Undeniable that I’m a huge fan of Axel Budde and his custom motorcycle outfit, Kaffeemaschine. Axel flew onto my radar years ago, and continues to impress with his elegant reinterpretations of the classic Moto Guzzis. Today we’re taking a look at the KM37 — a 1981 Moto Guzzi SP1000 wrapped in an Alfa Romeo-inspired shell.
The SP1000 shares its frame design with the designs of all of last year’s great Guzzis. Designed by Lino Tonti and first appearing in the 1971 V7 Sport, the Tonti frame was in production (in one Guzzi or another) until 2013. I’ve been lucky enough to ride a few bikes with Tonti frames, and telepathic handling is nothing short of amazing.
Axel is also a fan of the little triangles that make up this legendary chassis. In casual Kaffeemaschine style, though, he’s turned it up to 11. Along with being a Moto Guzzi fan, Axel has a fondness for Alfa Romeo cars – especially from the ’60s and 70.
“I own a Giulia sedan and coupe, which have been heavily modified technically,” Axel said. “I see similarities with Moto Guzzi; a great donor that, when modified, reveals all its charm and potential. “
Influenced by the 60s Giulia GTA 1300 Stradale, this cafe racer wear Biancospino color with style. The green accents and Alfa logo perfectly match the car. Riders are also treated to a pair Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) on the inside of the nerve, like those found on Giulia.
Axel has a keen eye for scale, which is why you might pick a Kaffeemaschine building a mile away. The KM37 is no different, sporting a gorgeous bikini and maintaining a long and low profile. All bodywork is custom-made by Axel, using carbon-kevlar material.
Complementing the classic lines are a set of Morad alloy wheels, which accentuate the classic charm, with stainless spokes and Avon tyres. Axel specifically wanted drum brakes, though he was quick to point out that Alfas of the time used discs. It was a colossal effort to make them fit, according to his account – but it was well worth it.
The driver’s cockpit may look simple, but like Axel’s philosophy of life, simple things are never simple. Equipped with new grips and handles, the KM37 also wears custom switches. Carefully developed by Axel himself, they look austere (we strongly recommend perusing his Instagram account for switchgear development videos).
A full set of Motogadget Electronic parts are also used, further simplifying the construction both inside and out. A Motogadget Chronoclassic takes center stage under system analysis; Its large analog rev counter (with digital tachometer) is a great nod to classic racing machines.
No Kaffeemaschine Guzzi build would be complete without some good old fashioned engines. These engines are built for reliability and are more than capable of producing a few ponies. With 1000 ccs to play with, Axel added its own Kaffeemaschine camshaft and Dell’Orto PHF carbs.
The flywheel and crank were made light and balanced, the ports were extended to 36 mm, and larger valves with a modern seat shape were installed. Electronic ignition rounds out the system. All hot air escapes quickly from the Kaffeemaschine stainless steel exhaust manifold, complete with a removable dB eliminator.
Just like the Alfa Romeo race cars from the 60s, this Guzzi has been on a serious diet. Thanks to the new carbon-kevlar bodywork and the removal of all unnecessary details, it weighs only 184 kg [405.6 lbs]. That should help the Guzzi eagle fly far and fast, especially with the upgraded engine now pumping out a healthy 82bhp.
Kaffeemaschine is based in Hamburg in Germany—but if you’re reading this from the United States, I have some great news for you. Axel has partnered with Peter Boggia and his Brooklyn-based store, Moto Borgotaro, to make his buildings available Statesside. The KM37 is available now and for sale — complete with custom bike cover, kit, and owner’s manual.
“I have personally experienced the KM37,” explains Peter, “and I think it is the best custom Guzzi I have ever seen.” That’s high praise, coming from the guy behind one of my all time favorites Moto Guzzi Le Mans.
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