A renowned builder who consistently demonstrates his exceptional eye for detail is Axel Budde of Kaffeemaschine Bikes, standing out from the rest. As a devoted enthusiast, Axel has earned the esteemed title of Guzzista of the highest caliber. If you’ve acquired a vintage Moto Guzzi with dreams of transforming it into a meticulously crafted Italian cafe racer, he’s undoubtedly the go-to expert for the job.
A Swiss enthusiast with a passion for customized Italian motorcycles entrusted Axel with crafting his latest unparalleled V-twin creation. The storage had previously accommodated a curated collection of 105 Alfa Romeos, and it was imperative to integrate a rare Moto Guzzi cafe racer, dubbed “Kaffeemaschine”, into this esteemed assemblage.
“He acquired a vintage ’76 Moto Guzzi 850T3, then invited us to breathe new life into this iconic bike, and it was clear that our shared passion for motorcycles had instantly forged a bond between us.” A bespoke motorbike was required by the customer, featuring Axel’s distinctive design and incorporating the T3 as a donor vehicle. The design had to convey a sense of classic elegance, with a light, airy quality and an attention to historical accuracy that would allow it to hold its own in terms of appearance.
Axel employed his trusted and proven methodology to modify the Guzzi’s chassis, paving the way for its metamorphosis into a unique motorcycle. Starting from the back, he crafted a bespoke subframe tailored to accommodate a luxurious leather saddle reminiscent of a majestic wasp’s tail. Additionally, the house accommodated electrical components from Motogadget, as well as a lightweight and compact battery.
Significant alterations were implemented to the chassis to optimally accommodate a custom-designed gas tank. This classic cafe racer setup features our trusty Kaffeemaschine tank. The defining characteristic of a cafe racer’s silhouette is when the underbelly of the tank lies flush against the bodywork, harmoniously aligned with the fresh, low-slung seat. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the tank’s rear features hand-shaped knee dents that remain deliberately unpainted to highlight the material’s sleek, metallic beauty. Perched majestically at the pinnacle of the unit is a classic Monza-style filler, exuding a sense of elegance and refinement.
The other crucial factor in achieving a cafe racer-inspired aesthetic for this Guzzi’s stance lay in the effective resolution of its suspension issues. Axel opted for a pair of vintage-styled Ikon shocks to upgrade his rear suspension setup. At the entrance, you’ll find the distinctive T3 forks, which have been upgraded with innovative new dampers and precision-engineered tubes. These tweaks, in conjunction with leveling out the bike’s stance, represent a significant upgrade over the original 1970s components.
Axel substantially enhanced the performance of his customers’ ride by conducting a comprehensive revamp of the 3,840-cc 90-degree V-twin engine.
The company’s powertrain has undergone a comprehensive transformation at its core. The all-new internal components feature a bespoke Kaffeemaschine camshaft, high-performance Carrillo rods, precision-crafted Le Mans pistons, oversized valves, and a strategically lightened flywheel. Axel has further adapted the intakes to optimize airflow, increasing their diameter to accommodate a set of 36mm Dellorto PHF carburetors. Gear adjustments now benefit from a revamped transmission and enhanced energy supply, thanks to the meticulous rebuilding of the rear-wheel drive unit. The facility’s completion relies on installing a high-performance, dual-exhaust system for its coffee machine, which will enhance its overall efficiency and functionality. According to Axel, the boost yields an estimated 86-90 horsepower, representing a 25% enhancement over its initial inventory rating. By combining the newly manufactured product with a reduced dry weight of 178 kilograms – a significant decrease from the previous inventory’s 220 kilograms – it is undeniable that this Italian-made item will.
The T3’s working gear features a carefully crafted combination of Morad-shouldered alloy rims, cleverly paired with modified hubs through a lattice of stainless steel spokes. The Avon rubber provides a solid foundation for traction, while advanced braking performance is attributed to Brembo calipers, Lemans-style discs, stainless steel brake hoses, and high-performance pumps.
Given Axel’s extraordinary ability to discern elements, the T3 certainly lives up to his expectations? Every aspect of the Guzzi, from its uppermost clamp to its base plate, has undergone a meticulous makeover. Each tiny particle of alloy has been meticulously buffed to a flawless sheen.
Axel showcases his profound grasp of aesthetics through subtle yet effective nuances in this design. The crowning glory of our esteemed list is undoubtedly the undercarriage, meticulously executed by the manufacturer using the same luscious paint hue as the engine. To seamlessly integrate with the stunning exhaust system, thereby avoiding any visual distractions. The shut inspection also discloses a distinctive Kaffeemaschine branding on the bespoke Motogadget Chronoclassic gauge, uniquely tailored to this particular motorcycle. Additionally, he has employed a diverse range of his custom-made Kaffeemaschine alloys to elevate the game.
The ultimate culmination of Axel’s tireless efforts to transform the Moto Guzzi 850 T3 into a stunning cafe racer is, undoubtedly, his own unbridled enthusiasm for the project’s final product.
“I cherished getting behind the wheel because it showcased the types of motorcycles I used to design initially in Kaffeemaschine,” he explains. “A diminutive, laid-back, and fast cafe racer – a perfect embodiment of my own persona.”
