From burly adventure bikes to baggers, just about every major OEM has at least a couple of touring-focused models in their arsenal. But what if you want to munch miles in style, on something that’s more classic and less tech-y? The German Moto Guzzi specialist Kaffeemaschine might just have the answer.
Meet the Kaffeemaschine GT 1000: a classy roadster based on a 1980 Moto Guzzi 850T4, and designed for touring. The idea was conceived when a tall client asked for a build with more legroom—a request that sparked shop boss Axel Budde’s imagination.
“I always fancied the idea of building a roadster based on vintage V2 Guzzis,” he tells us. “On my most recent long motorcycle trips, I didn’t see any classic or classy bikes—it seems nobody dares to travel anymore, unless they own a GS with the whole survival and luggage package.”
“So it would be a good idea to create an alternative with a reliable, pretty and practical motorcycle… using the frame and engine we love best!”
Kaffeemaschine has a very distinct aesthetic—so the challenge here was to take their signature style, but adapt it for comfort. “The goal was to add seat width and height, and a ‘normal’ handlebar, without losing a nice silhouette and proportion,” explains Axel.
But first, the donor bike needed a proper refresh.
Kaffeemaschine rebuilt the motor, bumping it to 1000 cc with new cylinders and pistons, bigger valves and 36 mm ports, matched to Dell’Orto PHF carbs. The new setup also features a Kaffeemaschine performance camshaft, a lightened flywheel and dynamically balanced crank, and an electronic ignition.
Axel and co. also added velocity stacks, and fabricated a pair of stainless steel exhausts with removable dB killers. Naturally the transmission and final drive were refurbished too, and the bike was rewired with a lightweight Lithium-ion battery.
The Moto Guzzi’s chassis saw some upgrades too. There’s a new set of Wilbers shocks out back, with a rebuilt set of forks and a steering damper up front.
The wheels were re-laced with a set of 18F/17R Morad rims and stainless steel spokes. Kaffeemaschine refurbished the classic Brembo front brake calipers, and installed Le Mans discs and braided stainless steel hoses. The rear drum brake was kitted with the company’s own upgraded torque support arm.
The changes make for a more reliable and better performing base, but the real masterstroke here is the Moto Guzzi’s new bodywork. It’s so tasteful and well executed, it looks more like a stock classic than a custom—which is exactly what Axel wanted. But despite its factory looks, there’s a lot of clever customization going on.
For starters, the tank was built from scratch—but it’s based on a Laverda SF unit. Kaffeemaschine 3D scanned it, modified it digitally to suit the Guzzi, then milled a prototype out of a solid block of Ureol (a polyurethane modeling material). The prototype was used to make a negative mold, and the final part was shaped on that, out of carbon fiber.
A similar process was used to build a carbon fiber storage box, placed under the seat and masquerading as a pair of side covers. Up top is a generously padded seat, with an abbreviated fender and classic taillight just behind it. Every last bit was made in-house—from the locking mechanism on the storage box, to the gas cap.
There are a few nifty additions up top, too. The luggage rack on top of the tank is a custom piece, specifically designed with a quick-release system to attach a tank bag.
The cockpit features a special Kaffeemaschine branded speedo in a custom mount that doubles up as handlebar clamps, plus the shop’s own newly designed throttle and switches. The headlight, bar-end turn signals and single, chromed mirror are all deliberate retro touches.
There’s also a set of heated grips, and the shop has a heated seat system ready to go for anyone that wants it. And there’s even a USB charging port hidden inside the steering nut; give it a twist, and the port will pop up.
Kaffeemaschine’s GT 1000 isn’t a one-off though. In addition to the client’s bike, the shop’s built the two prototypes shown here: ‘KM31’ (bronze) and ‘KM32’ (green). “Both bikes are on display at our workshop and for sale,” says Axel, “although I´d like to plan my next trip to the Alps with one of them.”
Since Axel has two GT 1000s sitting in the shop, maybe he’ll let us join him…
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