Give me one good reason why I should (or shouldn't) buy a V11 Le Mans?

[Oxfo-Moto]

On 8/15/2025 at 12:51 AM, docc said:

@Oxfo-Moto,

I would be curious about the tenth digit of the VIN (year of manufacture). It will not likely be a "6."

As to "particular things to pay attention to " before buying:

1) That you already love the bike and some blindness is acceptable from the start.

2) No history or signs of a crash.

3) No history of running out of oil/ significant engine repairs. Is there a written service history?

4) Assess the charging system. Put a voltmeter on the battery: key on/ idle/ at some rpm (13.8 -14.2). Look at the battery type/ age/ terminals and general wiring status. Is there an added ground strap to from the regulator to the engine?

5) Under the seat: are there signs of monkey business? (added wiring, shoddy changes, "something" plugged-up between the ECU and the harness). What sort of relays are installed (original, quality replacements, shoddy replacements, mixed bag?)

6) Original, working speedometer/ odometer and tachometer.

7) Presence of factory yellow "witness" paint dabs on all of the tuning screws (TPS etc.)

8) Tire condition and date codes

9) Starts, idles, runs, and rides.

10) That you already love the bike and some blindness is acceptable from the start.   

Ok. Many thanks for your input docc. In response:

1. That is a given

2. It was an insurance write off

3. Roger that 

4. Ditto

5. Thanks

6. Apparently on its 3rd Speedo

7.  Will check

8. Natch 

9. Tbc

10. Yes indeed. 

Viewing this week hopefully.

[Scud]

Sometimes insurance write-offs can make a nice vehicle more affordable, especially if damage was cosmetic and rare parts (as you would have on the Nero Corsa) were unavailable. 

FWIW - my Nero is on it's 3rd speedometer. The original MPH one was replaced with a KPH one when she went to Canada for a while. Then I installed a Speedhut GPS tach and speedo in MPH, which is kind of a PITA, but so pretty once completed.

[Oxfo-Moto]

I'm fairly relaxed about the insurance write off as long as the bike rides right and has no obvious crash damage. 

I'd be surprised if I do more than 2000 miles a year on this bike. But I'm sure I'll feel a $1 million for every one of those miles riding such a beautiful (and rare) machine.

The only thing stopping me from buying it will be the ergonomics.

 

Edited August 18 by Oxfo-Moto
Forgot something