Schiavona
Based on a '83 Moto Guzzi SP1000
Gibraltar, where Raymon, our client and owner of this gorgeous Guzzi lives, is not renowned for fab biking roads but venture a few miles across the border into Spain and suddenly a whole new world of biking pleasure opens out in front of you.
He contacted us to transform his newly acquired, stock SP1000 that had sat unloved for ages, into a high spec comfortable roadster capable of tackling the nearby Spanish mountainous, but relatively deserted roads.
The plan was for Raymon to source and supply most of the parts and then ship everything including the bike over in the back of his mates HGV. The only slight problem was that we had to organize a forklift to get the crated bike and parts out of the Artic!
With the bike safely back into the SRC workshop and the parts inventory checked, the first part of the teardown could commence. All the unwanted parts were removed and the mock up of the one off through frame storage box complete with electrics tray and removable side panel could begin. Martyn, from Variant GRP was tasked to make this and a great job he did too. At the same time, new mounts for the lightweight alloy rear mudguard had to be made and tie in with the storage box.
With the old 35mm forks discarded, new 45mm units from a Brevia 1100 model were modified in length, stem and internally to fit correctly and a new wheel spindle, spacers and caliper mounts were machined to accept the sourced refurbished stainless spoked Boranni alloy rims and Italian custom made fully floating discs with four pot Brembo calipers. Avon's finest Roadriders were chosen and stick to the tarmac round the twisties.
Staying with the front end, new alloy brackets were machined to fit the one off, machined from solid billet, headlamp and it looks amazing.
The original instruments were sent away for a complete refurb and reset and when back were set into custom alloy surrounds and give a really clean, uncluttered look with the cables running through cutaways in the headlamp shell.
ABE alloy fat bars were chosen and were adorned with Magura's finest radial pump front brake and clutch master cylinders with a conversion from a cable to hydraulic.
A new billet alloy top yoke was CNC machined to incorporate the LED warning lights and a start button sits in the new stainless centre nut. LED bar end indicators with mirrors and push button switches complete that area.
In the mean time, the motor and transmission were overhauled and a new lighter weight, more powerful starter motor fitted along with larger Dellorto pumper carbs graced with spun alloy bellmouths. A full stainless Le Mans style exhaust from OS Pipes went on and sounds great but not too loud.
The fully adjustable rear shocks were specially made by The Shock Factory in France and give a nice plush and controlled ride and work really well with the new front end.
Custom Italian rear set footrests and brackets give a slightly more sporty riding position but not too extreme.
Elecrtrics were taken care of by using a full Motogadget setup, keyless ignition, fully programmable digital electronic ignition and a new custom wiring loom. A trick billet alloy tail light and LED indicators inset into the end of the frame tubes finish off the rear.
The focal point of the bike is always the tank and a lovely alloy Monza style one was chosen from the Tank Shop with a one off custom seat finished in 'tuck and roll' black leather by our pal Glenn Moger. Our artisan paint shop Wicked Coatings did an awesome job on the tank, alloy mudguards and storage box, finishing them in a pearlescent light blue with subtle 'fish scaling' on the tank and a light dusting of metalflake topping it all off. Check out the hand engraved solid bronze plaques set into the side panels, they're amazing and made by a Gibraltarian artist.
The bike has a real muscular look and looks stunning in the flesh and just as importantly, rides those mountain roads like a dream.
Enjoy Raymon.
Side Rock Cycles