Moto Guzzi V1100 custom from Alain Bernard

Owning and riding a Moto Guzzi custom as this one is like sitting right next to an old philosopher and enjoying all of his counsel. This bike is exactly in the same league as other fabled motorcycles like the Kawasaki W650, Triumph Bonneville, Honda CB750 or any bike in the Yamaha SR series.

Based on a 1996 V1100 Daytona, the classically looking Moto Guzzi is a café racer that can pack quite a punch, thanks to a 1064 cc engine that develops 102 HP. The latest brainchild of Alain Bernard of Santiago Chopper, it was appointed by the fabled biker as the “Weight Watcher”.

The name connotes one of the main things Bernard has done to the stock bike – he has stripped all the unnecessary parts from it. In addition, a brand new frame provides support to a Ducati seat unit, while a new battery box homes a small lightweight Antigravity battery.

All of the original huge, bulky instrumentations had to be removed from the bike, while the stock fuel tank was replaced by a carbon fiber-wrapped one crafted by Grace FX Hydro Graphics.

In terms of performance, Bernard has provided some boost to the stock engine through Keihin CR 41 mm carburetion system and brand new stainless steel pipes. The lights have also been swapped with a hardly visible LED taillight and a Kawasaki headlight. Furthermore, the Guzzi needed a complete rewiring, engine treatments and frame refinish.

Therefore the guys behind Craig Paints Bikes have done it all well. The fasteners and bolts have had to be replaced as well, with Pro-Bolt anodized fittings. This outcome is quite fantastic to be honest, a thing of beauty, masculinity, elegance and power. I’d so like to have it home.

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