CAFÉ RACER 76

‘08 Moto Guzzi V7 – Macco Motors

‘Trailer Queen’. We’ve all heard the phrase before. It implies that a bike has been customised to the point where it just can’t be ridden. Hell, if you believe some of the more mainstream motorcycle writers you’d think that just about any kind of personalisation or customisation somehow renders a bike freakishly unsuitable for anything bar a once-yearly wobble around the block. But in our minds, that’s the opposite of the truth. The fact is that the manufacturers are forced to make hundreds of ‘one size fits all’ decisions on every bike they make. Be it for budget, new rider or even regulatory considerations, there’s no way a mass-produced bike can be perfect for you unless you make it perfect yourself. And we’re pretty sure that this latest build from Spain’s Maccomotors is a perfect case-in-point.

This rather lovely Guzzi is the latest work of art to out of the Macco Motors Spanish R&D lab. It was a sterile white and tired 2008 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic. Strangely enough, it was these very two things were first on the owner’s list to change. Macco’s answer was a black and olive green brat-tracker they named “Mr Green.”

José from Macco takes up the story. “This Guzzi had a lot of kilometres on it, because owner David and his girlfriend used to travel on it several times a year all over Europe. To him, usability was very important – the finished bike had to be beautiful and useable. So to start we built a new subframe but kept a two-up seat which was a little thinner and a bit shorter than the stock one.”

They then turned their attention to the rear suspension by adding some very slick Hagon Nitro progressive shocks. At a conservative 1cm lower than the standard units and with more progressive Hagon springs up front, the overall effect is an improvement in both ride quality and visual stance.

“A 12 volt socket located in the new Rizoma handlebars was requested to allow David to easily connect his GPS for long trips. While we were there, we also fitted black Biltwell Kung Fu grips and shorter clutch and brake levers, along with a Bates-style headlight and a new Koso speedometer. We finished the front off with Triumph gaiters, some adhesive black rubber tape and mini turn signals.”

The boys then got their fibreglass on; factory holes in the tank, side panels and the stock fenders all needed to be covered to ensure the fresh paint would be looking it’s best when applied. Once complete, the fresh paint was applied before new Guzzi branding and a vintage V7 logo were added. “To finish, we mounted a Metzeler Tourance 140 tire on the back, a Dunlop F20 110 up front and then we gilded the lily with some black pipe wrap and a simple yet classic megaphone exhaust.”

Anybody got a V7 they aren’t using? For some reason, we’ve got a sudden urge to make one freakishly unusable for ourselves.

[Photos by Sergio Ibarra from Semimate]

via PIPEBURN

b2Homes in Puerto de Andratx is the curve-lover’s dream home

In Puerto de Andratx in Majorca, an innovative, exceptionally eco-friendly house with spectacular curved architecture is currently being planned. Fourteen apartments will be available, each with an elegant curved private terrace and pool…

b2Homes is a balancing act between luxury, architecture, ecology and economy

The Balearic Islands are among the most beautiful spots in Europe, and hence are also among the largest and fastest growing luxury real estate markets out there. Compared with other holiday destinations on the Med, Majorca has prevented excessive development and maintained its nature – today just seven per cent of the island is developed. International interest is high, meaning sustainable building projects that provide environmental protection are achievable. In the sophisticated fishing village of Puerto de Andratx on Majorca’s southwest coast, plans are underway for an interesting luxury building project.

By 2015, the architectural firm Blue will have built a highly ecological and sustainable house, certified according to new international standards. “Although this will become the minimum standard for all new construction in the EU as early as 2020,” explains lead architect Volker Schmitz, “we are the first and only company that already implements these standards in the Balearic Islands.” Together with the economist Thomas Ulrich Jüttner, Schmitz directs the Blue International Holding Group. Also involved in the project in Puerto de Antratx is Majorcan architect Jordi Herrero Campo and a highly competent team of architects and engineers.

The art of 'curved architecture'

“In southern Europe, energy consumption per square metre is actually much higher than in temperate climates, because of the heating periods in the winter and cooling periods in the summer,” says Schmitz. However, thanks to the architecture and passive construction of the house, virtually no emissions are produced, with extra costs reduced to the absolute minimum. Architecturally, the house blends into the landscape with extreme sensitivity. “We’re constantly concerned with protecting and preserving nature,” says Schmitz, “and almost every new stone we place will be called into question.”

All imaginable amenities

The residents-to-be will enjoy breathtaking and unobstructed views of the sea, rarely offered in Majorca. All 14 apartments are sized between 146 and 412 square metres, and each will have a 70-metre private terrace and a private infinity pool. The interiors themselves are also extremely well presented and elegantly furnished – buyers can choose floors made from Majorcan polished marble, solid wood parquet or, for the purists, concrete. In addition, built in air-conditioning, private double lifts and even room, housekeeping and security services are available.

Unique implementation

“Here we have developed an integrated landscape and an economical, future-orientated building and development concept, which will be implemented in its unique form in Majorca,” says Schmitz. Those who are interested in an apartment should waste no time in contacting Blue International as interest in the project is high.