Maintaining immense popularity requires an extraordinary amount of diligent effort. As part of his effort to maintain his status as the go-to expert on high-performance Moto Guzzis, Stefan has been actively participating in the prestigious Glemseck 101 and Sultans of Speed drag racing events. The ‘Cento Anni’ bike, two years in development, recently showcased its prowess at the Glemseck 101 races, where it excelled on the quarter-mile track, yielding impressive results.
One of the most impressive and accomplished motorcycle designs to emerge from the Moto Guzzi factory is the innovative V100 Mandello, which sets a new standard for excellence in its class. Featuring a robust 1042cc, 4-valve-per-cylinder V-twin powerplant, this engine delivers a potent 115 horsepower and 102 Newton meters of torque. In 2004, Guzzi unveiled a highly competitive, track-focused motorcycle called the MGS-01 Corsa. The bike’s 1,225cc motor yielded 122 horsepower and 112 Newton meters of torque. Compared, the Radical Guzzi’s Cento Anni generates an astonishing 165 horsepower and a substantial 200 Newton-meters of torque, all of which is channeled to the rear wheel for unparalleled performance.
Stefan’s innovative engineering expertise has given rise to the unconventional propulsion system that drives Cento Anni, a true reflection of his unique creative vision. “At the core of our efficiency enhancements lies our custom-designed 1.7-liter, eight-valve 8V engine,” he explains. Here’s the rewritten text:
“This iconic air-cooled European 2-cylinder engine is unparalleled in its importance.”
Starting with a batch of modified California 1400 units, Stefan packed them with his bespoke blend of custom-efficiency components. Beneath its rugged exterior, this powerful V-twin engine boasts a meticulously engineered design, featuring an efficient crankshaft, robust cast pistons and connecting rods, and precision-crafted bespoke camshafts carefully calibrated to optimize performance. Powering this massive engine are four FCR Keihin carburetors that draw in air through exposed velocity stacks, their mouths open to optimize airflow and fuel mixture. The exhaust system is predictably high-performance, with titanium headers engineered to maximize power output while minimizing weight; these typically terminate in a premium-quality Mass-brand muffler crafted in Italy.
The behemoth V-twin engine at its core dictates that this motorcycle’s physique will be uniquely bespoke as well.
As Stefan revved up again, he launched the show on a Moto Guzzi Bellagio 940 chassis. Initially, the roadster/cruiser’s body was redesigned to accommodate the 1,702-cc engine’s installation. Stefan refocused his attention on revamping the bike’s geometry to harmonize with the venture’s sleek cafe racer aesthetic. The outcome led to the development of a fresh rear subframe, effectively defining the benchmark for cafe racers’ iconic silhouette.
Stefan poured immense energy into crafting a comprehensive package that exceeded expectations. Wilbers’ premium suspension parts meticulously eliminate every imperfection, providing a seamless riding experience. With an inverted fork finish resting comfortably within custom-designed triple alloy clamps, the suspension is further supported by a highly adjustable mono-shock that guides the mirror-finish single-sided shaft-driven swingarm with precision.
In drag racing, slowing down is a crucial aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked; in fact, it’s been taken into careful consideration right here. Here is the rewritten text: The custom brake bundle features a solitary Brembo caliper at the rear, paired with dual Beringer stoppers at the front. The rotors are precision-crafted floaters designed by renowned brand Galfer, while the controls and reservoirs stem from the trusted expertise of Beringer. With the Rotobox cast carbon ‘Bullet’ rims fitted, Stefan has dramatically reduced unsprung weight.
Perched atop the revamped chassis lies bespoke Radical Guzzi aluminum bodywork crafted to perfection. The sleek, compact gas tank is the defining feature of a quintessential cafe racer. Sculpted to perfection, this motorcycle’s sleek design allows it to sit low and flat against the body, while the pronounced knee indents accentuate the imposing proportions of its longitudinal V-twin engines, whose substantial heads seem to defy gravity. Behind the tank, a custom-designed wasp’s tail-style rear cowl is carefully crafted to accentuate the aggressive upward angle of the subframe.
While designed with Dash Racing in mind, Cento Anni is tailored for street driving. Assembled to enhance performance, the LSL clip-on handlebars were paired with a comprehensive collection of Renard Speedshop switchgear. Motogadget supplies the bar finish mirrors and switch alerts. The prominent instrument cluster above the headlamp seamlessly integrates a speedometer, while the rear features a practical license plate holder and dual-purpose lighting capabilities. Incredibly, this one-of-a-kind vehicle is fully compliant with street regulations. With a focus on ensuring the registration of their bikes, Radical Guzzi prides themselves on navigating Germany’s stringent TÜV homologation regulations with ease.
As Moto Guzzi celebrated its centennial milestone in 2021, Stefan decided to commemorate the occasion by themed his venture around this momentous event. As soon as all checks were complete, the bodywork was meticulously handed over to Herbert Franz, a trusted and skilled professional. With meticulous precision, Franz employed an airbrush to painstakingly apply copious amounts of golden leaf to the vehicle’s bodywork. Here is the rewritten text:
Completed design options feature portraits of legendary Moto Guzzi racers and engineers, as well as a rendering of the company’s iconic Mandello del Lario headquarters.
At the 2022 Glemseck 101 event, Cento Anni secured a notable achievement by claiming 1st place in the Dash Beast category and 2nd position in the prestigious Rocket class. Given their dedication to high-quality work, it is safe to conclude that Stefan and Radical Guzzi’s professional standing remains unblemished.
Images by Kerstin Streit
