If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Moto Guzzi customs, and Officine RossoPuro builds in particular. This is the latest machine from Filippo Barbacane’s workshop in Pescara: it’s called Motociclone, which means ‘Cyclone bike’ (as you’ve probably guessed).
It’s based on the late 70s 1000 SP, which is increasingly Filippo’s weapon of choice. The big-block Guzzi is a good starting point for a custom, because it’s mechanically strong but cheap to buy—on account of the stock bike’s remarkably unattractive bodywork. But once the ungainly fairing is off, Filippo can work his magic.
In this case, he’s custom-built the seat, tank, side covers and fenders. The frame has been very neatly trimmed at the back, and there’s a completely new Brembo brake system—with 300mm discs at the front and Inox brake lines throughout.
Asatek shocks tighten up the handling and Filippo has grafted one of his own exhaust systems on to the overhauled engine. The scalloped sides of the custom tank accentuate the huge cylinders even more than usual; if there was ever a bike that looked like it was molded around its engine, this is it. Fantastico!
Images by Filippo Barbacane. (Yes, he takes a mean photo too.)
