Guzzi Cafe Racer Project

[gentlemanjim]

Here's some inspiration:

[Kentktk]

I know you 'mericans can't deal with it, because it is lacking pearl colors and chrome.

 ;D

if you can't see anything attractive in this outstanding and great full custom motorcycle,
that inspired many a people around the world, it is maybe because you just don't want to.

I think your craftsmanship is quite good. But in the looks department it is lacking. I always thought a machine engineered and built with German expertise but styled with Italian flair would be outstanding. By the way Stereotyping " "mericans" is no more appreciated than doing the same to Germans.

[simaster]

I thought this one was worth checking out:
http://www.bikeexif.com/moto-guzzi-le-mans-custom

[skippy]

I thought this one was worth checking out:
http://www.bikeexif.com/moto-guzzi-le-mans-custom

I am reminded of the time I spent working in a Guzzi shop, years ago before my career as a millwright. I was doing a tuneup and jet change on a V11 Daytona with a Dyno run. I was astride the bike on the Dyno and the guys in the shop were giving me grief because she only pulled about 90 HP. (The shop was a Suzuki/Yamaha Dealership with a few Guzzis, I was the only "Guzzi" Tech), anyway, feeling a little bit disheveled I proceeded to explain to the other shop guys that I didn't give a flying f@#$ about the power of their bikes, 'this is a sex machine', I said. 'Just look at it'. Well the owners wife just happened to be strolling through the shop at that moment and I felt bad for using such crass language in front of a lady and all. But the point is, some bikes 'got it' and some bikes don't. I can't wait to see what comes out of this because the inspiration and canvas are great.
Skippy    

[gentlemanjim]

No matter how you cut the deck Guzzi's are way cool and they make the very sweetest sexiest Cafe's.  Kind like a muscle car with the big V twin hanging out there for the world to see.  Just blip the throttle and feel the torque, no other V or verical twin or multi can match that.

[charlie b]

I know you 'mericans can't deal with it, because it is lacking pearl colors and chrome.

 ;D

if you can't see anything attractive in this outstanding and great full custom motorcycle,
that inspired many a people around the world, it is maybe because you just don't want to.

but that is your problem then, not mine.

 ;-T

take a look at this Drudi designed NCR bike in example, they came up with that after seeing mine.

http://www.ncrfactory.com/eng/html/16.02.shtml

 :)


I got two more pics from my bike, with the detailed criticism  ;D from you and Charlie, I wonder
what kind of creative bike work you both have done so far ?

 :)

I think the one on the left looks good.  The one on the right not.

Everybody has an opinion.  ;)

[wrbix]

Ah Hah!
I've figured it out: Muschi is really Glynn Kerr- likes nothing unless it's his own design, or a perceived derivation of his own design. :bow

'splains everything!

 ;D

[Kentktk]

I think the one on the left looks good.  The one on the right not.

Everybody has an opinion.  ;)

 :+1

[Kentktk]

an opinion that is based on nothing but ignorance does not matter,
you three have not the slightest idea what a custom bike is about.

the bike in question is a true no nonsense form follows function masterpiece,
you three have just to proove that you can come up with anything just half as nice.

got that ?  buying Hondas and raping smallblocks does not qualify for
a serious discussion about custom bikes.

 :pop

A masterpiece is complete piece. Unfortunately that bike is not complete and is plain ugly. Perching a gas tank on top of frame rails at an awkward angle is a engineering compromise.

 :pop

[wrbix]

an opinion that is based on nothing but ignorance does not matter,
you three have not the slightest idea what a custom bike is about.

the bike in question is a true no nonsense form follows function masterpiece,
you three have just to proove that you can come up with anything just half as nice.

got that ?  buying Hondas and raping smallblocks does not qualify for
a serious discussion about custom bikes.

 :pop

Form should, indeed, follow function...........

Thus your criticisms are poorly placed..
The Guzzi tank stripes do not, indeed, flow with the tank indents perfectly - what, pray tell, has that to do with function?
The tail treatment IS functional to support minimalization of lights/seat/number plate.
Headlight mounts were placed all four ways and work/look best this way.
That "thing" on top of the triple clamp is a speedo/tach - propose to run without them?

All alterations have gotten this "raped" V50III down to 325 pounds - that is a step toward function, no?
And if you would like, I can supply pics of the way this poor "raped" smallblock looked prior to my ministrations.

Definition of "custom" revolves around made to order, thus subjective.....did not make it to anyone else's (especially yours) order.

I've not criticized your "custom" treatment. Why impose your supposedly superior judgement/taste to mine/ours?  Borders on Fascism, IMHO.

You may fire when you are ready, Gridley.

 :pop indeed

[wrbix]

I am not retarded .......and out of this discussion for good.

Ummmm......if you say so, you're the expert.......and, good riddance, IMHO.

Interesting debating technique, eh?

[wrbix]

you both make an impression as if you would compete in the paraolympics.

Any spinal cord injured members care to weigh in?

[Kentktk]

listen up you keyboard heros, until you come up with respectable bike work by yourselfes,
you both make an impression as if you would compete in the paraolympics.

I am not retarded and out of this discussion for good.

 :bike

Baby want a sucker for your tantrum?  :winer

[flip]

I'm sure that custom Ducati has a great personality.

[Oca]

 

listen up you keyboard heros, until you come up with respectable bike work by yourselfes,
you both make an impression as if you would compete in the paraolympics.

I am not retarded and out of this discussion for good.

 

 :winer

Don't let the door hit your butt on the way out.

[gentlemanjim]

How rude - the thread is about a Guzzi cafe project and it seems a lot of chatter about a Duc

[SteveAZ]

Well that was an interesting little keyboard skirmish....hope no one broke a nail. I'll never understand how some of you guys get so pissed off on the internet?  :D

Anyway, back on topic, when I first saw this thread I almost started crying because a mostly stock black carb sport is my dream bike but availability and money seem to be 180 degrees opposed for me. When these things come up, I never have any fun money..... I do think you are on to something though. I have always seen the tank and fairing design on the 1100 sport as one of Guzzi's best worked out concepts, but with the shorter, round tail the height and roundness of the tank comes out.

The sport really has a good "engine with wheels" look when it's naked. I don't really think of a cafe bike though, more of a stripped 80's superbike if that makes any sense. Probably doesn’t but whatever.

It's looking good! 

[simaster]

It's been a while since I last posted.  Had some good news this week.  We have the paint work (almost) complete; the new rear shock installed; the FCR Carbs installed; a lot of polishing to specific bike parts. 
The frame, engine, tank, wheels, rotors, etc.  were all painted.  If it wasn't painted, it was probably polished.
We are waiting on a few things.  One part that proved to be a pain getting is a new steering damper.  The forks will have boots.  There will be anodized bolts in specific locations to add a hint of color.  The color palate is black and silver with red accents.  I have some pics to share and will post more as they come in.

[simaster]

[pauljenkins]

Wow.
Now this I like
 ;-T

[Kentktk]

Looks like a Suzuki Bandit ::(

[gentlemanjim]

Guzzi's make the best cafe styled bikes followed by BMW R Series in my opinion!  Looking forward to the finished piece.

[Erwin8r]

listen up you keyboard heros, until you come up with respectable bike work by yourselfes,
you both make an impression as if you would compete in the paraolympics.

I am not retarded and out of this discussion for good.

 :bike

Guess you kept your promise. Thanks!  That was one ugly Duc... ;-T

Anyway, back to cafe guzzi's--can't wait to see the end result!  :bike

[simaster]

We are into the home stretch of the build.  I would estimate 2 more weeks until it is complete.
The engine soda blast and paint turned out great.  There is a ton of hand polished parts on the bike.  A lot of man hours are being invested in the final product.  Here are some pics from this weekend:

[simaster]

[ridingron]

I followed this for a while. Glad everyone survived the spitin' and spatin'. Well almost everyone.

I am still trying to figure out why a class bike was basically dismantled and totally changed. Why didn't you buy a wreck or any other model? When you take their clothes off they all look pretty much the same. No? It's your girl, dress her up how ever you want to create the new look. It appears to me a lot of time, money, and effort were spent to make a silk purse from a silk purse.

A Cafe is not really my cup of tea, however I can admire the enginneering and creativity.

As for the ugly Duc, I wonder if it ever got finished.  ;D 

[Dean Rose]

As for the ugly Duc, I wonder if it ever got finished.  ;D 

It will never turn into a Goose.  ;D


Dean

[wrbix]

I am still trying to figure out why a class bike was basically dismantled and totally changed.

:+1

[simaster]

Good news: we're almost done.

[simaster]