And although SP3 basically meets all the criteria of classic Moto Guzzi touring, visually it does not reach. Its toothed sheathing may have been considered stylish in the 80’s, but by today’s standards it is more fake than wine. Fortunately, David Caforo’s performance did not imply the preservation of the original SP3 appearance. Rama Tonty - yes, the best details - of course. But design is never.
David runs the workshop of Ruote Fiere Motociclette Speciale in Monza, that in Italy. He has a particular fondness for the classic Moto Guzzi, combined with a love of making them radical and unique. The order for this project came from Agostini Moto Guzzi - a long-standing, even historical dealer of Moto Guzzi, located in the brand’s home town of Mandello del Largo.
The idea was to give the 1985 Moto Guzzi SP3 1000 a new life and an entirely new aesthetic. This is a technically good, but aesthetically unbalanced model, - explains David. -The idea was to preserve the integrity of the main structural components, but radically transform its identity into a futuristic cafe-racer with strong Japanese post-apocalyptic influences.
The motorcycle is named Hokuto after the famous anime from the 80s, Fist of the North Star, which features criminal punk gangs with many strange motorcycles.
The donor bike was in excellent condition, which made David’s task a lot easier. He took it apart, and then he split the engine and made some important improvements, like lightening a lot of internal components. The engine also received upgraded heads with two candles per cylinder, enlarged and polished inlet ports and a more aggressive spread.
Engine
David added a pair of reconfigured Mikuni TMR40 carburetors and then ordered the custom 2-in-1 stainless exhaust system from Exan Exhaust. The motorcycle assembled a new wiring on the basis of the mo.unit Motogadget controller, installed a new electric starter, relay regulator, high-voltage coils, as well as a new programmable electronic ignition.
Chassis
As for the chassis, David kept the light casted SP3 wheels, but repainted them in black. They are now fitted in the ContiRoadAttack 3, equipped with improved calipers and customized brake discs made of stainless steel. At the front is the 43 adjustable KYB fork, also painted in black, and at the back - adjustable shock absorbers YSS.
Design
Then David designed a bold new Moto Guzzi. The design included a concealed aluminium fuel tank and an electronics box, both of which were manufactured in the Italian metalworking workshop MPR. On top of the aluminium components there is a glass-plastic shell of the container, which overlaps with the tail fairing. Both of these elements were manufactured by Kompo-Tech in Rome. The deeply sculpted tank resembles vintage racing motorcycles, and the quarter-turn fasteners provide quick access to the components hidden underneath.
The tail element starts with large side covers and then narrows to a more traditional cowl at the back. On top of the three-piece seat, and at the back in the fairing is neatly integrated a rectangular diode rear lamp. At the front, a little more endurance racing style was added: David placed an oil radiator in a homemade shell, above which he placed a powerful diode lamp. The sharp "wings" on the lower part of the fairing rather refer to the modern traditions of the racing scene and its obsession with aerodynamics, than actually create a cornering force.
The Motogadget dashboard is located under the rear edge of the headlamp cover. It is surrounded by clips, worn in the flu Domino and equipped with brake machines and clutches of Brembo and racing look controls. Agostini Moto Guzzi’s custom sports footrests complete with a set of controls. Livery SP3 is very stylish - oil blue background with yellow accents. David made the fork, frame and engine black, and also added some blue and red anodized parts.
With its aggressive silhouette, the Hokuto looks like it’s made of the best parts from several different motorcycles. And at the same time - very harmonious, which you can not say about the original Moto Guzzi SP3 1000.
