MOTO GUZZI 850 Le Mans Mark 2 (1978-1982) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Moto Guzzi Le Mans was a sports bike produced by Moto Guzzi from 1976 as a replacement model for the Moto Guzzi 750 S3. It was made until 1992 when it was replaced by the Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport.

The motorcycle had the same name as the racing motorcycle that competed in the 24-hour motorcycle endurance race at Le Mans in France. This designation was first used on the 850 prototype, based on the V7 model, presented at Premio Varrone in late 1972.

In 1978, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark 2, a sports motorcycle similar to the Mark 1 but with several visual and technical modifications.

Instead of the Mark 1 bikini fairing, the Mark 2 received a larger three-part full fairing with integrated turn signals. The bike's new fairing was tested in Moto Guzzi's wind tunnel, which was used to test racing motorcycles in the 1950s.

Some other changes included the front fork, wider yokes, a revised instrument cluster based on the one used by the 1000cc SP model, and linked brakes. The seat was identical to the Le Mans and could comfortably fit a passenger.

In the performance department, the 1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mark 2 had installed an 844cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 81 hp at 6,700 rpm and 79 Nm (58 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.