Meet the Stunning Custom Moto Guzzi Le Mans II: A Masterpiece of Cafe Racer and Tourer Design
Photo: Kaffeemaschine via Pipeburn
In the world of custom bike builders, few names hold the prestige and recognition that Axel Budde commands. Operating under the moniker Kaffeemaschine from his Hamburg, Germany workshop, Axel has crafted a unique and unmistakable style that has earned him legions of admirers. Axel's projects, particularly his delectable cafe racers, have graced the pages of many a magazine and left a lasting impression on all who feast their eyes upon them.
The Moto Guzzi Le Mans II Transformation
This time around, Axel sets his sights on a 1980 Moto Guzzi Le Mans II. Unlike many of his other projects, this build wasn’t commissioned by a client. Instead, Axel took up the challenge to experiment and broaden the horizons of his usual cafe racer blueprint. His primary goal? To infuse a healthy dose of touring capability into the celebrated cafe racer aesthetics.
From the get-go, Budde had ambitious plans for this Guzzi. Every inch of the donor bike was reimagined and reworked. The initial step was to strip down the bike to its bare essentials, discard a chunk of the factory hardware, and meticulously construct a new subframe.
Upgrading Wheels and Brakes for Ultimate Performance
The next phase of the transformation saw attention diverted to the wheels and braking system. The bike now proudly sits on shouldered San Remo rims connected by stainless-steel spokes. Bridgestone Battlax BT-46 tires wrap these revamped wheels, offering exceptional grip. The brakes, essential for a bike with touring aspirations, were upgraded too. Fresh drilled discs, Brembo master cylinders, and stainless-steel hoses ensure peak performance and safety.
Photo: Kaffeemaschine via Pipeburn
Enviable Suspension Setup
Suspension is another area where no compromises were made. The front end showcases billet aluminum triple clamps paired with robust 40 mm forks. An aftermarket steering damper further ensures stability at high speeds. The rear suspension wasn’t neglected either, featuring twin adjustable shock absorbers from Wilbers, guaranteeing a plush yet controlled ride.
Lighter and Sleeker Carbon Fiber Body
Building an intricate cafe racer-tourer hybrid demanded versatile bodywork. Axel didn’t disappoint. The new body panels, including a beautifully crafted fuel tank, were all made from carbon fiber to minimize weight. The tank itself is complemented by a custom stainless-steel tubing rack, adding to the touring ease without compromising the bike’s streamlined look.
Both front and rear fenders also boast carbon fiber construction. The rear fender is particularly noteworthy for its understated integration, crowned with a circular LED taillight and a sleek license plate bracket. The body is adorned with custom side covers that perfectly slot into the aesthetic envisioned by Axel.
Photo: Kaffeemaschine via Pipeburn
Comfort Meets Style in the Cockpit
Moving to the cockpit, the attention to detail continues. Sporting a low-profile chromed handlebar, bar-end turn signals, and billet switches, the bike's control area exudes simplicity and elegance. A left-placed rear-view mirror and a Motogadget ChronoClassic dial housed in a custom metal casing complete the rider’s interface. Finishing off the comfort touches is a thickly-padded saddle upholstered in premium Aniline leather, with a matching touring tank bag for those road-trips.
Power Play – Revamped Engine with Enhanced Capacity
The engine is another testament to Axel's craftsmanship. The V-twin now boasts a 1,000 cc displacement capable of crushing 85 hp. Inside, components like a new crankshaft, fresh valves, and a custom cam elevate its performance. A modern electronic ignition, coupled with Dell’Orto PHF carbs and custom velocity stacks, ensures this bike doesn’t just look the part but delivers on the performance front as well.
The pièce de résistance is the exhaust system, fashioned in Kaffeemaschine’s inimitable style. This custom-built stainless-steel masterpiece echoes the sleek aesthetic that characterizes the bike’s overall design.
Aesthetic Finishing Touches
To wrap things up, Axel clothed the bike in a striking navy-blue paint job accentuated by white highlights. The frame, headlight bucket, and forks received a glossy black treatment, while other elements were left in bare metal and chrome, adding to its captivating allure.
This Moto Guzzi Le Mans II is not merely a bike; it’s a statement—one that combines classic cafe racer appeal with practical touring elements seamlessly. Axel Budde has once again shown why he remains at the pinnacle of custom motorcycle building.