LM III person really but I can appreciate the other 4 marks in the line. I also agree with Todd. If its one of Chuck's then sit back and enjoy. Just normal checks on cardan joints and such that can't be predicted.

The 1000's are renowned for valve guide wear due to the weight of the valves compared to the 850's but with K-lining that is such a small issue that happens every decade or so.

You may want to modify the side stand too if it hasn't already been done. A number of options but I personally don't think a Cali side stand suits such a noble sport/tourer.

Enjoy.

Rod

[john zibell]

You may want to modify the side stand too if it hasn't already been done. A number of options but I personally don't think a Cali side stand suits such a noble sport/tourer.

Enjoy.

Rod

It has a side stand? Actually I hardly ever use the side stand on mine. Pretty much just dismount and put it in on the center stand. Besides, on my Mk V I've touch the side stand on the track (apparently I didn't hang off far enough) and I wouldn't want anything larger down there.

[Morizzi]

It has a side stand? Actually I hardly ever use the side stand on mine. Pretty much just dismount and put it in on the center stand. Besides, on my Mk V I've touch the side stand on the track (apparently I didn't hang off far enough) and I wouldn't want anything larger down there.

Horses for courses.

I tour on my MK III. The large tank, my aging body and heavy gear means that after several hours in the saddle I can be a bit stiff. I like the bike to be able to support itself before I dsimount so the side stand needs to be secure and to be deployable from the saddle. I can then get myself off without having to do the one legged yoga style balancing act. I often have gear loaded up behind.

I've read lots and lots of times that riders don't use a sidestand and I could cope with that but not doing what I do with it. I have a friend with a LM I look alike and he has just installed a cali lower rail as he tours on his bike

It is not difficult to install a suitable stand or modify the OEM so that it works. If you choose not to then that is an individual preference. I have modified mine so that it works just fine. What I was trying to get across is that the OEM set up is poor, read dangerous but is easily overcome.

I'm not a racer but I cover a lot of distance in a year on real roads, in real life and in real conditions.

Rod

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for the kind words. It'll have a great "keeper" in Mike. The LeMans *is* a remarkably competent touring bike. I was completely comfortable going to the Kentucky rally last fall. However... on local putts my old neck/shoulder pain would come back. The Scura doesn't cause that, so I found a Rosso Corsa to rehab. The Jury's still out on it, the weather has only let me put a couple of hundred miles on Rosie (first motorcycle to tell me her name) but I think it'll be a long term relationship.

[rocker59]

1st "official ride" on the LM-V yesterday at noontime. A little 30-mile loop to get a feel for the new bike.

I've always wondered what a Bassa/Special would feel like with a Sport 1100 engine installed. Yesterday's ride showed me! LOL!

There's no mistaking the LM-V is a 1970s bike in 1980s clothing. Definite vintage Itallian sporty bike vibe! I remember now why I got rid of the foam rubber grips that came stock on the Sport 1100. A set of ProGrip gel grips is in order, and I just happen to have a spare set on the shelf in the garage. I'd also forgotten about the Dellorto's near 1/2-turn throttle and stiff springs since going to Keihins on the Sport 1100. I won't do that on this bike, so I'll live with it.

I like narrow bikes. The one thing I really dislike about the V11 LeMans is the wide tank. The LM-V is like the Sport 1100 in that it feels narrow! I can tell you this, the fairing on the LM-V works! Smooth air and little noise, just like on the Sport 1100. Much quieter than the V11 LeMans.

The suspension is plush. I've heard people say these things rode like log wagons, but they must've been lightweights. I actually like a softer suspension because of the roads I ride. If the rider is smooth, the softer (I know this is a relative term) suspension can be rewarding on the twisty roads. I will need to crank the Konis up to the highest notch, though, for my near 250-lbs.

The bike pulls nicely, the tranny gears are nicely spaced, it idles smoothly at 1100rpm, and will accellerate quite briskly with a double-take on the long-pull throttle.

Well that's it for first impressions. Stay tuned for more.

[baloches]

That's absolutely beautiful Rocker, congrats!