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Tribute to Giovanni Ravelli
2018 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk II "Airforce" by DMOL

British bike builder Death Machines of London (DMOL) recently paid tribute to one of Moto Guzzi’s co-founders, Giovanni Ravelli on the occasion of the 130-year anniversary of his birth in a most fitting way; a custom cafe racer based on the Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk II, dubbed “Airforce”.

From the Firestone tyres that recall period aeroplanes to the use of hand-beaten aluminium and aerodynamics that aim for high-speed performance, the bike is a stunning tribute to the spirit of the Italian pilot who died prematurely in action in 1919, as well as to his influence on his fellow adventurers.

The refurbished motorcycle was built in 112 days and based on a 1982 Moto Guzzi LeMans MkII found in a yard in southern Italy. While the engine was still in remarkable condition, the DMOL team had the bearings, seals and gaskets replaced, with the cylinder heads systematically refurbished and gas-flowed. Carburation is through a pair of modified 36mm pumper Dell’Orto carburettors.

The frame and front wheel received a coat of DMOL’s custom ‘Airforce Grey’, specifically mixed for this project. The wheels are modified California Hubs, laced onto 21×3.00 aluminium rims; the rear utilises a handspun aluminium disc cover. The front end is a highly customised Aprilia RS250 arrangement, re-valved and refinished, while the rear suspension’s lenticular rear wheel and swingarm unit is a bespoke aviation-inspired item courtesy of Hagon.

Head over to DMOL website to see more of their heart-stopping Airforce .