By Dale Bartlett

Why a Moto Guzzi?  Especially, a Quota?  Good question(s) ... Firstly, it was the most bike (by kilo) that I could buy for the least dollars.  Secondly, it is agricultural in its technology; little has changed in 50 years.  And lastly, an esteemed motorcycle engineer friend supposed it to be possibly the worst bike to choose for a trans-African trip … ticks all the boxes.

Given that Guzzis are as reliable as a rock, all that remained was to custom build the travel items that are not available off-the-shelf … essentially everything.

Bodywork - Original (gorgeous) bodywork replaced with eBay used bits.  Late-model, unobtainium, single headlight replaced with dual automotive headlights (and fairing) to match the earlier Quota 1000 … practical and stylish.

Pillion seat for Chris - BMW GS1200 pillion pad.  Just cut the original Quota seat in half, reinforce the sub-frame, fabricate a rear carrier, cover seat with dead New Zealand sheep, and install a back rest … happy wife, happy life.

Panniers - ProjectVND WorldBeater aluminium boxes https://tinyurl.com/ya34xg6s.  Initially Vern wouldn't sell me a set as he only built for BMWs.  Anyway, I convinced him that I would modify all the bracketry to fit the Guzzi … after all, how hard could it be?

Front end - HyperPro progressive uprated springs, added fork brace, combined with a $3 mudguard from the Cairns Recycling Dump.  Extra gauges and giant horns wired in … check.

Rear suspension - Given that the fully laden weight is near 500kg, the rear shock absorber needed an upgrade. Of course no one makes shock absorbers for trans-African Quotas.  Of course...  After some considerable cajoling, HyperPro (NL) worked with my linkage dimensions/load calcs and manufactured one to suit … truly a thing of beauty.

New exhaust headers – to do away with balance pipe that cracks and heats sump oil … check.
 
All the fabrication was designed in AutoCAD and sent via email to be laser-cut from aluminium or stainless steel … incredible technology.

There is something comforting about a motorcycle where you can use your FJ Holden tuning experience.

Some new gloves and somehow it all got finished...