Here’s an unusual take on the classic Moto Guzzi custom. It’s called ‘Motomorphosy’, and it started life as an 850 T5 from 1984. When Alessandro (“Speedy”) bought the bike in the late 80s, he stripped it down for a more spartan but conventional custom look. The 850 became a feature around the bars of Piedmont in Italy until Alessandro dismantled it, taking the parts to Frankino Torredimare of the Chivasso custom shop Chopworks. Alessandro’s brief was to turn the Guzzi into a vintage American-style bobber. It was a slow but sure build: as Frankino started cutting and modifying the frame, the look mutated into that of a 40s-style ‘lakester’.
The engine was overhauled and fitted with twin Dell’Orto carbs, along with ‘Cornetti’-style velocity stacks, a custom exhaust, and the valve covers from a V7. The tank and rear fender are modified Sportster items. The forks were trimmed by four inches, BMW R75 risers fitted, and 18” wheels installed front and rear—shod with Firestone tires. The bars are modified Tommasellis, graced with Kustomtech controls. Finally, Norton Manx-inspired paint was applied by Roberto La Rogna of Custom Design. Over the last year or so, Motomorphosy has been doing the rounds of the European custom shows, and has won “Best Cafe Racer” at the Bike Expo show and “Best Italian Bike” at the German Kustom Kulture show. It’s not what you might expect from a Moto Guzzi custom, but it’s one of the most imaginative I’ve come across. [With thanks to Frank Charriaut of the excellent MotArt.]
