We?ve been covering the modern custom scene for eight years now, extending feelers into nearly every country in the world, from Andorra to Vietnam. But there are a few builders who have inexplicably slipped through the net?and one of the most renowned must be Craig Rodsmith.
An Australian based in Illinois, USA, Craig has been building bikes since the late 1970s. And when it comes to shaping metalwork, his experience shows. The hand-formed aluminum on this turbocharged Moto Guzzi ?dustbin racer? is so exquisite, the bike was sold as soon as it went public at the Handbuilt show.

The looks are pedigree, but this Guzzi is really a ?bitsa? based on a 1969 Ambassador loop frame that Craig has heavily modified. He?s cut it down by 3½ inches, and the rear section has been completely reshaped with an elegant little upkick.
It?s the engine where the real action is happening, though?courtesy of a turbo blowing through a pair of sealed, pressurized 36 mm Dell?Ortos. ?I usually build my own engines, but this one was taken care of by Joe Walano at The Guzzi Doctor,? says Craig. ?It?s based on an 850 Eldorado, but with 88 mm cylinders and a late model 78mm crank taking it out to 950cc.?

Joe?s balanced the engine for smoothness and longevity, and it?s also been converted to a front alternator, to make room on top for the custom exhaust. There?s no word on power output, but you can bet it?s ample. It feeds through a 4-speed box, hooked up to a lightened flywheel for snappier t...