A few details still to finish but looking good

When it’s really awkward to hook up a loom directly, such as with this speedo and console, build a sub loom. It’s easier to deal with

Sachse ignition box, plus (clockwise) charging plug, fuses, connectors for the tail end, and flasher unit

Russell’s Moto Guzzi SP1000 cafe racer

Russell has built four Guzzi cafe racers, but he says this one is definitely the last – and probably the one he’ll keep. He loves the simplicity of the engine and drivetrain.

It’s based on the old Spada tourer, but apart from the original alternator everything electrical is new. LED tail, bar end indicators, GPS speedo, LED warning lights, adjustable Sachse ignition, Dyna coils, eBay switchgear.

I arranged the headlight cut-out on cranking like Harley do it, using a small relay that switches contacts when you press the starter. It’s a lot simpler than the way I did it on a previous Guzzi.

Setting up the Sachse ignition is dead easy: find the Top Dead Centre mark on the right cylinder and rotate the chopper until it just lights a little LED. Tighten and check. Done.

These bikes (all big old Guzzis are largely the same) are easy to modify. There’s a fair bit of space under the seat and under the tank. And there are hundreds of bolt-on bits available. If you want to try building a classy, reliable cafe racer they’re a good place to start.

Two Dyna coils arranged in a V make it a tight squeeze

Russell went for a GPS speedo. The black box on the right is the antenna

Imagine a seat and that’s the look complete. The tail light and number plate are off to one side