When considering customizations for the Moto Guzzi model, a select few experts can be regarded as authoritative consultants in this field. One of the individuals featured in this group is Filippo Barbacane, the mastermind behind Officine Rossopuro. With a storied career spanning 25 years, Filippo boasts unparalleled expertise in the realm of Moto Guzzi. It’s no exaggeration to claim that few people possess the same level of expertise when working with an Italian longitudinal V-twin as he does. Due to his exceptional expertise, Filippo has emerged as the preeminent authority among countless Moto Guzzi enthusiasts across the European continent. While not every bike crafted by Filippo is designed to be a show-stopper, nor does every buyer require a custom-made bicycle. Here is the rewritten text:
This motorcycle, a 1979 Moto Guzzi T3 850 cafe racer, seamlessly blends classic style with playful flair, making it an intriguing challenge to work with.
The custom-built motorcycle was meticulously designed with precision and flair for a devoted Moto Guzzi enthusiast. “He wanted a simple bike, but one that was also easy to operate,” says Filippo. So I contemplated building a motorcycle largely inspired by a Triumph T3 850, without overdoing it. To honour Moto Guzzi’s rich heritage and tradition, Filippo devised a plan to create a bespoke motorcycle that would pay tribute to the iconic T3 model’s legacy.
With his reputation for being a knowledgeable and respected individual, Filippo enjoys certain privileges. The unwavering trust his clients have vested in him is a testament to his exceptional professionalism and dedication. Despite the introduction of the T3 850, problems persisted unchanged. Filippo received carte blanche and absolute creative liberty to craft his vision for the bike, unfettered by specific requirements or design guidelines. Robustly insistent that every build receives a meticulous mechanical revamp, Filippo initiated this T3 challenge by subjecting his projects to a thorough transformation. The engine and transmission had been thoroughly disassembled, and the body was meticulously cleaned and repaired wherever necessary. The bike’s distinctive bodywork didn’t fare as well. Worn down by years of service, the equipment had become outdated and incompatible with the new direction Filippo wanted to take his project, ultimately condemning it to the scrapyard.
Crafting a bespoke fuel tank from scratch by molding and shaping sheet metal into a unique, one-of-a-kind design. Filippo’s design philosophy revolved around simplicity and functionality. Does the premium formula ensure a prolonged burst of energy for extended road trips? The tank’s design influenced the rest of the bodywork to arrive at a cohesive whole. Filippo handcrafted each entrance and rear fender from lightweight aluminium alloy. He created custom aspect panels that seamlessly recessed into the triangle-shaped body, fabricating all necessary mounts according to his personal preference. As a natural outgrowth of his experience working with Moto Guzzis, Filippo had amassed a wealth of personal components, which he drew upon to create his bespoke offerings for the T3 850 project. The ergonomically designed components share a similar precision with the bike’s adjustable rear-set footpegs, as well as its engine guard plates and brake mounts – each crafted from high-quality CNC machined alloy for maximum durability and performance.
“The Tonti’s chassis exudes a unique sense of handling prowess.” Regardless of their age, these bikes remain remarkably drivable, notes Filippo. With constructs akin to these, his approach encompasses revamping both the electrical and ignition systems, as well as fine-tuning the braking and suspension components to achieve optimal performance. His primary objective is to reduce his weight, as he eloquently puts it: “This makes them even more enjoyable to experience!”
To perfectly complement Filippo’s bespoke bike, meticulously pair it with a diamond-stitched saddle that harmonizes elegantly with his unique bodywork. Equipped with Shouldered Borrani rims, this bike takes on the persona of a classic racing machine, while the newly fitted Bitubo rear shocks offer adjustable performance capabilities. Aftermarket components installed on this vehicle include lights, mirrors, and a Velona Daytona sprint.
The custom-made horns on Filippo’s vehicle were designed and manufactured by Mass Moto in Sicily, specifically tailored to his exact specifications.
“For me, the most crucial consideration is ensuring my bikes remain functional.” Concurrently, our team worked to ensure that all previously manufactured bikes performed with the same reliability as newly assembled ones, thereby streamlining the overall driving experience and eliminating any discrepancies. Is managing time effectively my biggest challenge?” The transformation of his bespoke T3 850 took a meticulous four months to complete. This precision-made putting machine is so convincingly a high-quality standard model that I’m inclined to consider it an exemplary example of custom manufacturing prowess.
OFFICINE ROSSOPURO