For sure you’ll agree, the detail on the tank of this unruly-looking Moto Guzzi V35 custom cafe racer by Entrophy Motor Bike is simply exquisite.
Moto Guzzi V35 Imola Custom
“Our first goal was to make it more attractive and gritty without losing the agility..”
Marco Peter at Entrophy in Perugia, Italy managed to source a Moto Guzzi V35 ‘Imola’ [produced between ’79 and ’83] and set off on a mission to make the air-cooled 346 cc transverse, v-twin motorcycle more attractive and gritty. But at the same time, he wanted to maintain its inherent agility.
Taking “….inspiration from the noble tailoring world“, Entrophy opted for a “cut and stitch” approach.
The team have retained the original patina of the bike, giving it an authentic and raw edge. It’s like a former fighter with the scars of previous glorious bouts.
V35 Imola Custom Modifications
The front end borrows forks from a Honda CBR1000. It’s paired with chunky tyres, giving the V35 a raised profile. That, along with the shortened frame gives the bike a meatier front-end and makes it look far stockier than the original.
Inspiration from Ink
The angular tank of the original Moto Guzzi V35 is distinctive enough, however, Marco required something much more standout for this build. That’s when in a lightbulb moment he and the team settled on a brushed aluminium finish. They then adorned it with an ink-like design based on Marco’s tattoos.
Sometimes we feel as though we’re part of the machines that we ride. In this case, it’s almost literally true… almost. Although, in this case, this cafe racer probably feels like it’s part of its rider — if bikes could think.
Fight Club Inspiration
The name Marla was inspired by the enigmatic character of the same name from the book Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It’s a fitting name, for a motorcycle shrouded in tattoos. Each tattoo has a meaning known by Marco – yet a mystery (just like the character Marla), to everybody else.
At the rear, there’s a plush diamond-stitched, maroon, single racer seat – which nevertheless can accommodate a pillion. The saddle also houses an integrated taillight which keeps the rear of the bike looking neat, in a practical and polite manner.
The rear may be polite but make no mistake, this bike is a hooligan — a beautiful hooligan.
Image Credits:
- ‘MARLA’ Eleonora Pascal
