Topic: which Moto Guzzi for cafe-ination?

[DonParmesano]

Hi!

As my VFR400RR Project comes to an end



, it's follow up project (my cb500 four in parts) will get main project.




 So it's time for a new follow up project. I am thinking of one of two possibilities:

a) a Ducati 900SS, naked, with a Monster S4R single sided swing arm. Something a little bit like this but with the SSSA:



b) a Moto Guzzi Cafe Racer with lots of alloy like this one:



So what is you opinion on the best Moto Guzzi Cafe Racer base? I would LOVE a Le Mans (I, II or III) but they seem to be unobtainable here in Austria so what about the T3 models? Any other suggestions? Maybe a more modern approach like the 1100 Sport?
I am open to all your suggestions!


best regards
Peter

[Steve_K]

Classic Bike has an editor Gary Inman (sp) who built an alloy tanked Guzzi that looked oh so good.  I believe it was not a LeMans model.  One article when it was mostly done (never are) had some pictures of other Guzzis

Steve_K

[DonParmesano]

so far I know I need a Tonti framed Guzzi so may be a cheap T3 850 or something like that would work, but I would like to have 1000+ ccm.

[Steve_K]

Don,
ClassicBike March  07   Inman used a SP1000 with tank and seat form the "The Tank Shop".  He said buying an Sp is cheaper than a LeMans model.
The Classic Motorcycle magazine had a Guzzi on the January 07 cover with article inside.  That bike started out as a T3.  Alloy tank and seat similar to Inmans
I like Cafes, coverted a Hawk GT  and working on my second CB550 cafe.
Steve

[DonParmesano]

thanks and where do I get mentioned ClassicBike Issues or pictures of the bikes?

best regards

[Steve_K]

Classicbike website  www.classicbike.co.uk should get you back issues.
www.classicmagazines.co.uk

I got my copies at the book stores.  I don't have the equipment to scan and post, sorry
Steve

[DonParmesano]

thanks for the info! but i think its's not worth the hassle getting this mags shipped to me!

[mec]

for inspiration:

link: http://classifieds.classic-motorrad.de/classifieds/detail.php?siteid=7212

there are 3 lemans 1 in 1000ps.at but the prices are way to high.

mec

[DonParmesano]

jea mac thats my kind of flavour! very nice.

I know about the 1000ps.at leMans, and you are right they are way to pricey, especially for a cafe conversion. And I think every Guzzi-Lover would KILL me for doing that to a LeMans (and a LeMans I in special).

Some time ago I had the chance to get a LeMans III for a reasonable amount of money but let it pass :-(  I really like the square shapes cooling fins on the LM3.

best regards

[Klark Kent]

The 850 T3 or 850T- with drum brake in the rear and only one disc- otherwise very similar- are the easiest to find.  A Mille GT would be nice and no one has mentioned it.  Do not butcher a le mans- unless you feel like spending a lot of money to grossly devalue a very overpriced- in my HO- bike.  feel free to mess about with an sp1000 if you find one for a reasonable price, but virtually all guzzis of this vintage were built on that same tonti frame - t3, lemans, 1000, G5, Mille up until 93 i think- so you can arrive at that type of cafe from any one of them.  availability being the main factor i see a T3 in your future.  if you are seriously interested pick up a copy of guzziology and you will know everything you need to hunt down the perfect model for you.

good luck and happy goose chasing

[DonParmesano]

hmm I thought about the 850T, and afaik the rule of thump is: only Guzzis with 3 disc brakes are lead-free fuel proof.

Update: I got this beauty offered its a LM3 with LM1 fairing and some other tinkering:



It's not in a perfect state so my heart won't be dripping blood when the hack saw sees some action.