Axel Budde believes that bike journey needs to be completed in fashion. He’s the founding father of the Moto Guzzi specialist store, Kaffeemaschine, who’ve simply constructed the third machine in a restricted collection of Guzzi 850-based Grand Tourers. And identical to all the pieces else they’ve produced, it’s impossibly elegant.
Kaffeemaschine’s GT collection was conceived final 12 months, when a shopper requested a motorbike that prioritized consolation for longer rides. It received Axel eager about how seldom he sees traditional bikes out on the open highway—and the way the touring scene is saturated with overloaded fashionable journey bikes. So he put his creativeness to work, and constructed the primary two GT prototypes.
The most recent construct follows the identical template, albeit with delicate refinements. It’s primarily based on a 1982-model Moto Guzzi 850T4, however a lot of the authentic machine has been upgraded with Kaffeemaschine components.
The work began with the Guzzi’s motor. The crew overhauled it with a balanced crank, a lightened flywheel, an digital ignition and a contemporary alternator that might play good with the brand new Lithium-ion battery. Additionally in play are a set of Dell’Orto PHF carbs, and a pair of chrome steel Kaffeemaschine exhausts.
Earlier GT machines from the German workshop have been bored out to 1,000 cc, however Axel didn’t see the necessity right here. The engine enhancements have bumped the torquey V-twin’s output to 76 hp—and a weight loss program has introduced its weight all the way down to 184 kilos [406 lbs]. That’s ample for lazy weekend excursions.
Many of the weight was saved on the bodywork, which is all new, and made out of carbon fiber. Kaffeemaschine used the identical molds that they designed with the primary two GT prototypes, and plan to make extra sooner or later.
The aesthetic is slick and understated, identical to all of Kaffeemaschine’s customs. The tank is a their very own design, nevertheless it’s loosely modeled on the Laverda SF.
Up high is a sublime baggage rack, designed to hold a tank bag through a bespoke quick-release system. Each the seat and tank bag are lined in matching aniline leather-based, and there’s a clear pouch on high of the bag for maps, or a cell phone operating a navigation app. Plus there’s a USB cost port close by too; it’s hidden in the primary steering stem nut.
There’s extra packing area beneath the seat, the place a carbon fiber field has changed the inventory aspect covers and air field. It’s lockable, and has sufficient area for a pockets, telephone, water and a pullover.
Additional care’s been taken to verify this gentleman’s tourer rides pretty much as good because it seems to be too. A brand new set of Ikon shocks do responsibility out again, whereas the forks have been refurbished with upgraded FAC internals.
The Nineteen Eighties tourer now rolls on 18” wheels, that includes San Remo rims, chrome steel spokes and Heidenau K34 tires; classic treads that use fashionable compounds. The traditional Brembo brakes have been restored, and upgraded with Le Mans discs, chrome steel strains and fashionable Brembo grasp cylinders. And Kaffeemaschine have put in their proprietary rear brake torque assist.
There’s some delicate wizardry occurring up within the cockpit too. Customized riser clamps double up as a speedo mount, holding a Kaffeemaschine-branded speedo. Low-slung handlebars put on new grips, bar-end LED flip indicators and a single mirror, and the important thing ignition’s given approach for a keyless RFID system.
The polished swap cluster on the left aspect is Kaffeemaschine’s personal design, and one of many classiest we’ve seen. Conventional spherical head- and taillights, and new rear-set pegs, spherical out the components spec.
Naturally, this 850’s finishes are as nicely thought of as its upgrades. Axel and his workforce confirmed most restraint, with a easy livery and a tasteful steadiness of black and polished components.
Now that this ‘GT850’ is all buttoned up, it’s on the market—together with its personal instrument package, bike cowl, house owners guide and TÜV certificates. Within the meantime Axel is engaged on concepts for the following GT mannequin, like a brand new entrance fork setup. And meaning he’ll be taking it on a protracted journey to place it by its paces.
“I’ll be questioning, as soon as once more, what all the opposite riders have inside their huge panniers,” he says wryly.
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