46works' Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 (Le Mans 1000) was exhibited at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2022.
The base model is a tourer, but Mr. Shiro Nakajima of 46works has transformed it into a road sports vehicle with a focus on performance. This time, we would like to introduce this vehicle.
Winding, fast, fun, and comfortable roadster.
46works, the custom builder, is a custom factory established in 2014 by builder Shiro Nakajima, who mainly produces custom motorcycles for Euro manufacturers such as BMW and KTM. Nakajima has participated in many classic races, and his creations are designed from a rational perspective with an emphasis on performance, attracting attention from around the world. Originally based in Tokyo, Nakajima now operates out of a factory in the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Yamanashi Prefecture.
The Le Mans 1000, the base of the vehicle exhibited here, is a tourer model introduced in 1984 by Moto Guzzi, which specializes in the characteristic longitudinally mounted V-twin air-cooled engine. It was named after the famous 24-hour endurance race, Le Mans. The base model is a 1987 model, and Mr. Nakajima began by customizing it by changing the high stem position that defines the tourer style. The top bridge was lowered to create a low, sporty image. The concept was to create a roadster that is fast, fun, and comfortable on winding roads.
The Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000, created by 46works, is a modern sports motorcycles with a completely different feel from the base model.
The cowl that characterized the original Le Mans 1000 has been removed, and the high stem position has been lowered. The styling aimed for fast and fun driving performance on winding roads.
As can be seen from the change in posture, the customization was not based solely on appearance, but rather on the pursuit of reasonable driving performance. For this reason, the intake system has been changed to a power filter and FCR, and the engine interior has been thoroughly overhauled. The front forks are replicas of the Ceriani forks that were once used in the racing scene, and they have been adjusted to suit the rider's comfort. The brakes have been replaced with Brembo brakes, and the wheels have been reassembled with spokes and EXCEL rims.
The tank is a one-off aluminum casting. The seat is also a one-off, and a matching seat rail was also made. Despite the combination of custom and one-off parts, the overall impression of the Le Mans 1000 Custom is very simple and modern. The production process and craftsmanship are shown on 46works' official Youtube channel in a series of 10 movies, where the body is slowly but steadily shaved and polished to the lo-fi background music, creating a worldview that is irresistible to riders who love mechanics!
The original engine was completely disassembled, blasted, and overhauled. The head cover was painted black for an accent. The carburetor was replaced with an FCR carburetor to improve running potential.
The front forks were changed to Ceriani replicas. Wheels are cast wheels on the base, but have been changed to reassembled spoke wheels. One-off machined parts were used to hold the brake calipers, discs, and hubs.
The tank, painted with beautiful pinstripes, is a one-off aluminum tank that Mr. Nakajima painstakingly welded and hammered to match the frame. The seat and frame were also made to match.
The original Le Mans 1000 was a tourer-style model with an aero-designed bikini cowl. Moto Guzzi participated in endurance races, and the touring performance, which was fed back from the race machines, was highly evaluated.
Making of Le Mans 1000 video is now available on 46works' Youtube channel.
Original Source. [ 46works ]
