This timeless Guzzi cafe racer is the result of a commissioned project by the custom motorcycle workshop and lifestyle brand, Angry Lane. Founded by French brothers Guillaume and Ben Barras in 2012, Angry Lane has become the epicenter of Hong Kong’s custom motorcycle scene. Built for one of the workshop’s long-term customers, he was confident the brothers could once again work their magic on his 2013 V7 Racer, and they didn’t disappoint.
The V7 Racer has a history rooted in the legacy of the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production, Moto Guzzi. Launched in 2011 and produced until 2016, the V7 Racer is an homage to the original V7 of the 1960s. Renowned for its innovative transverse V-twin engine, the V7 set a new performance and reliability standard. The 2011 V7 Racer captured this heritage with a blend of classic design elements blended seamlessly with contemporary technology. It featured a distinctive red frame, chrome fuel tank, and retro-inspired panels, all nodding to the original V7’s racing pedigree.
The goal of this build was to transform the stock V7 Racer into a more refined interpretation of the cafe racer ethos. Work began at the pointy end of the V7 where the Barras brothers have replaced the stock triple clamp and forks with premium Öhlins components. Further running gear upgrades come in the form of classic spoked wheels from Jonich Italy wrapped in Pirelli rubber. The rear end is sporting Kayaba adjustable rear shocks which were a standard feature of the V7 Racer.
In addition to the handling upgrades, Angry Lane’s V7 Racer benefits from the addition of race-inspired bodywork. The FRP half cowl surrounding the front end hails from classic racing bodywork manufacturers, Airtech Streamlining. It’s been paired with a custom-made acrylic windscreen and clip-on handlebars by LSL to allow unobstructed movement. The custom aluminum cowl at the rear is based directly on the original plastic cover but adds longevity and strength to the setup.
Mounted to the LSL bars are Motogadget grips, mirrors, and bar end turn signals. The clutch lever hails from Magura and the view in the cockpit is dominated by a Motogadget Chronoclassic speedometer. Angry Lane has extended the blacked-out theme to the V7’s powerplant where you’ll find ceramic-coated cylinders and heads. The rear sets, custom exhaust by French supplier Baak, and side covers have also been given a stigian treatment to create a cohesive dark palette.
Where this Guzzi shines, is in the new Tricolore paint scheme and graphics. The unmistakable red, green, and white livery pays homage to both the V7 and its owner’s Italian heritage. Completed in-house by Ben Barras, the classic scheme consists of a brilliant pearl white base over which he’s laid the bold Italian flag accents on the fairing, tank, and rear cowl. The bold bodywork is a striking contrast to the black theme of the engine and running gear but it’s all tied together beautifully by the V7’s candy-red chassis and swingarm.
The result of this tasteful transformation by Angry Lane is a V7 Racer that blends classic Italian character with timeless cafe racer aesthetics and modern tech. It’s a motorcycle that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes and one that the customer is undoubtedly thrilled to have in his collection.
