Photo: Marv Clarke
Tom Simpson of Foundry Motorcycle usually deals with fully-fledged custom builds, but the project we’re about to look at is more of a restomod. It was put together over an eight-week period for a client on a tight budget, with the chosen donor being a Moto Guzzi V1000 G5 from the model-year 1979. In part, the decision to build a restomod was motivated by the limited funds and short timeframe.
Despite the constraints associated with this endeavor, the end result is absolutely stunning! Once the classic Guzzi had been taken apart, Tom busied himself with a comprehensive rebuild of its V-twin powerhouse. The previous owner had swapped the original Dell’Orto carbs with higher-spec Mikuni substitutes, but these were out of tune and had to be rejetted.
They now breathe through individual K&N air filters, while the exhaust system has been cleaned up, fitted with reverse megaphone silencers, and wrapped in Cerakote from head to toe. Moving on to the electrical side of things, the project’s author installed a Silent Hektik electronic ignition module complete with fresh coils. There’s a custom wiring harness that runs through a Motogadget controller, powering Kellermann turn signals on both ends.
The ones at the back do double duty as taillights, and the V1000’s original headlamp gave way to a new Bates-style alternative. Whereas the factory fuel tank and side covers have been retained, the fenders were replaced with handmade aluminum units fabricated from scratch. One may also find a custom seat upholstered in black vinyl, while the gas tank is now equipped with a Monza-style filler cap.
In the cockpit area, this G5 restomod carries a Biltwell handlebar adorned with Honda CBR control levers, plain Motone switches, and an aftermarket throttle. Other accessories include digital Motogadget instrumentation and a keyless ignition setup, but there’s not a single rear-view mirror in sight. Now, let’s see what has changed about the motorcycle’s chassis during the overhaul.
Sir Simpson decided to keep and refurbish the standard forks, pairing them up with modern YSS shock absorbers featuring dual-rate springs. For ample stopping power at the front, he rebuilt the stock calipers, replaced the rotors with drilled EBC parts, and hooked everything up to braided stainless-steel lines from HEL. The bike’s original wheels are still present, wearing youthful Roadrider MKII rubber supplied by Avon.
Foundry’s mastermind called in reinforcements when it came to the paintwork, enrolling the help of S Jago Designs to get the job done. The Chichester-based paint shop applied a black base to most components, then they finished everything off with bright green stripes on the wheels, tank, and side panels. Once completed and handed back to the customer, the reworked Guzzi embarked on a 2,000-mile road trip without any mechanical issues whatsoever.
They now breathe through individual K&N air filters, while the exhaust system has been cleaned up, fitted with reverse megaphone silencers, and wrapped in Cerakote from head to toe. Moving on to the electrical side of things, the project’s author installed a Silent Hektik electronic ignition module complete with fresh coils. There’s a custom wiring harness that runs through a Motogadget controller, powering Kellermann turn signals on both ends.
The ones at the back do double duty as taillights, and the V1000’s original headlamp gave way to a new Bates-style alternative. Whereas the factory fuel tank and side covers have been retained, the fenders were replaced with handmade aluminum units fabricated from scratch. One may also find a custom seat upholstered in black vinyl, while the gas tank is now equipped with a Monza-style filler cap.
In the cockpit area, this G5 restomod carries a Biltwell handlebar adorned with Honda CBR control levers, plain Motone switches, and an aftermarket throttle. Other accessories include digital Motogadget instrumentation and a keyless ignition setup, but there’s not a single rear-view mirror in sight. Now, let’s see what has changed about the motorcycle’s chassis during the overhaul.
Sir Simpson decided to keep and refurbish the standard forks, pairing them up with modern YSS shock absorbers featuring dual-rate springs. For ample stopping power at the front, he rebuilt the stock calipers, replaced the rotors with drilled EBC parts, and hooked everything up to braided stainless-steel lines from HEL. The bike’s original wheels are still present, wearing youthful Roadrider MKII rubber supplied by Avon.
Foundry’s mastermind called in reinforcements when it came to the paintwork, enrolling the help of S Jago Designs to get the job done. The Chichester-based paint shop applied a black base to most components, then they finished everything off with bright green stripes on the wheels, tank, and side panels. Once completed and handed back to the customer, the reworked Guzzi embarked on a 2,000-mile road trip without any mechanical issues whatsoever.
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