Solely did the 1985 Toyota 850T’s resemblance to a toy train in mimicking model trends come at the cost of compromised efficiency, thanks to poor handling. By the mid-1980s, Moto Guzzi had learned from its past mistakes and refined its motorcycle design by introducing a revised wheel configuration and reinforcements to strengthen the front end. Here is the rewritten text:
The newly introduced T5 model boasts impressive performance, underpinned by Guzzi’s renowned 850cc longitudinal v-twin engine, which has been thoroughly tested and refined. While purporting to cater to inclinations, its aesthetic design has unfortunately lost its cutting-edge appeal.
Italian custom builder Mirko Tovazzi spotted an untapped gem beneath the Guzzi’s worn, dated facade. Following his purchase of a 1990 mannequin T5, he set out to craft the Guzzi motorcycle that had always been his dream ride. While eschewing the temptation to seek out specific bike designs or styles as inspiration, he started from scratch, armed with only basic materials – flat aluminum sheets, hammers, and his own two hands.
A vintage motorcycle enthusiast meticulously preserved the original condition of the donor bike, removing all unnecessary components to expose its mechanical heart and create a blank canvas for his creative endeavors. Without designing initial concepts, he could allow each element to unfold naturally. To showcase his technical prowess, he deliberately confined himself to crafting individual components using a single piece of aluminum and combining them with rivets rather than welding. Mirko scrutinized each of the brand-new physique panels, noting how they transformed the motorcycle’s appearance into something akin to a sleek, underwater vessel from Jules Verne’s imagination, prompting him to swiftly dub it “Nemo” in homage to Captain Nemo’s iconic submarine.
Mirko’s custom work on his T5 Nautilus features a striking entrance cowl, seamlessly wrapping around the handlebars as it rises upwards. Crafted from a single sheet of alloy, the brand-new facet panels and entrance fender exude a sense of precision, while the custom-made alternator cap proudly bears the Nautilus bike’s signature logo, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to individuality. The tail unit features the iconic Mirko’s Tovazzi Battilastra workshop emblem, while its seat pan is upholstered in timeless black suede leather. The sleek, custom-made gas tank features a stunning gloss-black finish adorned with golden pinstripes, a unique touch that sets it apart from the other untouched areas of the vehicle’s bodywork.
To accommodate the custom installation of his entrance cowling, Mirko has installed Tomaselli’s adjustable Condor handlebars at the front end, featuring aftermarket switches. The bespoke entrance headlight originates from a Piaggio Vespa, while the remainder of the lighting features high-quality, carefully selected aftermarket components that remain discreet until activated, thereby adding an element of drama to the overall aesthetic.
Does a legendary mechanic’s passion project live up to its promise? We definitely suppose so.
Jules Verne famously dubbed Captain Nemo’s iconic vessel, the Nautilus, a “masterpiece containing masterpieces”, a testament to its unparalleled ingenuity. A singular innovation, far surpassing its contemporaries in ingenuity and majesty, leaving onlookers awestruck by its sheer revolutionary potential.
When Lino Tonti unveiled the Moto Guzzi 850 T, he likely anticipated a similarly enthusiastic reception from motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, that was not the situation.
