Paul Führmann’s mission in life is to construct customized bikes that “seamlessly mix artistry and engineering.” That’s not solely a noble aim, however it’s additionally an effective way to explain the machines that he chooses to work on. Paul focuses on basic Moto Guzzis—particularly the legendary Tonti body Moto Guzzis of the Nineteen Seventies.
This Moto Guzzi café racer is one in every of his greatest builds but. It cuts a chic silhouette, whereas nonetheless giving off a uncooked, mechanical vibe. And it’s a little bit of a sleeper, combining the engine of a Moto Guzzi V11 with the Tonti body of a Nineteen Seventies Le Mans Mk II.
Primarily based in Vienna, Austria, Paul builds customized bikes as Horizontal Moto. His background is in engineering, so he tends to do a lot of the heavy lifting on his initiatives himself, outsourcing only some choose jobs. His closest collaborator is Carl Auböck; a fifth-generation metallic shaper that takes care of all of Horizontal Moto’s main fabrication jobs.
“The identify ‘Horizontal Moto’ represents my dedication to creating bike designs that embody sleekness and magnificence, and embrace horizontal strains,” Paul explains. “Having delved deep into Moto Guzzi’s historical past, I admire the numerous contribution of Lino Tonti’s body design, which has grow to be a should for my customization initiatives.”
This Guzzi café racer is dubbed ‘Horizontal 723,’ and, regardless of its minimalist enchantment, it boasts an exhaustive record of mods. Paul began with a 1978-model Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk II donor, however there’s not a lot of the unique machine left. The Tonti-designed body and OEM entrance forks stay—however every thing else has been upgraded not directly.
The primary main spotlight is the bike’s new drivetrain. Paul wedged the 1,064 cc engine, transmission, and closing drive from a Moto Guzzi V11 into the Tonti body. However, like the remainder of the bike, the motor isn’t inventory anymore.
It now sports activities a lightened flywheel, a high-torque camshaft, greater consumption valves, a twin ignition, and a pair of 41 mm Dell’Orto carbs. Paul additionally redesigned the engine air flow and oil separation methods, and put in an expanded sump and CNC-machined oil pump. The wiring is all-new, that includes an upgraded alternator, a keyless ignition, and a smorgasbord of Motogadget parts.
“Each single half has been assessed, and refurbished or changed, with steady recommendation from Moto Guzzi tuning legend Peter Horvath,” Paul tells us. “He’s been pushing the boundaries of Moto Guzzi bikes for over 40 years.”
Paul turned his consideration to the suspension subsequent. The unique Le Mans forks have been lowered and fitted with Bitubo internals, and new YSS shocks have been put in out again. A set of 18” rims was laced up for a extra classic look, with Metzeler Roadtec tires providing modern-day grip.
The braking system was spruced up with contemporary rotors and braided stainless-steel strains. The rear caliper now mounts to a customized CNC-machined bracket.
Paul tapped a number of sources to piece collectively the Moto Guzzi V11’s basic café racer-styled bodywork. The polished aluminum gas tank was equipped by Tab Classics within the UK; it wears a Monza-style filler cap and handmade brass tank badges. The attractive suede leather-based seat was accomplished by a neighborhood high-end upholstery store, Ledernardo.
Paul designed the Guzzi’s new fairing in collaboration along with his store mate, Carl. Carl then went forward and fabricated it out of aluminum, together with the bike’s entrance fender, a refined inside rear fender, the license plate bracket, and a handful of smaller elements.
Sitting behind the fairing is a CNC-machined speedo mount, holding a mix analog-and-digital speedo from Motogadget. Additionally current are clip-ons, fitted with a Tomaselli throttle, and Motogadget push-buttons, bar-end flip alerts and mirrors. Rounding out the controls are rear-set foot controls from Motocicli Veloci in Italy.
Smaller particulars are sprinkled all through the remainder of the construct. A CNC-machined battery plate provides further bracing to the engine and transmission; a typical Tonti body mod. The fairing mounts and cylinder head protectors are additionally customized CNC-machined elements, whereas the electronics tray beneath the field is 3D printed.
The burly twin exhaust system comes from the Italian firm MASS and was constructed in line with Paul’s design. The discoloration on the headers provides a refined trace of coloration to the in any other case monochrome Guzzi.
With 90 hp on faucet and a mere 419 lbs on the dimensions, Horizontal 723 isn’t just a looker, however a goer too. It’s absolutely avenue authorized in Austria too—which Paul cites as one of many greatest challenges on the undertaking.
Making bikes roadworthy is a obligatory evil although, as a result of each bike that Paul builds will get bought afterwards—together with this one. “There’s no shopper order upfront,” he explains. “I do initiatives based mostly by myself design concepts, and hold iterating and refining these concepts in the course of the construct course of.”
This Tonti-framed Moto Guzzi V11 seems to be so good, that we guess it’ll promote fast. And we will’t wait to see what Paul comes up with subsequent.
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