This tale initially emerged in the Spanish publication “La Revival de la Máquina”.
In 2010, Mandello del Lario embarked on a project to build a powerful motorcycle, acquiring the necessary dynamics expertise. Unfortunately, the styling aspect did not quite align. As the Moto Guzzi Bellagio entered the market, it did so without making much of a ripple. By acknowledging the Bellagio’s limitations, South Storage seized the opportunity to address its flaws. From the ashes of Bellagio, a phoenix-like entity has been reimagined in the form of a remarkable new bicycle, dubbed the ‘Fenice’ by South Storage.
One notable limitation South Storage encountered with the Bellagio was the mismatched proportions of its exterior design and seating configuration. By leveraging their specialized knowledge in bespoke fabrication, the team transformed the 2010 Bellagio’s aesthetic, revamping its appearance with precision and flair. With its roots in classic Moto Guzzi design, the handcrafted aluminum gas tank dons a sophisticated palette of black, pale gold, and silver, its brushed alloy finish imbuing it with understated elegance. To complete the vehicle’s exterior is a bespoke aluminum filler cap, accompanied by forged alloy South Storage badges and subtle ‘Fenice’ graphics subtly rendered in a ghosted finish. The revised rear design significantly enhanced the gas tank’s visibility and functionality. The unique combination of a rear cowl and facet panels crafted from carbon fibre seamlessly integrates with the bike’s understated Alcantara saddle, exuding an air of subtle sophistication.
Just as a woman adorns herself with jewelry to accentuate her beauty, South Storage has delicately embellished the Fenice with subtle touches of gold. The Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins outfitted the bicycles with newly designed front forks and a single rear shock absorber, featuring a custom mounting bracket that accommodates the external preload adjustment mechanism. While the Bellagio already features spoke rims, the Fenice takes its performance to new heights with 17-inch Kineo carbon fiber rims shod in high-grip Pirelli Diablo Crimson Race III tires. Sophisticated upgrades culminate in the installation of high-performance Brembo calipers, precision-crafted reservoirs, and premium-floating brake discs.
To further accentuate its sleek silver paint scheme and build upon its weight-saving strategy, South Storage has paired the Fenice with an extensive selection of custom-made alloy components. The collaboration between Rizoma and construct companions FG Racing has resulted in a meticulously prepared motorcycle with attention to every detail. The distinctive headlight, a collaborative effort with FG Racing, warrants special mention. The CNC-machined housing features a xenon bulb accompanied by LED indicators, all of which are secured within an outer ring that holds the glass lens firmly in place through 12 chrome steel screws. To further enhance the watch’s aesthetic appeal, South Storage designed a bespoke alloy bracket that seamlessly integrates with the Chrono-Traditional dial.
In contrast to the bike’s radical styling overhauls, the 940cc, 90-degree V-twin engine appears surprisingly unchanged.
The upgrade package incorporates a complete Spark exhaust system, high-performance air filters, and sleek one-piece rocker covers to replace unsightly factory components. Despite appearances, internal matters differ fundamentally. Beneath the gas tank, a discreet yet impressive feature lies in wait: Dynatech coils expertly managed by a state-of-the-art Rapidbike control unit. The engine’s instances contain lightened camshafts and a monodisc clutch designed to boost torque delivery to the rear wheel, thereby optimizing overall performance. With an intricate blend of high-compression pistons and finely calibrated valves and cylinder heads, this potent combination yields a respectable 95 horsepower at the wheels. That’s a significant 20-hp increase from the standard manufacturing facility engine performance.
The culmination of their arduous efforts is a motorbike that South Storage genuinely believes embodies the essence of the Moto Guzzi brand. The Bellagio’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable; its rebirth showcases a masterclass in revitalization.
