1975 Motobecane Le Champion (silver lilac) Finally Finished!
04-22-19, 09:40 AM
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1975 Motobecane Le Champion (silver lilac) Finally Finished!
What started as a pretty sweaty '75 Motobecane Le Champion (not ridden in over a decade) has turned into one of my favorite bikes. I sourced an entire new cockpit including correct Philippe stem and bars, and Campagnolo brake levers. With the help of many BF members and my local LBS I acquired a Campagnolo seat binder bolt, top tube cable clamps, and a new Motobecane headtube decal. Trued the rear wheel and put on a new chain. The rest is as I found it with the exception of a good detailing.
Big thanks to @Chombi1 - for his help identifing the correct Philippe bars for a '75 Le Champion and to @rootboy for the brake levers, hoods, stem and decal help!
BEFORE PICTURE -
AFTER PICTURES -
Big thanks to @Chombi1 - for his help identifing the correct Philippe bars for a '75 Le Champion and to @rootboy for the brake levers, hoods, stem and decal help!
BEFORE PICTURE -
AFTER PICTURES -
Last edited by rideandgoseek; 04-22-19 at 09:53 AM.
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04-22-19, 09:41 AM
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MORE PICS FROM MY FIRST 2 RIDES THIS WEEKEND
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04-22-19, 11:30 AM
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A very attractive colour to be sure. Very good job, and a beautiful bike. I’m sure it’s as smooth as can be. Cheers.
04-22-19, 11:40 AM
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Zip tie Karen
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Lovely 
04-22-19, 12:20 PM
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Very nice!!! 
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04-22-19, 12:37 PM
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Not sure I have ever seen one in person, Grand Touring I have, Grand Jublilee I have seen and just one time I came across a Grand Record but never a Le Champion. Nice Score OP
04-22-19, 03:29 PM
#8
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Fantastic job.
Those tires look to be at the end of their life. Get some fresh rubber on there and I bet it'll ride even better (and be safer!).
Those tires look to be at the end of their life. Get some fresh rubber on there and I bet it'll ride even better (and be safer!).
04-22-19, 04:54 PM
#9
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Classy looking bike. Love that color.
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04-23-19, 08:11 AM
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Beauty super all around classic. Thanks for presenting.
For being a relatively volume production yet very high quality model back when, it would be interesting to learn how many were produced. Impressive for French, and comparing to Peugeot, the Motobecane premium models are my pick. They had wide distribution and in some markets, were priced under competitive premium tier bikes.
Found a close match paint code Ditzler - PPG number 73024. Tricky color, not exact but similar to Audi 1987 called 'taupe'.
For being a relatively volume production yet very high quality model back when, it would be interesting to learn how many were produced. Impressive for French, and comparing to Peugeot, the Motobecane premium models are my pick. They had wide distribution and in some markets, were priced under competitive premium tier bikes.
Found a close match paint code Ditzler - PPG number 73024. Tricky color, not exact but similar to Audi 1987 called 'taupe'.
04-23-19, 11:37 AM
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You're right. I'm thinking they could probably last one more season of riding but I'll probably swap them out at some point here. Anybody have a favorite 28mm clincher? I really like the Continental Grand Prix Classic but I think 25mm is as big as they come.
04-23-19, 12:04 PM
#13
Cyclist
Amazing what a difference the correct cockpit makes. Makes the bike look 100% better! Beautiful restoration.
As far as tires, hard to go wrong with the Vittoria Corsa G+
As far as tires, hard to go wrong with the Vittoria Corsa G+
04-24-19, 02:52 AM
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That's a beautiful machine...!
They don't make 'em like they used to....
Nice color...
I'm jealous..
They don't make 'em like they used to....
Nice color...
I'm jealous..
04-24-19, 05:20 AM
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This looks fantastic, thanks for sharing.
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04-25-19, 10:58 AM
#17
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04-26-19, 07:36 AM
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This is a mighty good looking bike!
04-26-19, 02:37 PM
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Hey Matt, I've seen that bike somewhere. I still can't beleive the condition of that frame. It really shines. Ride on. KB
05-24-19, 01:56 PM
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05-24-19, 03:02 PM
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Cool bike and cool color. I need to get my '73 Motobecane Grand Record fixed up and on the road!
05-24-19, 08:53 PM
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02-05-20, 02:44 PM
#24
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Such a great bike and color and a fine condition!
Happen to be on my recent purchased C5 too, would you maybe have a reference of the color code or color name? I've been looking for references for clearing out some of my rusted areas and do some paint work to seal these spots. Does anyone know if the silver metallic lilac they used for the us market was different than the one they used for the European market? Mine looks more champagne than lilac, well could be a thing of opinion I guess.
Been to a paint shop today to compare some color cards, hardly any of these fit the color 90%-100%.
I know this is a far fetch for an old thread but hopefully you fellows are still checking in on this one!
Thanks!
I do have a picture of a catalogue from Germany with the color code ( LR 28 ) but can't post it yet.
Happen to be on my recent purchased C5 too, would you maybe have a reference of the color code or color name? I've been looking for references for clearing out some of my rusted areas and do some paint work to seal these spots. Does anyone know if the silver metallic lilac they used for the us market was different than the one they used for the European market? Mine looks more champagne than lilac, well could be a thing of opinion I guess.
Been to a paint shop today to compare some color cards, hardly any of these fit the color 90%-100%.
I know this is a far fetch for an old thread but hopefully you fellows are still checking in on this one!
Thanks!
I do have a picture of a catalogue from Germany with the color code ( LR 28 ) but can't post it yet.
Last edited by youcallmetube; 02-05-20 at 03:04 PM.
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02-05-20, 06:38 PM
#25
PM me your cotters
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I never get mad at this thread being bumped. That's one of my favorite colors, although the paint seems to fade with time and excessive sun.
Too bad the two samples here are one size too large and one size too small for me.
Too bad the two samples here are one size too large and one size too small for me.
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