Motorcycle specifications Moto-Guzzi 850 Le Mans II 1978 Makeover

We often marvel at the ability of Japanese manufacturers to keep their sports bike range at the highest level by renewing their flagship models every 2 years. But if Moto Guzzi has a traditionalist image today, its Le Mans family has also often been entitled to its share of updates... and at a rate as high as the Japanese hypersports of the 21st century.

after 2 years on the market, the 850 Le Mans is evolving for the first time. However, it's more of a cosmetic update than a real revolution.

in order to stay in the race, the Mandello del Lario-based company gave in to the sirens of fashion. BMW, Moto Guzzi's designated competitor, has for some time been marketing a model that appeals greatly to sportbikers: The R100RS. This bike wins hearts largely thanks to its full fairing.

to keep up with the times, the Le Mans will also have its own fairing. However, it will be less integral than that of the BMW. In fact, it consists of a much wider fork head than on the first model, and a pair of side panels with a rather tortured design to allow the pair of air-cooled cylinders to pass through.

far from being an aesthetic unanimity-pleaser, this fairing provides real protection and gives the Le Mans II even greater road-holding capabilities.

the update also gives the newcomer a brand-new fork, brake calipers that pass behind the fork arms and, above all, a dashboard worthy of Citroën's heyday (or, as the case may be, Star Trek). For the rest, it's the same base as its big sister.

Tanthallas - Photos: Internet & manufacturer