Death Machines of London resurrects post-war Moto Guzzi Lemans MKII

Michelle Liew

January 23, 2018

Lemans MKII Air Force | Photo credits: Design Boom

Death Machines of London has come up with one of the most unique custom design bikes using post-war motorcycles. The Moto Guzzi Lemans MKII Air Force started from the bottom being used thoroughly during the war times in South Italy and was almost out of use before being resurrected to be in its current flawless form.

The bike has even rendered the salute of the aviator himself, Giovanni Ravelli (1887-1919), a world war veteran. The common points between Ravelli and Death Machines is that they both share a passion for radical innovation. Considering its war-torn state, the restoration of the bike was not at all an easy task.

Lemans MKII Air Force | Photo credits: Design Boom

Lemans MKII Air Force | Photo credits: Design Boom

“A custom in-house headstock was manufactured, increasing the rake from 3 degrees to 30. The original swing arm was swapped for a heavily modified Moto Guzzi California swinging arm, which was braced and coupled to a mono shock cantilevered system. The frame and front wheel were then coated in our custom airforce grey, mixed specifically for this project,” as quoted from Design Boom.

“The spedometer has been redesigned and precision ether in nickel, silver and brass, with dimmable radial illumination.”

The rims are made of aluminum and the wheels are modified Califonian hubs. It also comes with an aviation-inspired bespoke rear suspension unit. With 111 days of death, it was brought back to life on the 112^th.

Lemans MKII Air Force | Photo credits: Design Boom