Photo: Gary Margerum
Modern tools like 3D printers and CAD software are becoming increasingly common in the custom bike realm, but traditional fabrication techniques are still the name of the game for some builders. Tom Simpson, the sole mastermind behind Foundry Motorcycle over in England, is one such individual. Based in Chichester, West Sussex, he’d been indulging in customization full-time for just over a decade.
Tom had previously been a blacksmith by trade, which is what motivated him to stick with traditional metalworking processes to this very day. The reworked Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport shown above is a true testament to his abilities, and it was put together back in 2021. We’d say this svelte street tracker is still worth talking about today, though, because it’s one of the neatest exemplars of its kind in existence!
It all started with a guy who sought to purchase the V65 tracker Tom had just finished working on, but the said machine was already sold. However, the British artisan just so happened to have a 1996 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport in storage, and his client agreed to use it as the project’s basis. The Foundry treatment made its presence felt just about everywhere on this carbureted Guzzi, leaving no stone unturned.
After taking the donor apart, Tom sourced a Kawasaki H1’s fuel tank that bore a Monza-style filler cap installed by the previous owner. He then modified it to fit on the 1100 Sport like it was always meant to be there, while sending the V-twin powerplant to Nik of Moto Euro for a complete rebuild. Its Dell’Orto carbs were rejetted, placed on tailor-made manifolds, and ultimately topped with K&N air filters.
The new exhaust system is a work of art in and of itself, with its stainless-steel headers working their way back to a mesmerizing pair of under-seat mufflers. These bad boys are seamlessly integrated into the bike’s rear-end geometry, aided by louvers and finned embellishments that match the taillight assembly.
Sir Simpson’s metal-shaping prowess can be admired here in all its glory, but the custom seat found up top came courtesy of Trim Deluxe from Littlehampton. For improved handling, the 1100 Sport saw its Brembo brakes restored and linked to HEL lines on both ends. Its suspension was also blessed with a comprehensive overhaul, which involved rebuilding the forks and swapping the OEM monoshock with a Quantum Racing alternative.
The stock wheels have been retained, but they were freshened up and enveloped in dual-purpose Scorpion Rally STR rubber from Pirelli. A Biltwell handlebar occupies the cockpit area, wearing Motone switches and Kellermann bar-end turn signals. Moreover, the digital aftermarket dial was supplied by MMB, and it’s hooked up to a Motogadget mo.Unit controller just like the other electronics.
You'll notice a vintage-looking headlamp completing the machine’s lighting package at the front. Further electrical upgrades consisted of a Magneti Marelli lithium-ion battery and an Elektronik Sachse ignition module complete with Dynatek coils. The youthful battery is stored inside an aluminum box manufactured from scratch, and there are replacement foot pegs completing the motorcycle’s ergonomics.
Staying true to the tracker spirit, Tom decided not to add a front fender or any rear-view mirrors. Finally, the dark blue colorway on the tank and framework was applied by S Jago Designs, while FreshLayers wrapped the engine in light brown Cerakote for contrast and durability. Several other items got polished to a mirror finish, and the dark blue stripes on the wheels are a very nice touch offering visual continuity.
It all started with a guy who sought to purchase the V65 tracker Tom had just finished working on, but the said machine was already sold. However, the British artisan just so happened to have a 1996 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport in storage, and his client agreed to use it as the project’s basis. The Foundry treatment made its presence felt just about everywhere on this carbureted Guzzi, leaving no stone unturned.
After taking the donor apart, Tom sourced a Kawasaki H1’s fuel tank that bore a Monza-style filler cap installed by the previous owner. He then modified it to fit on the 1100 Sport like it was always meant to be there, while sending the V-twin powerplant to Nik of Moto Euro for a complete rebuild. Its Dell’Orto carbs were rejetted, placed on tailor-made manifolds, and ultimately topped with K&N air filters.
The new exhaust system is a work of art in and of itself, with its stainless-steel headers working their way back to a mesmerizing pair of under-seat mufflers. These bad boys are seamlessly integrated into the bike’s rear-end geometry, aided by louvers and finned embellishments that match the taillight assembly.
Sir Simpson’s metal-shaping prowess can be admired here in all its glory, but the custom seat found up top came courtesy of Trim Deluxe from Littlehampton. For improved handling, the 1100 Sport saw its Brembo brakes restored and linked to HEL lines on both ends. Its suspension was also blessed with a comprehensive overhaul, which involved rebuilding the forks and swapping the OEM monoshock with a Quantum Racing alternative.
The stock wheels have been retained, but they were freshened up and enveloped in dual-purpose Scorpion Rally STR rubber from Pirelli. A Biltwell handlebar occupies the cockpit area, wearing Motone switches and Kellermann bar-end turn signals. Moreover, the digital aftermarket dial was supplied by MMB, and it’s hooked up to a Motogadget mo.Unit controller just like the other electronics.
You'll notice a vintage-looking headlamp completing the machine’s lighting package at the front. Further electrical upgrades consisted of a Magneti Marelli lithium-ion battery and an Elektronik Sachse ignition module complete with Dynatek coils. The youthful battery is stored inside an aluminum box manufactured from scratch, and there are replacement foot pegs completing the motorcycle’s ergonomics.
Staying true to the tracker spirit, Tom decided not to add a front fender or any rear-view mirrors. Finally, the dark blue colorway on the tank and framework was applied by S Jago Designs, while FreshLayers wrapped the engine in light brown Cerakote for contrast and durability. Several other items got polished to a mirror finish, and the dark blue stripes on the wheels are a very nice touch offering visual continuity.
Google News