New York-based Venier Motorcycles has been in operation for more than a decade, over the course of which they’ve built countless fantastic one-offs. The shop was founded in 2012 by Stefano Venier, who is now joined by a team of talented artisans in his bike-modding endeavors. Although they’ve customized motorcycles from several marques, Moto Guzzi builds have long been their main specialty.
Over the years, Stefano and his crew have worked their magic on vintage and modern Guzzis alike, never failing to deliver something extraordinary. Venier’s signature style is all about minimalism, rad yet understated color schemes, and groovy neo-retro vibes. These traits are in full bloom on the elegant one-off we’ll be looking at today, dubbed the VX Falcone and based on one of the more unusual Moto Guzzi machines out there.
To be exact, the project started with Mandello del Lario’s single-cylinder Nuovo Falcone, a model originally developed for the Italian army in the late sixties. Its powertrain configuration sets it apart from most of the other bikes built by this brand, and Venier was thrilled with its classic utilitarian charm. As a concept, they imagined what the Falcone would look like if it were released in the modern age.
The actual donor was a great find, because it was in great shape and showed a mere 700 kilometers (435 miles) on the clock. Still, the motorcycle was about half a century old when it came into the shop’s possession, so it did require a good bit of TLC to get it nicely freshened up. After taking it apart and ditching every piece of stock bodywork they could get their hands on, Venier’s specialists turned their attention to the 498cc engine.
An invigorating overhaul took the old-school thumper back to its former glory, with youthful seals and gaskets fitted while it was being reassembled. The carb has also been refurbished for good measure, subsequently gaining a high-grade aftermarket pod filter to aid with airflow. Moreover, MASS Moto supplied a ceramic-coated exhaust system to replace the factory pipework.
Photo: Donatello Trevisiol
It ends in a single reverse megaphone muffler low down on the right-hand side, running nice and close to the frame tubing as it works its way back. The electronics were all refreshed and linked to a new wiring harness, along with an electric started motor for added convenience. Next, Stefano and his team moved on to the structural side of things.
Starting with a bit of frame surgery, they got rid of any redundant tabs and brackets before shortening the subframe. The rear skeleton is now perched on aftermarket shock absorbers, but the Nuovo Falcone’s original forks are still in play. Venier also kept the standard wheels and drum brakes, simply getting them revamped just like the suspension goodies found at the front.
Both rims were cloaked in retro-style Metzeler Perfect ME 77 rubber, offering a nice mixture of vintage looks and modern performance. The real stand-out feature on the VX Falcone is the custom bodywork, though, and that’s precisely what we’re going to examine next. Aluminum was the workshop’s material of choice, used for the fabrication of a full one-off attire that’s as handsome as they come.
Photo: Donatello Trevisiol
Right in the center, there is a sizeable fuel tank whose silhouette somewhat resembles that of a Yamaha SR400’s unit from the sides. It comes with curvy knee indentations, though, and a plain filler cap can also be spotted up top and close to the cockpit. Right behind the bespoke alloy gas tank is a replacement seat pan, supporting a scrambler-style saddle upholstered in faux leather. This material is more durable than the real deal, which is why it was chosen in its stead.
The bench seat is accompanied by a set of angular side panels on the flanks, while a short rear fender is mounted up high right behind it. You will also find a compact mudguard at the front end, along with a cylindrical headlight bucket surrounding premium LED componentry. Discreet but bright aftermarket turn signals are attached to the fork sleeves and complemented by a similar pair at the back.
Rear-end lighting is finished off with an LED taillight that lives in between the seat and fender. In the central part of the cockpit, the VX Falcone wears an aluminum dashboard panel with bare-bones instrumentation and integrated warning lights. A dirt bike’s repurposed handlebar is present in that area, as well, wearing the stock levers and switches besides some rubber grips from Biltwell.
Before calling it a day, Venier had one more thing to take care of, that being the Guzzi’s color scheme. The livery they went with is just as gorgeous as it is subdued, combining dark grey and black in a mixture of matte and satin finishes. Slight pinches of gold are present on the fuel tank, and they’re virtually the only droplets of color you’ll see on this muted head-turner.
A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing. Full profile
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