Ewan Who?
McGregor approached Cycle Garden Moto Guzzi of Indio, Calif., in 2006 to build a Moto Guzzi Ambassador. Moe Moore, Cycle Garden’s self-described head honcho, said:
To be honest, I didn’t know who he was. I was explaining to my wife that we had an actor approach us. When I told her his name, she screamed.
Cycle Garden has since built four machines for McGregor and serviced several others. The V7 Sport was a tired sport bike when McGregor brought it to Moore in 2010. Moore said:
After a complete restoration, he would ride it around Los Angeles and send me cool photos of his rides.
Full, Correct Restoration
Cycle Garden offers a one-year drivetrain warranty on its restorations, which is a unique feature for a classic bike. That came in handy. Moore explained:
A few years ago, Moto Guzzi asked Ewan to borrow four of his bikes for a TV ad. He agreed, but the stunt rider damaged the V7’s motor.
This unfortunate incident meant the already mint V7 Sport received a freshly built motor with high compression pistons and a fully balanced crankshaft from a Moto Guzzi T3. The engine now displaces 955 cc.
The listing photos show an exquisite level of detail. Cycle Garden took great care not to over-restore the Guzzi, which can be easily done with so much raw, cast aluminum on display. The fit and finish are just right, and the paint color is as close to original as possible.
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Moto Guzzi’s First Sport Bike
With more than a whiff of cafe-racer styling, the V7 Sport is lighter than the entry-level V7. It is recognized as Moto Guzzi’s first true V-twin sporting machine.
It’s a beautiful motorcycle with typical early-’70s styling cues, such as the large, chromed headlamp and the purposeful-looking drum brake occupying the front wheel hub. The fuel tank needs to be large to provide a decent fuel range. It’s a fine feature atop that enigmatic V-twin, which is mounted sideways with a piston poking out each side of the frame. Most V-twins are fitted with pistons contained within the frame, front-to-back.
Mounting the motor this way allows Guzzi to do without a chain and sprockets. Instead, power transfers to the rear wheel through a driveshaft, crown wheel, and pinion arrangement. This adds a little weight but means far longer service intervals.
This V7 Sport must be one of the best available anywhere. Add the direct Hollywood movie star connection, and it becomes a must for a serious collector. The $46,000 Buy-It-Now price is not modest, but considering how much ex-Steve McQueen bikes sell for, it could be a wise investment.
