On March 15, 2021, Moto Guzzi marked a century of innovation and passion with the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Celebrating 100 years of uninterrupted operations is a remarkable achievement that few companies can claim to have accomplished. Especially considering they had to survive through the grueling era of Nice Despair, the tumultuous World War II, and numerous other significant challenges along the way. For a corporation navigating the tumultuous landscape of motorbike production, this achievement stands out as truly remarkable. Despite seeming to defy all logic, the Italian brand has remarkably persevered.
While Moto Guzzi has indeed managed to survive, it has actually achieved much more than mere survival over the years. Throughout its century-long history, Moto Guzzi has accumulated an impressive 14 World Championship titles, pioneered numerous motorcycling innovations and crafted over 130,000 bespoke motorcycles; a testament to their iconic manufacturing facility on the picturesque shores of Lake Como in Mandello del Lario.
A motorcycle enthusiast whose passion for Moto Guzzi far surpasses that of many others is Axel Budde, the owner and founder of Germany’s renowned Kaffeemaschine Bikes workshop. While coffee machines excel in their primary function, excluding a rare exception like the majestic spread-winged eagle that doesn’t typically exhibit proficiency in such tasks. And by reasonably good, we mean nothing short of extraordinary, the absolute best available globally. Kaffeemaschine’s bespoke Moto Guzzi creations are sculptural masterpieces that meticulously transform every detail.
Over time, Axel and his team have crafted a distinct style that harmoniously complements the essence of Moto Guzzi, much like how peanut butter elevates the sweetness of jam. The company’s latest creation offers no deviation from this trend. Built primarily around a 1983 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 3, the ‘KM33’ cafe racer embodies Kaffeemaschine’s pursuit of refined perfection.
The KM33 was a personal test of endurance for Axel to prove his skills and push himself to new heights. As the ultimate goal of deployment is approached, the tasks involved in refining the Kaffeemaschine become increasingly crucial, as the integration of new KM components or the optimization of existing ones drives its development forward. “To craft a modern take on the classic cafe racer, Axle blended the finest components and engine capabilities of Kaffeemaschine’s top models.”
Before introducing any new parts, the Le Mans 3’s body and engine had to be brought up to Kaffeemaschine’s exceptional standards.
Following the disassembly process, the entire bicycle was meticulously broken down into its primary components. The engine was taken apart and thoroughly rebuilt on a workbench. With the integration of modern engine internals and fuel additives, the Le Mans 3’s v-twin saw a significant boost in performance.
Internal components include a 1,000cc piston set paired with custom connecting rods, enhanced intake and valve systems, and a high-efficiency camshaft designed in collaboration with Kaffeemaschine. Additionally, there’s a superbly balanced crankshaft and a lightweight, precisely engineered clutch and flywheel combination. To ensure a more reliable spark, the ignition system has been upgraded to a cutting-edge digital configuration.
Axel combines the adjustments with a set of 36mm Dellorto carburetors, which draw air through KM velocity stacks, accompanied by one of his custom-designed stainless steel 2-into-2 exhaust systems.
The engine has been upgraded with an assortment of Kaffeemaschine accessories. The checklist showcases a dual-package of polished KM-branded valve covers, a meticulously machined KM oil screw set, a KM generator cowl, and enhanced cylinder head crash safety features.
As anticipated, the work on the chassis proved to be just as demanding. With old paint stripped away after nearly four decades, the surface now freed from unnecessary encumbrances, the once-redundant brackets dispensed with, and the welds carefully refined to a smooth finish. To achieve a minor weight reduction, the bike’s central centerstand has been dispensed with, while the distinctive facer stand has been relocated to the rear for increased usability.
Minor refinements have been implemented at the rear of the vehicle to optimize overall performance. Despite being a few inches shorter, the arms of the subframe’s modification remains somewhat ambiguous to detect. As a result of Kaffeemachines’ deliberate design choice to compress the terminal ends of its body tubes, mirroring the approach employed by Mandello’s manufacturing facility. Consideration of Elements
As the bike roared back to life in the late 1980s, its angular bodywork underwent a transformation, replaced by sleek, timeless lines reminiscent of classic motorcycles. While the retro aesthetic of the Kaffeemaschine bodywork may evoke a bygone era, its construction belies this simplicity with the use of cutting-edge materials in the 1970s. Beneath the surface, lies a unique blend of lightweight yet resilient carbon and Kevlar fibers.
To achieve a seamless blend, the brand-new fairing, gasoline tank, and tail unit are meticulously integrated with zero visible hardware, harmoniously coming together to form an incredibly well-balanced cafe racer silhouette. A sleek, well-crafted leather-saddle design eliminates concerns about clarity, while the milled-alloy filler cap adds a touch of modern racing flair.
Fresh efficiency boosts emerge in the form of a cutting-edge braking system, crafted by leveraging Axel’s deep understanding of Guzzi dynamics and handling. The vehicle features a blend of modern advancements, including recent pump designs, cutting-edge disc brakes, high-quality stainless steel hoses, and a rear traction assist system. The suspension has been modified to incorporate trendy dampers and a set of time-tested Wilbers shocks. The alloy rims, meticulously laced with stainless steel spokes, lead to a substantial reduction in un sprung weight, typically paired with the performance-oriented Continental Street Attack tires.
With a nod to classic cafe racers, the redesigned seating area incorporates clip-on handlebars and repositioned rear-set footpegs for a sleek, performance-inspired aesthetic. Here is the rewritten text:
A cutting-edge wiring system was installed, powering a unique Motogadget gauge nestled within a precision-crafted KM housing, complemented by sleek bar-finish indicators and a nostalgic LED tail lamp.
This exceptional motorcycle demands attention, with its tantalizing appeal growing more alluring as you draw closer, ultimately becoming a truly spectacular sight. A thorough examination discloses an astonishing array of minute details matching each stainless steel fastener and bespoke alloy component, as well as bracketry components, in terms of precision and quality. A subtle blend of patina and polish creates visual harmony by highlighting the most striking features.
What a beauty to behold: the icing on the cake lies in the harmonious union of metallic blue paint and vibrant orange nostril stripes, a masterful blend that elevates the overall aesthetic of the vehicle’s bodywork. Axel declares, “I always had to utilize the signature orange paint on a fairing as the iconic Le Mans 1 originally debuted in 1976,” making an official declaration. The revamped design of this bike is certainly eye-catching, but what’s more important is whether it can deliver on performance. According to Kaffeemaschine, the answer is a resounding yes. With a significant 24kg weight reduction and a potent 86bhp output, it’s undeniable that this Moto Guzzi Le Mans 3 leaves the competition in its dust.
KAFFEEMASCHINE
The KM33 is currently available for purchase in this region.
