Moto Guzzi custom project

Speaking of thoroughbreds, the creations from Moto Borgotaro and prime horseflesh share something in common: 'Conformation'. In equestrian terms, conformation means the ideal proportions for a particular breed of horse. Naturally, the conformation of a Clydesdale is different to that of a racehorse, but there is an ideal for both. And the same theory applies to motorcycles: conformation for a transverse v-twin Guzzi is notably different to that for an inline four Jap sports bike.

We may not realise it, but conformation is what we all subconsciously look for when we see a bike. There are custom builders who have an instinctive feel for the "right" conformation, while the mainstream manufacturers occasionally nail it, too. In Italy in the 1990s, it was Ducati. Rewind to the late 1970s, and Moto Guzzi that hit the sweet spot with the original Le Mans 850.

Inspired by this Moto Guzzi classic, Moto Borgotaro has done a fine job in accentuating the charm of the original. While it may not look as radical as some café racer and streetfighter-style customs, Moto Borgotaro has considerably updated this bike, while retaining that all-important conformation.

Chief amongst the upgrades is the inclusion of an engine from a 1995 model 1100 Sport, fettled with Carrillo internals, while the carbs have been rejetted and the stock airbox replaced with K&N pod filters. Gases exit via Lafranconi competizione mufflers, with the exhaust wrap secured with fishnet-style wire ties for that café racer touch. Transmission is the stock 5-speed Le Mans 1 'box, using a lightweight flywheel and close-ratio gears.

Other Moto Borgotaro upgrades include a rebuilt wiring harness, new Brembo brake system with 300mm front discs and Spiegler lines and Tommaselli black rubber grips. Motogadget switchgear controls the ignition, high/low beam, overtaking beam and horn, while the custom clutch perch and breakaway lever have been modified to work in with the stock Guzzi cable. The seat is from a 750 S3, Moto Guzzi's 'factory café racer' from the 1970s, with chrome V7 Sport guards front and rear.

Other touches not apparent on first inspection include the handmade custom battery box, Brembo RCS master cylinder, rotated revcounter, deleted side panels and Clearwater LED driving light fixed to the offside fork leg.

The blackout wheels, exhausts, fork bottoms and valve covers combine with a deep cherry burgundy finish on the tank and old school bikini fairing to give this Moto Guzzi a brooding, subdued look. To lay down the colour and powdercoat the wheels, Moto Borgotaro relied on fellow Guzzi specialists, Cycle Garden in Huntington Beach, California. The deep, smooth finish of the paint completes the outstanding finish (or should we say 'conformation'?) of this custom Moto Guzzi, which has been dubbed 'Volicity Child'.

Want more conformation? Check out www.motoborgotaro.com for further examples of Moto Borgotaro's custom builds and restoration work.

Images: Ryan Handt, source: bike exif