Ride the Lightning: 1700cc Moto Guzzi “Saetta Racer”

940 No More: Radical Speedshop’s “Saetta Racer” 1700…  

The Moto Guzzi Bellagio 940 appeared in 2007 as the company’s new cruiser, sporting a fuel-injected 935cc Guzzi V-twin with 74 brake horsepower and 57 foot-pounds of torque. The bike featured the company’s CARC (Cardano Reattivo Compatto / Compact Reactive Driveshaft) single-sided swingarm and shaft drive — an “anti-reaction” design that reduces the “jacking” which often plagues shaft-drive motorcycles when power is applied. 

“The Moto Guzzi Bellagio is far better than your average custom. The Bellagio has decent suspension, brakes and tyres, steers sweetly yet is comfortable and smooth and is a pleasure to hustle around. It’ll run rings around a Harley Sportster, for example.” –MCN

Still, for all those strengths, the Bellagio was something of a parts-bin special. It certainly wasn’t the most radical or charismatic model to roll out of the Mandello-based factory…until the Bronold boys from Germany’s Radical Speedshop laid their hands on it, that is.

The Bronolds have been pushing the envelope of Moto Guzzi performance for more than two decades. Radical Guzzis from their shop have proven themselves on the street, circuit, and sprint races such as the annual Glemseck 101, where air-cooled twins race an 1/8-mile length of the old Solitude race track.

Their nitrous-injected “NOSferatu” and “NOSferatwo” drag bikes have wowed sprint race spectators around Europe, as has their naturally-aspirated 1700cc “Cento Anni” café racer. Now they’re back with another 1.7-liter monster, the “Saetta Racer” you see here.

Torque Monster: “Cento Anni” Moto Guzzi 1700

It’s hard to believe this Bellagio-based beast started as a 935cc cruiser — it’s been completely transformed into a much sportier, more powerful, and more aggressive machine. First there’s the engine, which has been punched out to 1700cc with a big-bore kit, stroker crank, forged connecting rods, race cams, and a six-speed gearbox. It breathes through Keihin FCR41 carbs and a titanium exhaust, putting down 150 horsepower and 140 foot-pounds of torque at a weight of just under 400 pounds. 

From a chassis perspective, the Bellagio frame was customized, clad in a V7 tank and saddle, and outfitted with modern upside-down forks, CNC yokes, clip-on bars, Ducati wheels, and Beringer brakes — trick!

Saetta means “lightning” in Italian, and builder Stefan Bronold says they named the bike “Saetta Racer” since it’s like riding lightning. We’d certainly love a go on an Italian V-twin of this size, power, and thoroughbred handling. 

Below you’ll find our interview with Stefan about the build, and make sure to check out Radical Speedshop builds at the end of the article. 

1.7L Guzzi Cafe Racer: Builder Interview

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Moto Guzzi Bellagio.

• Why was this bike built?

Demonstration bike for the promotion of our workshop.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

It should look like a Guzzi V7 with more power.

• What custom work was done to the bike? 

Stroker crank, forged con rods, big bore kit, race Cams, 6-speed gearbox, FCR41 carbs, CARC swingarm, customized Bellagio frame, V7 tank and seat, USD fork, CNC triple plates, Ducati wheels, titanium exhaust, and Beringer brakes.

• Where does the nickname “Saetta Racer” come from?

Saetta is Italian for Lightning.

• Any idea of horsepower, performance, and/or weight numbers?

150HP / 190Nm / 180kg.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride the Saetta Racer?

It’s like riding lightning.

Follow the Builder

Website: www.radicalspeedshop.com
Facebook: @radicalspeedshop
Instagram: @radicalspeedshop

More Radical Speedshop Builds

Ride the Lightning: 1700cc Moto Guzzi “Saetta Racer” - 940 No More: Radical Speedshop’s “Saetta Racer” 1700…   The Moto Guzzi Bellagio 940 appeared in 2007 as the company’s new cruiser, sporting a fuel-injected 935cc Guzzi V-twin with 74 brake horsepower and 57 foot-pounds of […]

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Torque Monster: “Cento Anni” Moto Guzzi 1700 - From Radical Speedshop: “The most powerful and light Guzzi ever…”  Radical Speedshop is a family-run German workshop with a twin-piston Italian heart. The Bronolds — Stefan Sr., Stefan Jr., and Simon — build Guzzi customs, […]

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