gannet design + fuhrer moto reveal moto guzzi v9, a retro racer in blue

the v9 moto guzzi by gannet design is a pure racer with tight stance and proportions. it is a radical transformation from a relaxed cruiser configuration of the moto guzzi v9 ‘roamer’ donor bike, which is redesigned and reduced to the essentials with some retro elements and spiced up with the finest herbs of racing parts.

the bike is designed and built by ulfert janssen, of gannet design and stefan fuhrer, of fuhrer moto. The project started with some loose sketches by janssen to find a good way for morphing the roamer proportions into a forward-leaning racer look.

signature exhaust pipe design gives a strong visual impact and enhances the fast forward dynamic

the entire tail section is made of aluminum and is shaped and hammered purely by hand very precisely by the designers’ fellow artisan. a new rear sub-frame supports the seat and cowl in the elevated position for a more racing height seat configuration and fitted with a thin brown kilted seat which matches the biltwell grips on the handlebar.

triple clamp by IMA and daytona speedometer

‘our goal was to integrate the technical requirements and engineering goals without affecting the design concept,’ explains fuhrer. ‘the fabrications of all hardware parts are sometimes complex, but always tangible, such as the frame construction, adjustment of the footrest system and preparation of various special parts. the conversion of fuel injection back to the carburetor was a challenge, where in addition to the adjustment of the transmitter wheel, also the electronics, ignition and especially the sensor had to be worked on and fitted.’

kilted custom leather seat

the tail section and details are painted in a soft gradation of blue and the cylinder heads were also given the same touch of blue in combination with an aluminum protection bracket — rhapsody in blue. the lower part of the main frame was newly made, cleaned up and adapted with the new racer ergonomics position of the footrest by CNC racing.

rear view

the gear shifter got modified and adapted to fit the moto guzzi gearing setup; the front fender got shortened and equipped with a new anchoring to fit the öhlins forks. the all black racing control buttons give a menacing detail and a reference to the fast forward theme. 

keihin carburetors and handmade air intake

rhapsody in blue

composition

perfect reflections

design rendering

pencil hand sketches

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom