Moto Guzzi 850 Café Racer – Drop Bars & Handlebar Swap

The Moto Guzzi 850 café racer build takes another step towards its aggressive new look with a drop bar installation and custom handlebar swap. This stage of the Tink Customs Moto Guzzi 850T project focuses on changing the riding position and developing the café racer stance, while also making the new controls work with the custom foot pegs, gear shift and existing motorcycle components.

Fitting drop handlebars to a Moto Guzzi 850 involves more than simply removing the original bars and bolting on replacements. In this episode we look at the relationship between the new handlebars, custom motorcycle foot pegs, oil lines, starter motor and gear lever before shortening the gear shift and fitting the new handlebar setup.

The lower, more aggressive riding position changes the character of the motorcycle and helps establish the direction of this custom Moto Guzzi 850 café racer. Along with the custom fuel tank, modified foot controls and other fabrication work, the drop bars are beginning to bring the individual elements of the build together.

Follow the continuing Moto Guzzi 850 café racer project as we work through the fabrication, modifications and design decisions that will eventually transform this classic motorcycle into a unique Tink Customs build.