Kurt's Project Bike - V1000 Cafe Aluminum
Here's a fine example of a Moto Guzzi round head, Tonti frame, street legal, vintage cafe racer. Relatively lightweight, it's well equipped with an abundance of performance enhancements. Overall feel of the bike is light, low and relatively narrow, with a big bottom end, a strong rush to redline, and lots of torque. Chassis feels tight, all controls are smooth. Somewhat atypically, this machine wasn't a complete hulk motorcycle that underwent a resurrection, rather this machine is a compilation of parts from several mid to late '70s Guzzi models. The vast majority of the used and standard Guzzi components used in this project (crankshaft, castings, frame, wheels, swingarm, headlight, etc) were procured via ebay auctions from fellow Guzzi enthusiasts. So, if you're a typical ebay addicted Guzzi enthusiast you may have sold some of these to Kurt, or maybe you were outbid by him.
Standard Moto Guzzi "small valve" heads have their breathing ability improved with a Megacycle 620x9 cam bumping valves pulling through 36mm Dellorto pumpers and K&N filters. The intake tracts are ported and matched to new, larger, intake manifolds by Ace Malott. The exhaust system is an old Guzzi factory piece included in the optional "powering-up kit" (this old and unavailable part procured thanks to ebay). The valve train has been lightened and improved with short alu push rods, tall hollow lifters, and roller tip rockers. Helical aluminum timing gears keep the cam and crank well connected, while a Dyna electronic ignition keeps the sparking on time with the verified correct piston position. Deep V sump increases crankcase volume, lowers oil level relative to crank, prevents oil pump cavitation, and provides external oil filter for quick and easy changes. A RAM low inertia clutch/flywheel assembly saves several more pounds, improving shifting and acceleration. This combination of enhancements results in a smooth running, quick revving, strong and fully streetable motor with good torque and power where you want it for sport riding.
Aluminum bodywork saves several pounds. Fuel tank holds over 6.5 gallons, seat cushion and upholstery are custom made. Verlicchi handlebars provide adjustable hand positions, and Tarozzi rear sets provide cornering clearance and distribute the riders weight more comfortably. 1/4" aluminum battery tray stiffens chassis while underslung battery box lowers the center of gravity. Koni shocks adjust from smooth for general use to firm for sport riding. FAC cartridge fork dampers and Wirth progressive springs, combined with a Tarozzi fork brace maximize returns from Guzzi's standard 35mm fork.
Faithful reproduction of the LeMans 850 fairing and windscreen are mounted with custom mounts to a later fork clamp set. Mirrors have since been ditched in favor of a single black bar-end. Instument console is custom made from aluminum plate, with chrome trimmed LED idiot lights that are easy to see when on, even in bright sunlight.
New Brembo brake components perform very well, living up to the "state of the art quality" reputation earned by Brembo back in the '70s. All in all, this was a fun and challenging project with good rewards. Kurt has more wheel and chassis upgrades planned so watch this space.
Page updated February 6, 2004