When a buyer introduced his ’76 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 to Czech workshop ‘Fuel & Oil Bikes’ they have been honoured to have the chance to work on such an iconic Italian marque. The aptly named ’12 Royal’ is the twelfth construct from O&G workshop they usually described the expertise as a brush with royalty. There isn’t a regal parade with crushed purple velvet and gold plated carriages here. Built with a singular purpose – to be ridden fast and free.
Oil & Fuel workshop founder Matěj Sysel opened his workshop again in 2014. As he delved deeper into the world of cycling, he found it increasingly difficult to reconcile his passion for bicycles with their modern counterparts, now beset by stringent emissions regulations and designs dictated by market trends. To preserve and protect vintage motorcycles, he and his collective have curated a collection of approximately 20 unique, bespoke builds; yet, the Guzzi occupies a special position in their affections.
The design of my Moto Guzzi motorcycle has been impressively crafted.
The challenge GO. The 12 Royal project started out much like our other endeavors. One day, an unexpected customer arrived at our workshop with a unique requirement. We were tasked with sourcing a unique Italian motorbike that embodied the iconic Café Racer aesthetic, and we took on the challenge. Upon arriving, I came up with a few sketches and our team started working on the project together.
The genesis of this concept lay in a confluence of abstract ideas and practical necessities.
The 1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans boasts a distinctive vintage aesthetic. We simply needed to give it a Cafe Racer styling treatment. I unearthed my creative spark amidst the vintage pages of a few iconic 1970s publications. To give our Le Mans-style cafe racer a convincingly authentic appearance. While attending multiple workshops simultaneously, I made a point to observe the latest trends and innovative approaches in the Italian bike industry by keeping abreast of the goings-on at various workshop gatherings.
Take a leisurely walk along the winding path.
Although we were grateful for our pleasant donor, the Moto Guzzi was unfortunately in poor condition. To kick-start our project, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the iconic Le Mans 850cc engine. After the entire system was rebuilt, performance was satisfactory; nevertheless, our analysis revealed that increasing the capacity to 1,000 cubic centimeters would inadvertently exacerbate existing problems. Following the successful installation of the engine, our attention turned to the remaining components of the structure. We stripped away all extraneous components to achieve the most streamlined approach feasible. Throughout this process, we also decided to integrate taillights into the subframe. This endeavor proved surprisingly challenging. We successfully executed our plan by designing a lightweight bike with a sleek, transparent racing appearance. With the installation of Motogadget’s M.blaze bar-end indicators at the outset, the identical purpose was accomplished.
Where feasible, we chose to utilize aluminum. The innovative aluminum gasoline tank had been designed to serve as a foundation for the construction process. The custom-made alloy Prime clamp features precision milling on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. We employed an identical methodology when manufacturing the innovative exhaust clamps. The entrance fairing is an aftermarket fiberglass unit that necessitated a few subtle modifications. To accommodate this unique requirement, we fabricated custom mounting hardware from high-strength chromium steel.
The innovative Motogadget MotoScope Professional gauge cluster is just one of the many stylish features that make this motorcycle truly stand out. This sleek and unassuming instrument panel towers majestically above its more antiquated counterpart, the cluttered Guzzi gauges. The cockpit’s clarity is enhanced by the integration of Motogadget’s M.swap controls, complemented by Biltwell’s ergonomic grips and a functional Domino-style throttle arrangement. We created a novel exhaust system by crafting a fresh set of exhaust pipes and terminating them with high-performance Supertrapp mufflers. What’s intriguing about this unique blend of Italian Café Racer and Flat Tracker inspirations is the way they harmonize to create a truly one-of-a-kind design.
When selecting a colour, we required something understated yet not overly dramatic. The classic Italian aesthetic remained strong without needing any adjustments or modifications. After a full year of dedication, the bike is finally complete and ready for regular rides.
One of the most daunting aspects of building the framework was undoubtedly overcoming the complexities inherent in integrating disparate systems.
The primary challenge arose from the faulty aluminum seat and rear cowl design. Crafting the radius on the rear proved challenging, prompting us to enlist the expertise of a trusted acquaintance well-versed in aluminum fabrication at our workshop. The laborsome effort ultimately yielded a successful outcome.
How would you describe the overall appearance of this newly assembled bicycle?
I’m genuinely thrilled with the finished product of our Moto Guzzi Le Mans cafe racer. I’m particularly fond of its understated design, which makes it a discreet and unobtrusive presence in any setting. The exterior exudes a serene yet sturdy and authentic appearance. While there are some pleasant nuances present, the overall aesthetic lacks the showy flair commonly associated with Café Racer projects that strive for a high-gloss finish. At day’s end, this is a purpose-built Café Racer, optimized for peak performance and designed with riding in mind.
GAS & OIL MOTORCYCLES
Pictures by Ondřej Žďichyně | Particular thanks go to Pipeburn.
Customized Components Verify Listing
| Bodywork | Streamlined aluminium tail and seat pan; elegantly trimmed fender; a sleekly reimagined bikini entrance fairing; an authentic gas tank featuring a scalloped design. |
| Body | High-performance upgrades: Customized sub-frame, fork rebuilt with precision, high-quality Koni shocks providing superior damping, Tarozzi rear-set footpegs for enhanced control, and clip-on handlebars for a more aggressive riding position. |
| Engine | Enhanced performance: Dell’Orto 40mm carburetors, 1000cc high-performance equipment, and a powerful SuperTrapp exhaust system. |
| Electrical | MotoGadget’s professional-grade Motoscope instrument cluster features a high-resolution speedometer display. The M.Blaze indicator bars boast a premium finishing touch. Meanwhile, the M.Swap control module ensures seamless integration with other systems. A customized wiring harness completes this cutting-edge electronics package. |
| Lighting | Motogadget’s M.Blaze indicator system features a sleek, bar-style finish with integrated LED lights for brake and switch alerts, all cleverly concealed within the subframe. |
| Wheels & Tyres | Bridgestone Batalax |
