Page 1  /  Page 2  /  Page 3

Getting serious on the Le Mans in the tighter twisties of my local area requires a little extra thought and planning though, as it is most definitely not a 600cc Supersport. Ride accordingly, set up for the corners early and avoid any throttle inputs that will upset the shaft drive, and you can make some pretty rapid time.

The Guzzi steers very well for a bike of its size and weight, quickly inspiring confidence. The Bridgestone BT020’s are not the stickiest tires in the world, but complement the more deliberate handling qualities of the Le Mans and I rarely got over their limits. Rolling on Brembo spoke alloy wheels; the front tyre is a modern 120/70-17, while a nice wide 180/55-17 lives out back.

Checking some other stats I noticed that the bike has a 1,490mm wheelbase, which would explain the freight train stability the Guzzi exhibits in high-speed sweepers, and it’s reluctance to flick quickly side to side in the slow stuff. The seat height is 800mm from terra firma. This gives a feeling of sitting in, not on the bike once you are under way, and allied to the good-sized fairing helps keep the rider very comfortable on a long journey.

My last ride on the big Guzzi was back to Woodstock from my home in Sylva, North Carolina, and what an awesome ride it was. Spring has hit and the dogwoods are in bloom, punctuating all the new, growth that is adorning the trees. There are still some bare trees up high, but at road level the colours against the cloudless blue sky were outstanding.

The Le Mans must have been enjoying the view also, ‘cause she was flying. I rolled west on US 74 with the speedometer needle solidly between the 80-90mph mark. With no tourists here yet and everyone else at work, the road was near deserted as I kept my eyes peeled for the local ticket givers. Thankfully none, and forty minutes into my ride I entered the Nantahala Gorge. Snicking down a couple of gears, I carved the twisting ribbon of road, snatching glimpses of the sparkling river and passing the odd early-season rafting truck.

The bike was in its element and the ride south just kept getting better. I pushed the bike through the turns, accelerated hard onto the straights and had one of the most enjoyable motorcycles rides I have had in a long while. It was as if the clock had gone back 20 years and I was running the Totnes to Newton Abbott road in southern England; The similarity in the landscape and the familiarity of the big V-twin beneath me provided a wonderful sense of déjà vu. If only everyday could be so fine.