1991 MOTO GUZZI 1000S
THIS BIKE'S STORY
—
The fourth generation of the Le-Mans model was the 1000 (often referred to as the Le Mans IV) which was launched in November 1984 for model year 1985. The signature feature of the new machine is a 949c engine in Le Mans tune.
Compared to the other versions of the square-head, the Le Mans 1000 heads have bigger valves (47mm intake and 40mm exhaust). What this means is the combustion chambers were made larger in diameter and deeper to allow room for the valves. New pistons with a much higher dome and valve pockets were then fitted to raise the compression ratio to 10:1. The camshaft is the B10…from the Le Mans race kit, and stiffer outer valve springs were fitted to accommodate the cam and heavier valves.”
Said Le Mans IV was restyled under the personal guidance of Alessandro de Tomaso and equipped with what Lino Tonti described as “the mode of the moment”, a 16-inch front wheel.
Detractors and enthusiasts of that move were split equally at the time but what cannot be denied is that it meant that the front discs had to be reduced in size. Soon to follow was the Le Mans 1000 SE to celebrate the Guzzi big twin’s 20th (actually its 21st) birthday and then the 1988 Le Mans 1000 (or “unofficial” Mark V), which was revised in 1989 as the nicknamed Le Mans V NT. The last LM left the factory in October 1992.
Back to this 1991 1000 S. Where did it fit? Truth be told it was Guzzi’s “first and only real attempt” to exploit its rich styling heritage — here was a Le Mans 1000 dressed to kill as a 750-S3 (1975). “Old style but freshly minted” components must have sent De Tomaso’s cost accountants crazy! America received only 19 examples in 1991, all with the big valve motor and 18-inch front wheels, yet the 1000 S “was as fast and good-handling as any Guzzi but it was the retro styling that was the real appeal to a whole cadre of Guzzisti who thought that De Tomaso’s stylists had been getting a little carried away in the 1980s.” Richard Attenborough of Australian Motorcycle News wrote, the “1000 S, like the S3, looks bloody glorious!”
“Here we have a unique opportunity to acquire a magnificent two-owner, big-valve 1000 S — fully restored — one of only 19 imported into the United States, and a total production of 1,360.”
1991 MOTO GUZZI 1000S DETAILS
VIN ZGUVVCVV7MM200012
Total production of 1,360 world wide
Only 19 were imported to the US
20,436 miles
One of 19 imported into the USA in 1991
Lino Tonti-frame
Square-head, “Big” vee-twiw
88mm bore x 78mm stroke for 949c.c.
5-speed
Wet clutch
Electric starter
Wire spoke Akront rims
Big valve heads 47mm intake
Tools and books and many of the original, pre-restoration, and other spare, parts.
“A great mix of the best of the old with the best of the new.”
“Bloody glorious, mate.”
PHOTOS BY: JAMES TYLER REED
IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUY, SELL, OR TRADE A SPECIFIC
DUCATI, LAVERDA, MOTO GUZZI, MV AGUSTA FOR SALE
DISCLAIMER
Every single bike I buy and sell, I personally go through—not someone else. I am the owner operator of my small business, and I take what I do very seriously. I work on the bikes, I ride the bikes.
If you are serious about buying a true collector piece from someone who not only has a passion for these bikes, but works on them, rides them, and collects them then call me. Jokingly people say to me, “these bikes don’t seem so rare as there are so many in your shop” well... I consider myself a custodian for these machines, they should go to people who will love, and appreciate them.