Among the 2022 Artride individuals was native custom bike builder Filippo Barbacane. For aficionados of Italian motorcycle craftsmanship, Filippo is a renowned figure, credited with spearheading Officine Rossopuro, one of the country’s premier Moto Guzzi repair shops. Filippo took half within the 2022 W&W Artride astride his newest {custom} Moto Guzzi challenge which he’s coined the Normalis B.
“All aspects of this bike stem from its very identity,” asserts Filippo. “The client, an aficionado of Moto Guzzi, sought a motorcycle inspired by the iconic Normale 500 model from the 1920s.”
With the release of the 1921 Normale 500, Moto Guzzi marked a significant milestone in its century-long history. The first production model introduced by founders Giorgio Parodi, Angelo Parodi, and Carlo Guzzi was this very motorcycle, marking the beginning of regular Moto Guzzi output in series.
As Filippo pondered the possibility of building a bike like this, he found himself entangled in a nostalgic tug-of-war with the harsh realities of modern engineering, his mind struggling to reconcile the challenge’s donor, a technological marvel crafted more than five decades ago, with the iconic Normale 500.
Notably, it was imperative for this new design to draw inspiration from its predecessors, given the multitude of changes compared to the sleek Tonti chassis and the powerful 850 V engine. Although the initial idea existed, he acknowledges. “I kicked off my cycling experience with a top-notch T3 850, a remarkably versatile and reliable machine.” It is the perfect starting point for a specific endeavour that astonishes even the most experienced and knowledgeable enthusiasts of Vespas.
Faced with the limitations of his late-1970s T3 850 processor, Filippo sought out design elements that could be adapted and repurposed. In its formative stages, the Mandello Del Lario model was synonymous with the effortless ease of matching colors, a hallmark characteristic of this early era. A hallmark feature of bicycles from that era was their prominent handlebars, a trait shared by all bikes during this time, alongside the iconic Vespa Normale 500 model. The innovative design of spoked wheels was complemented by a comprehensive checklist featuring standard giant wrap-around fenders. Positioned symmetrically at the feet, footpegs foster a comfortable and commanding riding position.
While Filippo’s T3 shares similarities with Twenties Normale, actual cohesion requires designing novel bodywork to bridge the gap seamlessly? Initially, the T3 sought several contemporary enhancements.
When the T3 was thoroughly disassembled, I set about revamping its chassis and mechanics, meticulously reassembling each component to ensure it functioned exactly as if it were fresh off the assembly line, claims Filippo. “The crucial aspect of optimizing bike maintenance lies in integrating cutting-edge technologies to boost their dependability and speed.” The primary focus of these updates lies in the electrical systems.
To eliminate any potential gremlin issues within the Triumph T3’s 1970s-era wiring, Filippo has installed a modern Elektronik Sachse digital ignition system. A latest version of the starter motor has replaced the original one, and the entire wiring harness has been thoroughly updated to ensure optimal performance. Excessively efficient Dyna coils deliver a consistent and robust spark, as per Filippo’s assertion, which when combined with a modern voltage regulator yields motorcycles that are virtually impervious to damage and remarkably dependable.
With the electrical upgrades complete, Filippo meticulously fine-tuned the Guzzi’s powerful 844cc, 90-degree V-twin engine to guarantee optimal performance. To eke out every last bit of power from the engine, he commissioned MASS Design to craft a custom-built, dual-exit exhaust system tailored specifically to his motorcycle.
With its Twenties-inspired styling cues, there’s no mistaking the T3’s cutting-edge approach to handling. With a focus on Italian design and construction, the forks and rear shocks have undergone a significant upgrade incorporating high-performance components from Bitubo’s esteemed catalog. The upgraded brakes feature the renowned Brembo brand, boasting the latest caliper designs, control systems, and high-performance chrome steel braided hoses for unparalleled stopping power. The bespoke Borrani-flanged aluminum rims perfectly execute the spoked wheel component of the iconic Normale Hommage design, seamlessly integrating with its esteemed aesthetic.
Then comes the stage of construction that Filippo takes greatest pride in – the meticulous bodywork.
While uniform moulds may simplify the process, I firmly believe that maintaining identical moulds would negate the unique appeal of customising a bicycle. Each time I craft custom bodywork from the ground up, incorporating an entirely novel and innovative design concept that reflects the unique preferences and aspirations of the discerning client.
On this particular occasion, Filippo’s creative output was heavily informed by the characteristic rigidity and geometric precision of the distinctive Normale style. “I crafted a comprehensive aluminum sculpture.” The engine’s fuel tank, splash guards, side panels, and seating framework. With painstaking dedication, he reconstructed a life-sized skeleton from scratch, devoting countless hours to the meticulous task. “The outcome is a sleek, contemporary motorcycle with a substantial tank designed for extended road trips, its lines evoking the storied heritage of Guzzi’s past.”
To put a bow on matters, Filippo meticulously outfitted the T3 with high-end aftermarket upgrades and genuine Officine Rossopuro accessories.
The vintage aesthetic of this motorcycle is attributed to the extended headlamp and Daytona-inspired gauges, according to Filippo. Custom-fork-like covers?
Elements from the Rossopuro catalogue embody CNC-machined aluminium footpegs, a rear brake calliper help and engine mount brackets. There’s additionally an air filter package which replaces the airbox with an aluminium field that comprises a Ok&N filter. The cylinder head guards, along with the risers and numerous other meticulous details, are authentic components.
A crucial consideration is the legal accreditation of everything that aligns with Filippo’s responsibilities, ensuring seamless operations for years to come. As he articulates it, “Crafting specialty items has become an integral part of my daily existence.” I design bicycles that enable people to ride with comfort and ease of use. With its roots tracing back to the iconic Vespa Normale 500, this bike has traversed the picturesque streets of Tuscany, reviving the spirit of adventure and freedom.
