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Have you ever seen a Moto Guzzi like this?

If there was ever a need to make a Moto Guzzi — an Italian stallion hardly lacking in passion and power — even more arresting and captivating, then the addition of a hand-formed aluminium fairing, turbocharger, and countless other custom touches is surely up there with the best methods…

Silver bullet

Inspired by the classic wind tunnel warriors and ‘dustbin’ racers of yesteryear, Illinois-based custom bike creator Craig Rodsmith satisfied his 20-year-plus desire to build such a machine with this Guzzi goliath. Starting with a 1969 Ambassador frame, Rodsmith heavily modified the existing structure, which included reshaping it into a delicious upswept rear end, and then, the body, tank, seat, dash, and, of course, that fabulous fairing, were all hand-formed and left bare, to allow us lucky spectators to see the truly outstanding craftsmanship draped all over the bike. Aside from the fairing, countless minor details, from the handmade gauges to the curves of the leather-clad seat, embellish this elegant-yet-aggressive Guzzi. And then, there’s the engine — an 850cc unit built out to 950cc, equipped with 36mm Dell’Ortos and a Garett-style turbo system, and finished with a stainless-steel exhaust system — all custom, of course. Rolling on the only wheels for a true classic, Borranis, the overall aesthetic is alluring, aerodynamic, and, above all, drop-dead gorgeous…

Photos: Chris Carona

You can find a selection of classic motorbikes for sale in the Classic Driver Market.