Guzzi Custom Cruiser from Copenhagen…
In 1977, BMW launched the first mass-production, factory-faired sport-tourer in the form of the R100RS. But the Guzzi boys weren’t far behind, and like their German counterparts, they had access to a wind tunnel to develop a design that would cut cleanly through the air. The result was the 1978 Moto Guzzi SP1000, a Tonti-framed machine with triple discs and a tunnel-tested two-part fairing.
Also known as the 1000 SP or simply the Spada, the bike featured Guzzi’s 948cc transverse L-twin in a fairly mild state of tune, making 71 horsepower and 62 pound-feet of torque. While it was no sportbike, the SP1000 was a hit for bikers who liked to rack up miles.
“It’s a bike that begs to be ridden, the further the better. Why else should a trip down the road to fetch the Sunday papers involve a round trip of fifty miles, when normally a ten minute walk will suffice…? Yes, a Spada affects you like that. And that reason why is very plain once you press the starter motor and those two cylinders start to throb.” –Motorcycle Illustrated, 1978
Recently, we heard from our old friend Scott Brown, a photographer who’s fallen in with a crew of Danish builders and riders who share an underground “bunker” workshop in downtown Copenhagen. The Guzzi you see here comes from one of the bunker’s members, Andreas (@guzziandy), who’s been riding and wrenching on bikes for nearly 15 years.
Back in 2019, we featured Andy’s Kawasaki (K)Z750 scrambler, a bike inspired by vintage enduros and dirt bikes from the 1970s. Andy also built and owns a Moto Guzzi V65 SP (643cc) scrambler that he still loves to ride, but he had an itch for something a bit bigger and more powerful Goose.
“So when a cheap SP1000 showed up for sale, I decided that it was time to try and build a big block Moto Guzzi.”
Andy didn’t want to build a cafe racer but a “long, low, comfortable cruiser” that he could take on longer trips throughout Europe, and that vision would shape the build. For added stability, he added a longer swingarm from a Moto Guzzi California, along with custom-length YSS rear shocks and new fork internals, lowering the bike about 1.5 inches.
The frame was detabbed, and Andy added a Suzuki GS450L tank painted Porsche GT Silver Metallic — he really likes the shape and fit of this particular tank to the Guzzi frame. The rear frame rails were shortened slightly, the fender relocated, and a new custom seat added. The bike is running California hubs laced to new aluminum rims with Shinko E-270 rubber, and an alloy front fender with custom stainless steel brackets.
The engine was properly fettled as well. Highlights include dual-plug heads, Dynatek ignition and dual coils, 36mm Dellorto carbs with K&N filters, lighter aluminum flywheel, RAM clutch, MassMoto 2:2 exhaust, and more.
Other highlights include an upgraded charging system, new brake lines and Brembo master cylinder, and even a sump spacer to increase oil capacity. The end result is a big-block Goose perfect for longer rides through the city, the country, and even across borders.
“Due to the extended wheelbase it rides like a cruiser. Slow at cornering in the city but super stable and a joy to ride in the countryside or on the highway. The engine pulls really nice and sounds amazing with the MassMoto exhaust.”
Below is full uncut interview with Andy, and thanks again to Scott Brown for the photographs. Stay tuned for more builds from this underground Copenhagen workshop!
Moto Guzzi Custom Cruiser: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Andreas and I am 37 years old. I live in Copenhagen and share a workshop with 10 other guys in an underground parking garage in downtown Copenhagen. I have been riding and wrenching on motorcycles for the last 14 years. Mainly Japanese, German, and Italian bikes.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Moto Guzzi SP1000 from 1979.
• Why was this bike built?
A few years ago I built a Moto Guzzi V65 SP into a scrambler and I really love that bike and ride it on a regular basis. So when a cheap SP1000 showed up for sale, I decided that it was time to try and build a big block Moto Guzzi.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I wanted to build a long, low, comfortable cruiser that I could take on a longer trip out in Europe.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Body:
Bike is fitted with an extended rear swingarm from a California. Next I fitted a gas tank from a Suzuki GS450L as I really like the shape and fit to the Guzzi engine/frame.
Frame detabbed, new custom leather seat, relocation of rear fender, shortened the frame rails a bit, Motone taillight, new aluminum rims laced to hubs from a California with Shinko E-270 rubber front and back. Aluminium front fender with custom stainless steel brackets, lowered the front fork 1½ inch with new internals.
MMB Digital speedometer placed in front of the gas tank for a clean cockpit. New custom length YSS rear shocks(lowered), 2:2 MassMoto exhaust, gas tank and side covers painted in Porsche GT Silver Metallic.
New brake lines, Brembo brake master, new simple wiring harness with upgraded charging system.
Engine:
Cylinder heads modified for dual sparkplugs in each head, Dynatek electronic ignition, Dynatek Dual coils, PHF 36mm Dellorto carbs, K&N filters, lighter aluminum flywheel and RAM Clutch, Lithium battery, oil sump spacer for bigger oil filling, new brake lines, Brembo brake master, new simple wiring harness with upgraded charging system.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Due to the extended wheelbase it rides like a cruiser. Slow at cornering in the city but super stable and a joy to ride in the countryside or on the highway. The engine pulls really nice and sounds amazing with the MassMoto exhaust.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The lines of the bike, the simplicity, the built-in speedo in front of the gas tank, and the classic vibe of the bike with modern features.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @guzziandy
Photographer credit: Scott Brown
What a nice street bike! Beautiful in a simple way. This is a bike a guy could live with for many years.
Lovely bike
If only Guzzi would build something this clean . I love it!