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.

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…

Top 10 Cafe Racers of 2017

2017 was a great year. The custom motorcycle scene has continued to produce some truly incredible builds and we were honoured to feature many of them here on Return of the Cafe Racers. So this year we’ve pulled together this Top 10 Cafe Racers of 2017 list. Top 10 lists have never…

Moto Vitalis – Officine Rossopuro Lemans 850

Vitalis is a Latin word meaning “necessary” or “vital”, in short. A thing which you can not live without. This is what the motorcycle means to me. To me, a motorcycle is not merely an object. It is able to communicate emotions, to make me feel joy, pain, anxiety and fear. I…

Moto Guzzi

The Nautilus – Moto Guzzi 850 T5

Jules Verne described Captain Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus, as “a masterpiece containing masterpieces”. It was a machine unlike any other, decades ahead of its time and awe-inspiring to those who witnessed it. Lino Tonti had probably hoped for a similar reaction to his Moto Guzzi 850 T when it was revealed to…

Moto Guzzi

Vertigo – Vibrazioni Moto Guzzi Audace

For the second year in a row, Moto Guzzi Italia is hosting their ‘Lord of the Bikes’ series. The series sees a handful of Italy’s top custom motorcycle builders to go head to head in an elimination-style build off using motorcycles from the Moto Guzzi range. It’s a competition that welcomes imaginative thinking…

Twisted Twin – Stile Italiano Moto Guzzi 950

Launched in 1999 Italian workshop ‘Stile Italiano’ specialise in the sale of high-end classic, collectable and exotic motorcycles, but behind the doors of their exclusive workshop, they have another agenda, building jaw-dropping cafe racers. Stile Italiano founder Gianluca Tiepolo and his small team of skilled builders aren’t a custom workshop for hire though.…

Moto Guzzi