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Moto Guzzi Café Racer: 'Kaffeemaschine Nummer 6'

For the latest ‘refill’ in his ‘Kaffeemaschine’ series, Hamburg-based motorcycle builder Axel Budde has once again reawakened a 1980s Moto Guzzi by furnishing it with custom-made parts – and buckets of taste. It makes its inaugural appearance at the 2012 Biker’s Classics in Spa this weekend.

Budde certainly knows his way round a Guzzi; this is the sixth he has resurrected. It was commissioned by Englishman Brian Cowan, with the intention of mixing it up with other café racers at classic motorcycle events. He gave Budde a short but specific wishlist: it should have original cast iron wheels, a red and silver paint scheme, and – perhaps most importantly – it must be fast. Consequently, Budde chose a 1,040 cc V11 engine with over 90bhp and set about making his revisions.

Moto Guzzi Café Racer: 'Kaffeemaschine Nummer 6' Moto Guzzi Café Racer: 'Kaffeemaschine Nummer 6'
Moto Guzzi Café Racer: 'Kaffeemaschine Nummer 6' Moto Guzzi Café Racer: 'Kaffeemaschine Nummer 6'

The frame, gearbox and shaft drive were sourced from a 1980 Moto Guzzi Le Mans, and were also given a thorough reworking. Modern dampers and springs were added to the forks, while the brake system consists of new and improved components. Budde chose a GFK Magni-shaped tank and the cover from a Guzzi Le Mans 1 – adapted to fit the custom measurements of the bike, naturally. All other parts were worked by hand, as with the first five ‘Kaffees’. Weighing in at 176kg, she will see her first track use this weekend. “Brian is using her at the Biker's Classics in Spa,” says Budde, “so if anyone sees a relatively slow Kaffeemaschine, the man is taking care of his brand-new engine!"



Photos: Kaffeemaschine

Kaffemaschine Nummer 5

Axel Budde's Website www.kaffee-maschine.net

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