Project 2013

After racing at the Imola 4hr last September I realised that my endurance bike is really just a glorified street bike and that to be competitive I'd have to up my game a little in the bike department. I'm still slow but maybe a faster, lighter bike might help. After some serious soul searching (for about a minute) and some discussion with Ant at Mandello Racing an idea was formulated. The plan was to create a bike that would be equal to the best of the European endurance Guzzis: 100hp, revised geometry and a weight of around 400lbs in endurance trim.

Below is the new bike so far:

Loose specs: Mike Rich Motorsports developed 1064cc square fin motor. 12:1 compression, Megacycle cam. Projected hp is around 100 at the rear wheel. 

The frame has been de raked to 25.5 degrees and even with the MK4 3/4" longer swingarm the wheelbase is 2.5-3" shorter than stock. Offset is 45mm by way of modified Ducati triple clamps bored out to 40mm to fit the Guzzi California forks.

Fibreglass bodywork is from Mandello Racing in Italy. 

Wheels are EPM magnesium by Magni. 2.5 front, 3.5 rear.

Sponsor break

Received some lovliness from my friend and unofficial sponsor Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing a couple days ago. 7:33 rear drive and a tricky race gearbox. Charley converted the gearbox to GP shift using an Eldo shift drum and while in there ground off the low dogs. The end result is a much more positive gear selection (no missed gears) and a shift pattern that makes me feel like a proper racer.

After years of racing a Guzzi Charley now specializes in drives and boxes for Guzzis with a client base world-wide and is a pleasure to deal with too.

Contact him here: Zydeco Racing