Moto Guzzi Cafe Racers

Moto Guzzi is the "oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production". As they near their 100th anniversary Moto Guzzi shows no signs of slowing down. From their factory in Mandello del Lario, the Italian manufacturer continues to hand build their motorcycles. In 1950 Guzzi was the first motorcycle manufacturer to build a wind tunnel at their facility, giving them a distinct advantage over other manufacturers. The tunnel allowed Guzzi to design motorcycles that were superior race machines while also optimizing the performance of their consumer offering. Recognised by their longitudinal v-twin engine configuration and bulletproof shaft drive the Moto Guzzi brand has a loyal global following. As a platform for a cafe racer build nothing compares to a stripped down Moto Guzzi that's ready to be raced.

Bucking Trends – Vagabund Moto Guzzi V7 III

No one that thinks of themself as creative likes to be pigeonholed. It’s fine to be recognised by your unique style and flair, but the last thing you want is to be considered a one-trick pony. Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl of Austria’s Vagabund Moto are well aware this is the danger…

Thoroughbred Italian – Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

About three years ago I was visiting my friend Joel at his shop, Custom Bike Electrics in Willeton, Western Australia. Joel was hunched over a sickly Harris Kawasaki Magnum while talking to its owner. Naturally, I took the chance to have a good stickybeak around the shop. A low, lean Moto Guzzi…

Moto Guzzi

Pragmatic Motorcycling – Officine Rossopuro T3 850

When it comes to the Moto Guzzi brand there are a handful of custom builders we’d consider experts on the subject. Amongst them is Filippo Barbacane, the man behind Officine Rossopuro. Filippo has 25 years of Moto Guzzi experience under his belt. So it’s fair to say there aren’t many who know…

Moto Guzzi

Destined to Guzzi – Marcin’s T3 Cafe Racer

If you don’t get Moto Guzzis or you don’t like their looks that’s ok; Guzzis are not a flash-in-the-pan affair. It’s more of a slow burn that like all good things, takes time to develop. Not only am I a long-time Moto Guzzi fan, but I also find the Moto Guzzi T3…

Moto Guzzi

Third Time’s a Charm – Kaffemaschine Le Mans 3

If you call yourself a Moto Guzzi fan then you’ll be well aware of the work of Kaffemaschine’s Axel Budde. With a background in precision driving for film and TV, Axel takes the performance of his motorcycles very seriously. So as you’d expect there’s no room for excess on his builds. That…

Moto Guzzi

Aquila Nera – Le Mans 1000 Cafe Racer

I want a Moto Guzzi. I love the simple frames, huge engines and shaft driven rear wheel. The absence of a chain, cables, rods and wires pleases my eyes. To me, a Moto Guzzi makes the perfect minimalist café racer and time and time again custom builders prove my point. Side Rock…

Moto Guzzi

Royal Dozen – Moto Guzzi Le Mans cafe racer

When a customer brought his ’76 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 to Czech workshop ‘Gas & Oil Motorcycles’ they were honoured to have the opportunity to work on such an iconic Italian marque. The aptly named ’12 Royal’ is the twelfth build from O&G workshop and they described the experience as a…

Moto Guzzi

Matteucci Garage V35 SUNRISE

The V35 was never designed to be one of the Moto Guzzi’s top performers. The reason it was built was to qualify for a low-cost license and tax category rather than breaking any new ground. With a capacity of only 346cc, it was a city bike ideal for commuters. It used an…

Moto Guzzi

Ciao Bella – Rua Machines Moto Guzzi Nevada

Published in collaboration with Spanish magazine ‘Revival of the Machine’ From Portugal comes this Moto Guzzi seventies-inspired transformation. Rua Machines is one of the most important builders in our neighboring country. They have developed a distinct style and amassed a portfolio dominated by classic Japanese motorcycles. For this build, we find Rua…

Moto Guzzi

The Phoenix – South Garage Guzzi Bellagio

This story first appeared in Spanish magazine ‘Revival of the Machine’ When Mandello del Lario set out to build a muscle bike in 2010 they got the dynamics right, but the styling failed to follow suit. As such the Moto Guzzi Bellagio passed through the market without making so much as a…

Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer Ride Review

After being away from home for the last half of 2017 and without a motorcycle I was chuffed when Moto Guzzi Australia offered up one of their latest models for me to review. It’s been a while since I’d been in the saddle of a Moto Guzzi. My last MG test bike…