Mastery takes decades of dedication and perseverance. Individuals with an innate ability to grasp concepts swiftly seem to possess a unique advantage over others. Meet Samuel Aguiar, a unique individual with distinct characteristics. A seasoned furniture-motorcycle hybrid designer brings a unique skillset to every project, but for his latest customized motorcycle build, he decided to take a bold step forward.
With Samuel’s latest private project, he set out to craft a truly unique and eccentric “bizarre cafe racer”. When he acquired a salvaged 1981 Moto Guzzi 1000SP Spada that had seen better days. The motorcycle’s wheels and forks had been carefully realigned to ensure a precise fit with the engine, a testament to the owner’s determination to revive this beloved Guzzi.
I had to ensure the bike was in a straight position before implementing any modifications. According to Samuel, the sole casualty on the engine was a damaged alternator. “The fundamental idea revolved around developing an initial design concept for the gas tank, followed by exploring more innovative and unconventional approaches for the front fender.”
With the teardown commencing, the unwieldy touring plastics of the Spada were stripped away to yield room for a sleeker, streamlined design. The damaged entrance finishing was subsequently replaced by a newly constructed array of inventory tines. The revised entrance finish was designed to lower the bike’s nose down closer to the pavement. The bike’s suspension system has been upgraded with adjustable, air-filled Fournales rear shocks, which were subsequently inflated to the recommended pressure setting to achieve an optimal ride height and stability.
Following the replacement of the faulty alternator, Samuel successfully restored the 949cc v-twin to its optimal condition. While the 1000SP Spada has earned a reputation for reliability, it now requires enhanced efficiency to match its updated appearance. The 32mm carbs have been replaced with 36mm Dell’Ortos, featuring unique alloy velocity stacks designed to optimize airflow. He subsequently designed and fabricated a custom stainless steel exhaust system featuring integrated baffles, carefully tuning each component to optimize performance.
This innovative design embodies the essence of a revamped bodywork, ultimately revolutionizing the entire construct. Despite meticulous craftsmanship, Samuel recognized he had to refine his skills to achieve the desired result.
“I’ve long required the skill to weld aluminum, prompting me to take on this endeavour; consequently, I acquired a brand-new TIG welder,” he explains, though one might struggle to identify novice mistakes amidst his articulate expression. The newly crafted aluminum tail unit, gas tank, fairing, and fenders exhibit flawless execution, with virtually imperceptible weld marks that defy detection. With a satisfying finish, Samuel decided to leave the bodywork unpainted, and one can hardly fault his decision. All the components are meticulously proportioned and exquisitely polished, giving the impression that the entire assembly above the engine is a single, masterfully sculpted piece of aluminum.
The unpainted finish, a hallmark of the original design, is now also applied to the body of the 1000SP, creating a sleek and uniform aesthetic throughout. Following his successful weld on the rear hoop, Samuel chose to leave imperfections exposed and untouched. To preserve the appearance and prevent corrosion, the team started by meticulously cleaning the metal before applying a transparent protective coating.
As the moment arrived to reupholster the seat, Samuel selected a Nardo gray leather that harmonized perfectly with the car’s interior accents. As you gaze upon this sleek machine, fleeting bursts of vibrancy catch your eye: a subtle blue hue emanates from the exhaust headers, while the tail light’s regal purple glow is momentarily interrupted by the sudden flash of the Motogadget Motoscope Professional’s swift dash. As dusk approaches, the meticulous honing of the trick’s lights yields a mesmerizing display, as the reflected hues are projected onto the tank, bathing it in a radiant purple glow.
The crowning glory of this mechanical masterpiece is its meticulous attention to detail, as exemplified by the Tarozzi rear-set footpegs, Morad spoked rims, Berringer brake and clutch controls, and Brembo high-performance discs that combine to create a truly exceptional riding experience. The rear brake cylinder and headlight mounting cleverly repurpose components sourced from a Peugeot scooter, with Samuel expertly rounding and smoothing the upper clamp to ensure an unobstructed cockpit view.
While I’m loath to invoke the term “good” without due consideration when discussing bespoke motorcycles, I shall make a rare exemption for Samuel’s exceptional Moto Guzzi 1000SP Spada, which truly warrants such an accolade.
The application of aluminum to his project, and the fact that he’s transformed an 80’s sport tourer into a timeless cafe racer, is nothing short of exceptional.
SHINY HAMMER
