As far as automotives go, there’s a common consensus that Italy and Japan share equal stake in building mammoth industries and leading the design language in this sector. So what do you get when an Italian and a Japanese overcome physical and even language barriers to collaborate? What design language results from this unique confluence of styles? This stunning custom Moto Guzzi SP3, dubbed the “Fragore” (Italian for “roar”), exemplifies that collaborative spirit perfectly. The project stands out not just for its final form, but for the unique cross-continental effort that brought it to life.
Designers: Maurizio Carraro & Fujita Koichi
Maurizio Carraro of Imbarcadero 14 in Venice, Italy, has long admired the Japanese approach to cafe racer design. So, when the opportunity arose for an international project, he knew exactly who to call: Fujita Koichi of An-Bu Custom Motors in Nagoya, Japan. Despite the distance and language barrier, their shared passion for motorcycles transcended these limitations.
Koichi, with his expertise in modifying non-Japanese bikes, readily agreed. They chose a 1989 Moto Guzzi SP3 1000 as their canvas, a machine with a distinct engine layout compared to Koichi’s usual projects. Drawing inspiration from 1980s endurance racers, Koichi’s vision focused on a sleek new fairing design.
The stock bodywork was stripped away and replaced with Koichi’s signature An-Bu style half fairing with an asymmetrical headlight – a feature he meticulously adapted to the Guzzi’s dimensions. For the rear, a narrow, race-inspired seat and tail section were designed to integrate seamlessly with the bike’s subframe.
Meanwhile, Maurizio took to the subframe with a grinder, shortening it for a sportier look. He then fabricated aluminum surrounds for the tiny taillight Koichi envisioned, incorporating LED indicators for a clean aesthetic.
The original fuel tank was given a new lease on life. Its paint was removed, the raw steel meticulously brushed, and a protective satin clear coat applied. Both the frame and wheels received a fresh coat of black powder coating, while modern, grippy tires were mounted.
To ensure the resulting motorbike was more than just eye-candy, Maurizio removed the airbox and replaced it with high-flow air filters and a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system. The exposed electrical system was simplified and tucked away in the tail section, along with a lightweight lithium-ion battery, helping elevate the redesigned motorcycle’s performance.
The final touches included a suede-covered seat and a custom tank pad to conceal the original seat mount points. The crowning glory? A stunning satin metallic green paint – Maurizio’s interpretation of Moto Guzzi’s Griso green – adorned the An-Bu bodywork, along with subtle branding for all collaborators.
