Le Mans to Picos

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   Hi folks,
A few mates and I are planning to ride around the Picos next June.  Just in the initial planning stage now, but I've now sold my modern bikes and have a Le Mans II as the likely choice.  The bike is running well at the moment but obviously will have a service and refresh (maybe tyres) before the off.

Anyone else toured on an oldie.  Looking for advice on spares / tools to take.  Be good to hear from anyone who's been around the Picos too.  Especially on a carburetted bike - any need to lean off the mixture in the mountains ?

Cheers  

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guzzigraham Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2017 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 181	Post Options Post Reply Quote guzzigraham Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Le Mans to Picos Posted: 07 Sep 2023 at 09:55
	Hi folks, A few mates and I are planning to ride around the Picos next June. Just in the initial planning stage now, but I've now sold my modern bikes and have a Le Mans II as the likely choice. The bike is running well at the moment but obviously will have a service and refresh (maybe tyres) before the off. Anyone else toured on an oldie. Looking for advice on spares / tools to take. Be good to hear from anyone who's been around the Picos too. Especially on a carburetted bike - any need to lean off the mixture in the mountains ? Cheers
	Project '71 V7 700 - March 2023 Coburn and Hughes Le Mans II - March 2022 to September 2024 Nuovo Falcone - May 2020 to June 2023 1200 2v Sport - 2016 to Feb 2022 T3 California - long gone

Dave P. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2015 Location: Northants Status: Offline Points: 5692	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dave P. Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 2023 at 14:47
	I've been to the Picos several times on old bikes. A 1974 Laverda GTL 750, a 1979 Spada, a 1939 Brough SS80 and a few weeks ago my 1971 V7 Special.I've never found that messing with the carb's was necessary.The passes though quite high are not high enough to cause carburation problems. As for spares, you know your bike better than I do. But for the record I carry a complete set of cables, points, condenser a coil and various bits that aren't applicable to a Le Mans, Dynamo belt for example. A few nuts and bolts, cable ties some wire and terminals. Oh yea, light bulbs. It is a great place to ride if the weather is kind not so good in intense rain. Look out when riding small roads at altitude for free roaming cattle who seem to like tarmac better than grass ??? And, Goat/Sheep dogs. These are large Mastiff guard dogs that protect the herds and will see you as a predator. They like to chase bikes !! I've never met one whilst on foot I'm pleased to say. I hope you have a good safe trip, enjoy !!!!!
	TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST. 1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT. 1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.

Graham FR Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Falcone Joined: 25 Jun 2018 Location: Sarthe France Status: Offline Points: 61	Post Options Post Reply Quote Graham FR Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 2023 at 15:26
	Done the Picos a few times on older bikes and agree with everything Dave has said - especially his last paragraph If you are looking at accommodation this place is quite nice and biker friendly https://www.hotelinfantado.com/EN/home.html Edited by Graham FR - 07 Sep 2023 at 15:40

guzzigraham Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2017 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 181	Post Options Post Reply Quote guzzigraham Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Sep 2023 at 08:20
	Thanks for getting back to me Dave and Graham. Good to know the carb experience Dave, and great see a Brough properly out and about . How was a long ride on your V7... I am just about to get mine on the road since buying earlier this year. Can't wait to take it for a few longer spins as I think it'll be a really nice relaxed tourer. Spares advice really good, I was pondering things like a spare coil, but not really sure. Will definitely take one now, especially as I used to have an old Z1000 that seemed to eat them regularly. Thanks for the Hotel advice Graham - funnily enough my mate organising our trip has just booked us in there so glad to hear it comes recommended. Not going until June next year - but really looking forwards to it
	Project '71 V7 700 - March 2023 Coburn and Hughes Le Mans II - March 2022 to September 2024 Nuovo Falcone - May 2020 to June 2023 1200 2v Sport - 2016 to Feb 2022 T3 California - long gone

Glawster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Sep 2015 Location: Cheltenham Status: Offline Points: 913	Post Options Post Reply Quote Glawster Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Sep 2023 at 08:48
	Dave, in your spares list you neglected to mention carrying a pair of dynamo bearings - although I suppose you omitted those as a Le Mans wont need them . Great photos of the Brough! Regarding the Picos sheep dog, we came across this one high in the mountains when we were out hiking. He just blanked us, which was probably just as well. 20935029_10211403644260918_6551771622846045723_o by Derek Wardell, on Flickr
	1970 Guzzi V7 Ambassador 1955 Guzzi Falcone Sport 2021 BMW R1250R 1998 Cagiva Gran Canyon

guzzigraham Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2017 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 181	Post Options Post Reply Quote guzzigraham Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 2023 at 09:56
	Glawster You did a fine 'field mechanic' job with the dynamo bearings. I was very impressed following your posts. Hoping I won't be in a similar pickle with something as challenging on my Le Mans trip. You never can tell . My V7 is just in the process of getting registered and I'm speaking to Greg Bender on his highly recommended wiring harness. Looking forwards to taking it on some journey's out and about.
	Project '71 V7 700 - March 2023 Coburn and Hughes Le Mans II - March 2022 to September 2024 Nuovo Falcone - May 2020 to June 2023 1200 2v Sport - 2016 to Feb 2022 T3 California - long gone

Dave P. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2015 Location: Northants Status: Offline Points: 5692	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dave P. Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 2023 at 14:10
	Guzzigraham, you asked "How was a long ride on your V7?" Well, apart from the Dynamo inconvenience it was great. It is I believe, one of the very best touring bikes of its day. Make sure your front brake is correctly set up and obtain a heavy duty cable, it makes the world of difference. I avoid motorways and as far as possible major N roads in France and Spain.I just take my time and enjoy the scenery.
	TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST. 1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT. 1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.