Moto Guzzi 850T
Moto Guzzi 850T Custom
THIS MOTO GUZZI'S STORY
—By Chris Lesser
What started as a bone-stock, rusty hulk of 1976 Moto Guzzi 850T, got the full tear-down treatment, starting with a freshly powder-coated frame. The motor has been re-sealed and front-end and clutch have been freshly rebuilt. All frame bearings were replaced and the outdated suspension was updated with YSS adjustable rear shocks installed.
The factory Borrani rims laced with stainless steel spokes polished up like-new and have been fully serviced and fitted with fresh Avon Roadrunner tires. Some custom stainless steel fabrication relocates the battery underneath the transmission. V7 Sport front fender, S-3 seat and a V7 Sport reproduction tank painted battleship gray complete the bodywork.
This was the first "custom" job done at Moto Borgotaro inc. in approx. 2009, it has been ridden and changed hands to the new owner in New Orleans, L.A. who told Boggia this was his "favorite" of the early bikes coming out of the shop. When the opportunity to buy this bike came around current owner J.Greco did not hesitate and is now the proud steward of this bike. Bikes, have a way of finding their rightful owners.
Special care was given to the cockpit of this machine, starting with Moto Spezial Swan Neck clip-on handlebars set up with custom stainless steel inset switches and Kustom Tech master cylinder and clutch perch (handmade in Italy). On the left side, the first stainless button activates the horn, and a second acts as a momentary switch wired to a custom relay that toggles between high- and low-beam.
“The headlight bucket and ears come from Ducati, and the centerpiece of the cockpit is a Motogadet all-in-one heads up display, wired to a custom harness. Front braking duties are handled by a new Brembo two-piston caliper and a floating 300mm rotor. Black-coated stainless steel Spiegler brake lines complete the package.”
PHOTOS BY: RYAN HANDT
DISCLAIMER
Every single bike I buy and sell, I personally go through—not someone else. I am the owner operator of my small business, and I take what I do very seriously. I work on the bikes, I ride the bikes.
If you are serious about buying a true collector piece from someone who not only has a passion for these bikes, but works on them, rides them, and collects them then call me. Jokingly people say to me, “these bikes don’t seem so rare as there are so many in your shop” well... I consider myself a custodian for these machines, they should go to people who will love, and appreciate them.
Peter Boggia