The history of Moto Guzzi cannot be understood without putting the acronyms at the main focus of the conversation. Le Mans 1000. Because if we talk about iconic motorcycles, even more so if it is within the Italian firm, this is possibly one of those that would rise to a hypothetical podium of iconicity. In short, a true Old School of “rancid lineage” loaded with details that only serve to emphasize the philosophy of the Mandello del Lario firm.
This same idea was being considered by Moe, the specialist’s visible head. Sheriff Motorcycles based in the United Arab Emirates. Curiously, this 1984 Le Mans 1000 that he has ended up preparing to his liking comes from a Spanish team that used it for years to participate in different endurance sports events.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 by Sheriff Motorcycles: Brand love
As the creator and owner of this preparation explains to his colleagues at Return of The Cafe Racers: “This bike was a personal project driven by my admiration for previous generation Guzzis. Its incredible character always made me wonder what I could create if I ever had the chance to design one.”
When the Le Mans 1000 arrived at Sheriff Motorcycles “The bike didn’t have electronics when we bought it”explains Moe. “It didn’t have an alternator because they removed everything to reduce weight. When we received the bike, we had to design it and at the same time completely convert it to make it street legal.”. This is why a complete electrical installation had to be ordered, as well as a new alternator and voltage regulator.
After acquiring this model, it took him six months to complete the entire project. In Moe’s words, the biggest challenge in this customization was to create a design that would leave the classic reminiscences of the model latent. For him, the work carried out by Moto Guzzi with the Le Mans 1000 is superb.
On the other hand, he wanted to give it an image that combined aggressiveness and elegance, but without having to resort to black for this. Moe explains that: “Aggressive motorcycles are typically painted black with minimal color details. However, with this bike, we wanted to break the mold. We challenged ourselves to create a design that exudes power without relying on black, going for a striking and beautiful look.”
Once the work clothes were on, Moe and his team installed a new front fairing and attached an LED headlight to the front of it. A Motogadget speedometer and switchgear were also fitted. Tommaselli clip-on handlebars are responsible for giving it that racing look along with other details such as the CNC rearview mirrors.
At the rear, the subframe has been modified and a single-seat tail has been added, topped by a brown upholstered seat, matching the handlebars, and diamond-stitching. The radial wheels, together with countless polished metal parts, give the whole thing a very elegant look. To top it off, the Moto Guzzi green colour scheme and some gold details that nuance the stylised silhouette of the bike. Le Mans 1000.
Regarding the status of this gem that has just turned 40 years old, Moe explains: “Everything about this bike screams racing. Equipped with 44mm racing carburettors designed for high-speed endurance racing, it embodies the essence of a true racing machine. When you ride it, the raw, untamed nature of the bike surprises you – it just wants to fly. Its handling is reminiscent of a 250 GP bike and offers a thrilling experience.”
