the moto guzzi airtail motorcycle by death machines of london

death machines of london are a brand dedicated to making bespoke motorcycles, with an unwavering focus on ensuring craftsmanship with exceptional performance. their latest offering, the moto guzzi ‘air tail’, retains the same refined level of minimalist design standards with a tail celebrating its open steel structure.

before: 1981 m0to guzzi lemans mkii
all images © death machines of london

based on a 1981 moto guzzi ‘lemans mkii’ motorcycle, a sports bike dubbed the ‘le mans’ following the 24-hour endurance race held in france, death machines of london’s ‘airtail’ is one of the few examples to be considered as ‘rolling art’. DMOL started the project by completely disassembling the moto guzzi back to its bare bones – including a thorough inspection of the gearbox and engine. the main frame was de-lugged and airtailed for a minimalist aesthetic, with all cables hidden discreetly within. 

after: moto guzzi with an elegant air tail

the ‘airtail’s’ 950 cc engine features a polished, lightened and balanced crankshaft, plus in-house gas flowed cylinder heads, all fitted with new valves. the bike’s original instrumentation has been completely restored and is housed in a bespoke dash, including aviation warning lights and main switch from a 1940 merlin spitfire. death machines of london finishes the bike in ‘italian’ red gloss with a satin ‘old english’ white finish, with a hand painted moto guzzi logo.