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Le Mans IV 1985 is the 16' front wheel really an issue?

thierry roullier

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Jan 1, 2019
Messages
38
Location
Paris IL
I have read a lot about this and so far at highway speed in one short ride my new to me Le Mans bike has not shown any instability.

Is this front wheel size really an issue? I read an article stating that if one increases tire pressure and increases torque on column bearing it is not a problem. I can do the tire pressure increase and I am not a racer so should I even worry?

Sorry if this issue has been beaten to death already.
 
More a perceived problem than an actual one in my opinion. Many were changed over to an 18 inch front wheel, but when you do that the fork tubes need to be raised like you see on the MK V LeMans. The only real problem I see with the 16 inch front wheel is tire availability, but it is also becoming a problem with the 18 inch size tires.
 
Back when the Le Mans 1000 came out, one of the major US magazines did a test and found no issues. On a sidebar of that test were recommendations by Dr. John Wittner. Basically they were: raise the fork tubes 22 mm, run maximum pressure in the dampers (the pressure firmed up the damping, not springing) and run tire pressures on the higher side. I was running a Metzeler ME33 Lazer (Sport compound) front and an ME88 rear at 40 front and 42 rear (this from memory of 33 years ago). I do remember that as the front tire wore, handling deteriorated, so I was replacing the front quite regularly.

Great bike, one that I wish I'd never sold. Fortunately, a few of my customers have them, so I get to relive my 20s on occasion. ;)
 
Thank you Gentlemen. Due to weather conditions in Chicago I will not be riding today but appreciate your help. Riding too long in the midwest will make tire go square.Hopefully I can apply some of the knowledge from my BMW r90/6 to take care of this new baby.
 
To reinforce what John and Charlie said, I had use of one for a few months and found it to be the sweetest handling Tonti I had ever ridden. It is not that a big deal to convert it to 18" - or for that matter to fit a modern Japanese front end.

I think the issue is finding the right tire combination - and I have no recommendations to give you there having never owned one.

Hopefully someone will chime in with some info...
 
Thank you for all of these perspectives.As a result, I am new to Guzzi's and I will try the 16' wheel this season with an open mind. I am more of a purist so I will not change the front end. I was asking because I am not a big fan of unstable bikes. It the bike becomes unstable at 150 km/h + it is less of an issue than if it is at lower speeds because I will not ride that fast. Will report back as the weather becomes more clement!
 
My own opinion -owned LMIV 16" since -90 ; Metzeler laser is best handling front tire , I use 2.7bar pressure. Install good quality steering damper and lower forks a bit (10-15mm) then it`s great bike to ride.

-KG-
 
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