Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 Custom Cafe Racer Build - Overview And Ride

In this video our friend Nick Sharp gives us a full overview and ride on his Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 custom cafe racer build.

This is a detailed video on his build, please use chapters below to skip to the chapter that interests you.

This is not a cafe racer restoration, it's is fully custom cafe racer build which Nick has done from the ground up. This motorcycle has been featured in magazines, been on display at various events within the UK and is a thing of absolute beauty.

Nick takes us through his entire build and breaks down each process in detail. Here's a list of chapters:

0:00 Introduction
0:13 Build summary
3:38 Engine
05:13 Performance
05:54 Wheels and brakes
6:27 Electrics
8:14 Brands Hatch performance summary
9:59 Frame modifications
13:30 Ergonomics of a cafe racer
16:20 Controls
18:36 Realities of a cafe racer
19:42 Tyres
22:10 Maintaining the finish over a long term build
24:22 Planning the build, choosing and matching components
25:44 Issues, challenges and simplicity
27:26 Advice to those thinking about building a cafe racer
30:41 Advice on costs
32:21 Final summary and outro

// Here's some of our other videos from our MAIN YouTube CHANNEL we think you might like:
- GODET-EGLI-VINCENT MOTORCYCLE - A Modern Vintage Classic Motorcycle
- CLASSIC CAFE RACER BUILD - NORBSA - Norton Frame / BSA Engine

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// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Nick works with David Tucker at DTR Performance for his custom aluminium parts.
Phone: [phone]
- The Guzzi's exhaust was ceramic coated by Performance 1 Coatings.
- Michael Jershov for his beautiful studio shots of Nick's motorcycle at The Bike Shed.
- Lee Marshal for his excellent track day shots of Nick at Brands Hatch.
MSV Photography and Palmersport

// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.

This video was produced by The Classic Motorcycle Channel and Talk To Camera.

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[philwhitelaw]

Half an hour of my life well spent. A beautiful creation Nick, you have a real head turner there.

[hoozleup]

Beautiful bike, and I could listen to this guy talk about bikes all day. Well done.

[johnyoung]

Cracking looking bike. Takes me back 40 odd years to my build days.
Stil a biker at 73 , got a thunderbird.

[allsearpw]

AN AMAZING BIKE, The attention to detail taken is a credit to you . A long time a go a chap I knew, said he use to Jenolite all metal cycle parts a good coat of red oxide and 3 coats of Valspar enamel paint or Humbrol and then polish it with Braso metal polish and wax polish . When it must been 30 years later I saw him at a small classic show with 2 of his bikes and I asked and how many times have to painted those, he replied never . Keep in up and enjoy your ride .

[harrykuntz]

What a cool bloke Nick is he really should have his own motorcycle show on the telly and I'm absolutely sure everyone will agree with me . Most enjoyable video about bikes I have seen bar none . The fact that I love Guzzi and cafe racers don't matter . It's the passion the dream realized the attention to detail and the sound advice given to anyone thinking of starting a project themselves .

[billmoss]

Excellent example of a Cafe racer great look and great sound congratulations

[rongeernaert]

Nice Cafe racer project with special tech work, and my tyres are Bridgestone Batlax

[johnnybubbaad]

Beautifully built bike and a very informative and interesting presentation...Thanks.

[Deetroiter]

Outstanding video! Shot well, informative without being boring, and fantastic owner who is passionate about his Guzzi

[DutchVanHelsing]

I like the black wheels too...what a cutie..

[PaulLambert]

Fantastic! - just started the rebuild on my 1973 Guzzi cafe racer - this is full of inspiration!

[victorwilliamson]

What a pleasure to see this video. A nice chap, easy to listen to and good at continuity of speech. After my life on Velo's I had a Lemans Mk II also, I had to sell it eventually to get on the family wagon. I used to wring its neck at times, which is one of the reasons I decided to make major changes and sell it, I'm 74 now, seeing and hearing this tasty Guzzi has been a pleasure.

[jonathanward]

Great job, tastefully done and expertly presented by your relaxed delivery. Very enjoyable and worthwhile. Congratulations.

[davidmacgregor]

I've started doing a similar thing with my 1980 Benelli 900 Sei, I installed a bank of six 22mm Dellorto carbs and a modified six into six Silentium exhaust, Tomaselli clip on bars and Tomaselli q/a throttle. I fitted a Telefix fork brace and modified a pair of Tarozzi rearsets to fit the Benelli that were made for a Guzzi Le Mans Mk II.

[casimiriwaszkiewicz]

Well articulated build of his stunning Moto Cuzzi racer - great advice. Thank you Nick Sharp.

[rhs]

That's a very intelligent build there - well done

[jiltedjohn]

Love the bike, Guzzi's sound like no other. I have a modern one but it still harks back to the era of yours.

[stephanielongden]

I love this channel as it features proper bikers and their bikes. Who doesn't love a Moto Guzzi Le Mans cafe racer. Thanks Nick for showing us your gorgeous Le Mans and sharing lots of useful info. I've adored that shape of tank since the NCR race bikes in the 70's.

[johnnyboy]

What a beauty! I once had a ride to a 80s guzzi le mans, unique character and feel, I can see why they have a keen following 🙂

[colinnuttall]

Hi Nick, Loved watching your video. The Guzzi is a beautiful thing and it was interesting to hear your views on finishes and parts amalgamation. I’m currently rebuilding my 1978 Ducati SD900 Darmah. I’ve had the bike more than 40 years and this is its 4th major rebuild. I do everything myself, except the valve shimming. Early on I made my own wiring loom from scratch and it’s been joyful, very reliable. This will be my last rebuild because at almost 70 years of age, I don’t ride as much as I used to. Also I have a 2013 Harley Davison Heritage Softail Classic 103. I’ve had bikes all my life and I’ve been thinking long and hard about finishes, so your comments were quite helpful. I live in Norther Victoria, Australia, so we have great weather and some long rides available.. Thank you for sharing your story Nick, I’ve always adored Guzzi’s but never quite managed to have one. Might need to work on that one. Cheers, Col.