Description
2023 MIS STOCK
Moto Guzzi CX100
US version of the Mk2 (with larger engine)
Immaculate condition
Superb running condition
UK REGISTERED
This is a very special motorcycle. Immaculately presented and exceedingly rare in the UK - maybe the ONLY ONE in the UK
THE CX100
The original Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans of 1976 was not much more (or less) than an endurance racer with turn signals. The 844cc engine featured filterless, bell-mouth 36mm Dell’Orto carburetors, a 10. 2:1 compression ratio, and a sports exhaust for a claimed 81 horsepower. The Le Mans made little concession to creature comforts, but provided sparkling performance and handling for the sporting rider. It was a critical (and commercial) success in both Europe and North America.
The specification stayed largely the same until 1979, when the story got more complicated. That year, European markets got a MkII 850 Le Mans with similar specification but revised bodywork. The U. S. version, however, got the new 1000SP’s quieter, cleaner and somewhat detuned 949cc engine. Several sources have suggested this was a response to ever tightening noise and emission regulations, but Greg Field’s book Moto Guzzi Big Twins quotes Mike Berliner of U. S. importer Berliner Corporation saying it was simply a response to American dealers’ belief that bigger was better. Thus was born the U. S. market CX100, which was essentially a touring 1000SP Strada with MkII Le Mans bodywork.
The 949cc 90-degree air-cooled, overhead valve, wet sump, V-twin engine was fitted into the same Tonti dual cradle frame as before. Two Dell’Orto 30mm carbs (now with proper air filters) fed the iron-lined alloy cylinders running a 9. 2:1 compression ratio, while a 280-watt alternator at the front of the engine ran the electrics. Power was transferred through the automotive-style twin-disc dry clutch to a 5-speed gearbox with shaft final drive, the final drive casing forming the right side swingarm tube. Three-position preload adjustable shock absorbers located the swingarm to the frame.
Acquired from Mecum auctions in January 2020 this motorcycle appeared to be in good condition and had just 'been fully serviced' . Well that turned out to be nonsense. We uncovered a number of small issues nothing too terrible but still several days work to get right - it's now spot on but still will be fully checked and serviced prior to delivery
