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Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
We’ve been covering the modern custom scene for eight years now, extending feelers into nearly every country in the world, from Andorra to Vietnam. But there are a few builders who have inexplicably slipped through the net—and one of the most renowned must be Craig Rodsmith.

An Australian based in Illinois, USA, Craig has been building bikes since the late 1970s. And when it comes to shaping metalwork, his experience shows. The hand-formed aluminum on this turbocharged Moto Guzzi ‘dustbin racer’ is so exquisite, the bike was sold as soon as it went public at the Handbuilt show.

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
The looks are pedigree, but this Guzzi is really a ‘bitsa’ based on a 1969 Ambassador loop frame that Craig has heavily modified. He’s cut it down by 3½ inches, and the rear section has been completely reshaped with an elegant little upkick.

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
It’s the engine where the real action is happening, though—courtesy of a turbo blowing through a pair of sealed, pressurized 36 mm Dell’Ortos. “I usually build my own engines, but this one was taken care of by Joe Walano at The Guzzi Doctor,” says Craig. “It’s based on an 850 Eldorado, but with 88 mm cylinders and a late model 78mm crank taking it out to 950cc.”

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
Joe’s balanced the engine for smoothness and longevity, and it’s also been converted to a front alternator, to make room on top for the custom exhaust. There’s no word on power output, but you can bet it’s ample. It feeds through a 4-speed box, hooked up to a lightened flywheel for snappier throttle response.

Once the mighty V-twin was back on his bench, Craig designed the Garrett-style turbo system. He’s run a handmade stainless steel exhaust system over the top of the engine so it can spin up the turbo, and also fashioned the intake plenum himself. “I almost always try to make as many parts as I can, or use old or original components that I modify to suit,” says Craig, “rather than use modern or ‘retro’ parts.”

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
There’s a small low-pressure fuel pump under the tank, which is regulated to maintain about one pound over boost pressure. And the whole installation is so discreet, with a passing glance you could easily miss it.

The vintage vibe continues with the late 60s forks, and if you take off the dustbin-style fairing, you’ll see a twin leading shoe hub. It’s a stylish match for the 18” Borrani wheels, which are refurbished originals and shod with Avon AM 26 Roadrider tires. A custom set of Super Shox suspends the rear.

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
Craig is famous for his metal shaping skills, and it’s easy to see why: There’s no CNC work or laser-cutting going on here. “I’ve wanted to build my take on a dustbin racer for over twenty years,” he says, “and it had to be in my usual style—hand made and bare metal.

“The tank, seat, dash and fairing are all hand formed using traditional methods, using a hammer, dolly, English wheel and so on. I also electro nickel plated most of the fittings myself.”

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
The little details are just as impressive as the big picture—from the stainless trellised rear sets to the handmade gauges, which hide modified Veglia internals.

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
A good builder always knows his weaknesses as well as his strengths, though, and in Craig’s case, it’s leatherwork. “I usually do every aspect of a build myself, to keep it true to my vision,” he says. “But I suck at upholstery, so my friend Joe at JBseatz takes care of that for me.”

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
Craig only stopped working on the Guzzi the day before the Handbuilt show. “I got it dialed in almost perfectly, but was unable to ride it much.” At the show the renowned collector Bobby Haas spotted it, and snapped it up immediately for his incredible Haas Motorcycle Gallery in Dallas—which holds almost 40 vintage and custom motorcycles dating back to 1901.

“If you’re ever in Dallas you really need to see HMG, it’s the most incredible and diverse collection of custom and historical bikes. So to be included is quite flattering and humbling!”

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi
So what can we expect to see next from Rodsmith Motorycles? “I intend to build a similar naked version of the dustbin,” Craig reveals. “As much as I’m proud of the fairing, I love the revealed mechanical complexity.”

That’s probably a good move. The thought of dropping a bike with handmade bodywork this beautiful is frankly terrifying—and there aren’t many people left with the traditional skills to recreate it.

Rodsmith Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Chris Corona of Revival Cycles

Show Stopper: Craig Rodsmith’s turbocharged Moto Guzzi

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Destination Austin: The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
For one weekend in April, Austin, Texas is the home of motorcycling. The Grand Prix of The Americas features the fastest riders on earth, defying the laws of physics and showing off their Texas lean. But a few miles down the road, the cultural heart of two wheels beats on E 5th Street, at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show.

Hosted by Revival Cycles, the show (now in its fourth year) continues to attract increasing numbers of the builders, bikes and enthusiasts that are setting the beat in this growing industry.

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
The recipe is simple. A clean, organic space, spacious displays, tasty cocktails and a grassroots mentality to showcasing excellence in design. No less than 103 captivating motorcycles filled the Fair Market this year, all there by invitation.

Revival founder and head wrench, Alan Stulberg, explains the selection process: “Builders and bikes are selected as a whole in how they compliment one another, and not based on favoritism, professional builds or public profiles. We do our best to bring in the bikes and builders that fit.”

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
There are other mainstays, too. Charlie Ransom challenged the MotoGP paddock for intestinal fortitude on his Wall of Death, while a plethora of clapped-out home builds sweated horsepower onto the Austin streets nearby.

A collective of enthusiasts from all walks of motorcycling life filled the 80-year-old venue, to exchange opinions and stories of the bikes they saw, those they had ridden and the ones they still clamour for. Over 30,000 people passed through the doors through the course of the weekend—the Handbuilt Show’s biggest turnout yet.

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
“The Handbuilt Show started from the very simple idea that putting great motorcycles into a room with the right presentation and an inclusive, inviting vibe, would attract an appreciative moto-hungry crowd,” says Alan. “It sounds overly simple, but my experience with attending almost all other motorcycle-centric events left some obvious room for improvement.”

“To me it is definitely the subtle details that make the difference in a great motorcycle, and it is also the subtle details that make the difference in an event of any kind. From the beginning my intent has been to create an experience that makes an impression and leaves the crowd wanting more—and more motorcycle riders is, in the end, the ultimate goal.”

Here’s a look at some of the bikes that bent necks at this year’s Handbuilt Show…

Craig Rodsmith's 'Margery'
Craig Rodsmith’s ‘Margery’ One of the show’s immediate standouts, this Loopframe custom Guzzi featured a hand-formed dustbin fairing. The product of hours of hand forming by Craig Rodsmith, show goers were drawn to it like moths to a flame. (We’ll have a full report on this one soon).

Shinya Kimura's 'Pantera Verde'
Shinya Kimura’s ‘Pantera Verde’ This used to be a Kawasaki Z1, before Shinya Kimura plied his trademark aesthetic. The raw metal finish has always been a bold move, as imperfections can’t really hide. Go ahead and look; you won’t find any.

Sosa Metalworks' 'Space Traveler'
Sosa Metalworks’ ‘Space Traveler’ The amount of work and level of craftsmanship executed on this 1946 Knucklehead is absolutely stunning. Christian Sosa of Sosa Metalworks had his hands on every aspect of this build, from the oval tubed frame to the intricate linkages and rolled bodywork.

Brough Superior SS101
Brough Superior SS101 This one needs no introduction—just some undivided attention. It’s the famous Lawrence of Arabia Brough Superior SS101.

Hazan Motorworks' Ducati 860GT
Hazan Motorworks’ Ducati 860GT Max Hazan continues to push the bounds of engineering and craftsmanship with his latest—this Ducati Square Case Turbo. I recommend you start your gaze in the rear on this one; the cut on that exhaust matches the tail so perfectly, that you could barely slide a dollar bill between the two.

Mark Atkinson's 'Alpha'
Mark Atkinson’s ‘Alpha’ Featured right here on Bike EXIF, this BMW K100 was the result of a collaboration between Utah-based Mark Atkinson, and Istanbul-based designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem. And it’s an absolute show-stopper.

Revival Cycles' 'Odioso'
Revival Cycles’ ‘Odioso’ Sure, it may look playful and innocent with those neon accents, but this Ducati ST4 rig from show hosts Revival is nothing short of beastly. With 140 hp on tap, knobbies and extra long suspenders, there’s little you and the missus couldn’t tear up on this thing.

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
This year in Austin marked my second chance to partake in both the Handbuilt Show and MotoGP. Their two worlds seem a universe apart, but the folks snapping pics, chatting, laughing and looking on in admiration are all very much one and the same.

Whether it’s form or function that turns your two-wheeled crank, for one weekend in April, Austin has it all.

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show | Facebook | All images by Revival Cycles