If there’s one development we’d like to see extra of this yr, it’s engineered simplicity. We’re suckers for ultra-clean {custom} bikes that match timeless aesthetics to fashionable efficiency. It’s an artwork kind that Filippo Barbacane is nicely versed in—as evidenced by this tastefully modded Moto Guzzi California.
Filippo runs Officine Rossopuro on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Though the workshop doesn’t solely work on Moto Guzzi restomods, the Italian V-twins do kind the majority of their output. So Filippo is aware of Moto Guzzi’s again catalog nicely—and, like every good Guzzista, the person has his favorites.
“The thought got here from the will to create a sports activities cruiser based mostly on a Moto Guzzi,” he says of this venture. “The California was born as a cruiser, but it surely has all the time amazed me due to its rideability in comparison with different cruisers. Its body was derived from a racing bike, in spite of everything.”
“I wished to push this idea additional, however nonetheless preserve one thing of a cruiser look and never a café racer, or anything. The California’s chassis and rideability are legendary, so the concept of enhancing this bike, each when it comes to its engine and its chassis, had been on my thoughts for some time.”
Officine Rossopuro began with a 2005-model Moto Guzzi California 1100, which was promptly stripped all the way down to its nuts and bolts. Filippo cleaned up the body—however didn’t hack or modify it in any vital method. “As a result of the California body is derived from a Tonti design, it’s already very minimal,” he explains.
The California’s engine wasn’t as fortunate. Filippo yanked it out, changing it with the 95-horsepower powerplant from a Breva 1100. It breathes simple by way of a custom-made airbox, and sports activities twin-spark heads, an upgraded ECU, and drag exhausts from MASS.
With extra energy on faucet, Filippo turned to bettering the California’s suspension and brakes. The upside-down forks are Marzocchi models, upgraded with Öhlins and Andreani components. They’re held in place by a set of custom-made yokes, with the entire entrance finish designed to enhance the bike’s trip top whereas sustaining the unique wheelbase.
Twin Brembo radial calipers add further stopping energy to the entrance, with a dual-piston Brembo caliper fitted out again. Filippo additionally specced the California with new tubeless spoked wheels, measuring 18” on the entrance and 17” on the again, and sensible Bridgestone Battlax tires. The adjustable piggyback shocks are from Bitubo.
All the Moto Guzzi’s bodywork is new, from the headlight nacelle and entrance fender, to the tapered gas tank, stomach spoiler, facet covers, and load-bearing rear fender. “That is essentially the most inventive and most enjoyable half for me—the creation of the aluminum bodywork, all made by hand in keeping with conventional steel shaping methods, with out molds or anything,” he says. “The fantastic thing about working alone within the workshop is that it permits you to create with out constraints or limits, with out anybody intervening on the venture.”
“I all the time and solely make distinctive items, so I examine every particular person venture to measure, by no means repeating something—even on request. In any case, the very idea of customizing, of personalizing the bike, would lose its that means. Each buyer should have a singular piece on this planet, in any other case, they might simply purchase a less expensive manufacturing bike.”
Filippo’s ardour is evident within the myriad particulars scattered all through the California. There’s a transparent natural line flowing over the tank and seat, whereas the bone line beneath is completely degree. The entrance of the seat tucks neatly right into a recess within the gas tank, and the rear fender options an built-in housing for the taillight.
Just like the bodywork, the California’s ending package is all bespoke. The foot controls, dashboard assist, engine protectors, and handlebar risers have been all CNC machined particularly for this venture.
With a watch on reliability and serviceability, Filippo labored his method by {the electrical} system too, trimming it all the way down to the naked necessities. He additionally fitted a full set of LED lights, and an Acewell speedo that features the common dummy lights plus a gas degree sensor. Slim and tall LSL handlebars add a touch of cruiser styling to this tidy retro commonplace.
Resplendent in a classy pink, silver, and black livery, Filippo’s inch-perfect Moto Guzzi California epitomizes the concept of kind and performance present in excellent concord. Extra of this, please.
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