At the 2022 Handbuilt Motorbike Exhibition, visitors can get an exclusive first look at Revival Cycles’ latest creation: a breathtakingly reimagined 1975 Moto Guzzi T3, lovingly dubbed the Alloy Guzzi. The Guzzisti brought their beloved bike to the Revival workshop in 2016, initially seeking help with several tasks, but the project soon spiraled out of control, gaining momentum like an unstoppable avalanche.
“‘A small endeavour that exploded in an enormous way,’ recalls Revival founder Alan Stulberg.”
In 2016, we pioneered a sophisticated fuel tank mounting solution, revising our mono-shock design and reinforcing the body structure to optimize power transfer and performance.
Upon completing those tasks, the bicycle’s owner returned to inspect the work performed by Revival. Following the exceptional quality and innovative approach evident in their work, the T3 project evolved organically into a unique entity that defied conventional norms.
Starting from the foundation, Revival overhauled the chassis by removing the unnecessary body rail, incorporating additional structural reinforcement and crafting a precision-machined transmission mounting system through CNC technology. The rear body tube was deleted, replaced by custom brackets designed to accommodate a variety of electrical components. The chassis’s subframe has undergone a precise modification process as well. The rear suspension now features a mono-shock configuration, courtesy of a 20mm longer Lemans 1000 swingarm and a RaceTech G3S shock, offering a significant transformation in handling and performance.
Echoing the classic essence of the undertaking, the CRS forks present a modern reimagining of iconic 1970s Cerrianni designs. Precision-crafted from high-quality billet aluminum, these components utilize advanced cartridge technology, allowing for external adjustments to the entrance’s finish, compression, rebound, and preload settings. A trio of precision-crafted CNC machined triple clamps, custom-fabricated by Revival at their facility, provides the foundation for the entire setup’s stability and integrity.
With the introduction of suspension upgrades, the Guzzi also received a substantial brake improvement. Revival revisited their CNC machine to design and manufacture a new set of precision-crafted entrance finish brake mounts. A high-performance brake setup hangs from the brand-new mounts, featuring Brembo discs and callipers that utilize additional Brembo gearing for enhanced stopping power.
For the bike’s wheels, Revival chose to incorporate additional classic design flourishes, underscoring its commitment to tradition. The sleek and sophisticated wheelset features stainless steel spokes expertly laced to precision-crafted T3 hubs, with a durable and lightweight flanged alloy construction provided by renowned manufacturer Borrani. Equipped with contemporary bearings, seals, and Continental’s high-performance Street Assault 2 tires, this comprehensive wheel bundle is ready to hit the road.
This thorough overhaul of the engine was a notable achievement.
“Alan recalls the uniquely engineered component, noting that only the block and crankshaft remained intact, having survived its rigorous testing.” “An 88mm huge bore package transforms the unique 850 into a 950, boosted by +2mm longer Carrillo rods paired with one-off cast Ross racing pistons to enhance energy and reliability. This is further supported by reworked cylinder heads featuring Kibblewhite 44mm intake and 37mm exhaust valves.”
The engine’s performance is bolstered by the Dellorto PHF 40 mm carburetors, which seamlessly integrate with the custom fuel feed lines. The bespoke exhaust features a 2-into-1 Titanium system, culminating in a discreet titanium muffler cleverly positioned beneath the transmission, which preserves the bike’s center of gravity while maintaining unimpeded floor clearance.
“All 500 horsepower is effortlessly transferred through a RAM low-inertia clutch, paired with a meticulously rebuilt and reworked transmission boasting low-drag ceramic bearings and numerous newly designed components,” Alan explains.
The team’s attention shifted promptly back to outfitting the T3 with fresh bodywork.
The group procured a replica Evan Wilcox Aluminium Le Mans-style gas tank for storing their high-performance fuel additive. After rigorous reworking, the result is a polished performance that demonstrates the fruits of their labor. The tank lies motionless on the body rails, its proximity to the cylinder heads a mere snout’s length away.
A precision-crafted alloy tail unit, meticulously designed to extend seamlessly from the rear of the tank, achieves the perfect cafe racer aesthetic by defining its unmistakable silhouette. The unique proportions of this design have been meticulously calculated to optimize the rider’s seating position, with the added feature of an integrated LED taillight seamlessly incorporated into its structure. With a focus on the bicycle’s design, the balance of its frame is similarly constructed from lightweight aluminum throughout. This comprises a bespoke entrance fairing, an entrance fender, a headlight ring, and a pair of stainless steel stomach pans. Chrome steel brackets and hardware ensure that all components remain firmly secured.
While the reworked T3 retains its traditional racing essence, it’s not just a relic of the past. According to Alan, the addition of an entrance fairing to each wing resolved visual stability concerns and provided a point for mounting a racing number. It’s because the owner has every intention of racing this beauty at classic race meets.
The cockpit’s juxtaposition of vintage charm and modern amenities creates an intriguing blend, as a mechanical Veglia racing tachometer takes its place beside sleek, high-tech LED warning and indicator lights. The Domino grips perfectly complement the Revival LTD’s aesthetic. The bespoke upholstery boasts an upturned seat, masterfully crafted from rich Alcantara leather, where every stitch is meticulously executed using a signature Moto Guzzi V8 green thread, according to Alan, who shares the exhaustive roster of enhancements and revisions with us.
The revised text is:
“Twin Tarozzi rear units have been meticulously reworked to allow for adjustable foot control positions, thereby delivering a remarkably solid feel at the footpegs.” Located adjacent to the Revival Signature Sort 1 Change housings are the Tomaselli twin pull throttles, which are connected to a MotoGadget Mo.Unit primary unit. The custom cables were fabricated using Revival Signature Cable kits to deliver a cohesive appearance, while the wiring was handled by a Revival Signature Wiring solution.
With a deep understanding of electrical systems, the Revival group has successfully integrated this expertise into their latest T3 project. The custom-made wiring harness employs Mizu connectors to ensure robust and weather-tight connections. The Signature Secret’s headlight boasts a retro aesthetic, expertly concealing its advanced LED technology within a timeless design that effortlessly blends modernity with a vintage flair. The charging system has been upgraded to utilize the Euromoto Electrics configuration, featuring a 12-cell Anti-Gravity battery that provides cranking amps. To further emphasize the bike’s adjustability, a user-programmable Energy Arc ignition system is integrated, while the flip-style indicators are reimagined with modern LED technology.
The unmistakable allegiance of the Moto Guzzi’s owner to the iconic marque is palpable in every fibre. Upon launching this groundbreaking project, he has paid homage to the revered factory and museum at Guzzi’s iconic Lake Como site. Enthralled by the iconic Moto Guzzi V8 Dustbin motorcycle’s sheer power and majesty. In fact, he became so enamored with the concept that he instructed the group to apply a matte, industrial-gray finish to the body of his bicycle, mirroring its utilitarian aesthetic. The frame’s sleek aluminum finish is deliberately unpainted to highlight its craftsmanship. By combining elements of raw, unfinished texture with refined finishes, they’ve created a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Visit the Revival Cycles Handbuilt Motorbike Show at 305 South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, this weekend if you’d like to see this unique bike in person.
