I wasn't really looking for another cafe racer project, but Moto Guzzi don't oten crop up and this one looked perfect for such a custom motorcycle build. It was pretty scruffy all round, not in great shape. The engine had been bored out to 950cc, that beautiful V tiwn. It ran, just about, so that was an advantage.
WATCH IT ALL UNFOLD / UNRAVEL ON YOU TUBE
Initially I set to on replacing some of the old electrics with more modern LED units. Having decided to keep the original gauges, mainly because they are just so cool, with a distinct European feel and beautiful design. I replaced all the old warning light bulbs with LED units which were altogether a better idea.
Next I turned my attention to fitting custom pegs, shortening the gear lever and brake pedal accordingly, as well as removing the xhaust system to build a custom version using the basic down pipes and H piece, but with no baffles, simply short tail pieces to complete the look. I had tested the bike without the baffles and the noise levels were perfectly acceptable.
The engine block and ancillaries needed serious refubishment, all new oil and fuel lines as well as everything needing a fresh coat of paint, with some nice details like the red bolt heads.
I had decided on a metallic white paint scheme for the bike, using a gloss white base with candy metallic metal flake dusted over the top and sealed with 2K clearcoat. This was my own "mix" and it took a few trials before getting it just right.I sourced a custom fuel tank from India, which fitted well although a little tight on clearance with the petcocks. It was beautifully made and replicated the Moto Guzzi Le Mans style tank. The custom seat came from a manufacturer in California, which I found on ebay. A little different from most and I found some nice clear lens LED tail lights which I was able to fit nicely by driling two large holes in the panel and moutning them behind the body rather than flush mounted. Alogether a better solution.
Rather than the usual gloss black frame, which would have been easier, I decided to be brave and paint the frame red as I felt this bike was crying out for it. Without removing the motor, with a lot of intricate masking, I managed to paint the frame this very striking red.
I cleaned up the front end, painting the forks the same whiet as the rest of the bike, with red highlights, red highlight on the brake caliper and the brake disc completed the look. Ideveloped my own graphic for the bike which I used on the forks, and fuel tank, denotin ghte 950cc rebore aspect.
Sadly, having put everything back together the bike would not start, no spark! Investigation found that the points were completety shot and a new set of points, condensor cured the problem.
I also added a bikini style handlebar fairing, again rather like the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. The handlebars themselves came from my Triumph Speed Triple. I simply turned the bars upside down to give a drop bar effect, saving the complication of fitting after market clip ons. This is a neat trick and often works.
