Paul Milbourn is a known name in the custom motorcycle scene, particularly for putting an extreme amount of engineering into his custom bikes. His builds reflect bold moves, unconventional materials and extraordinary shapes; a formula for a great custom, unique bike. This custom Moto Guzzi V11 is an incredible engineering feat.
Looks are not the only stunning detail about this bike. Paul wanted to create a bike that not only looked good, but performed just as good when pushed to its limits. Enter the "Titanium" Moto Guzzi. If you didn't know, titanium is one of the hardest metals to machine and weld. When heated above 400 degrees it reacts with nitrogen and oxygen of the atmosphere and makes welding nearly impossible without an argon shield. The frame backbone was built using Grade 5 Titanium with a mixture of 6% aluminium and 4$ vanadium that made it easier to manipulate. Hangers, subframe and swingarm are CP3 Grade 2 Titanium which makes it easier to bend and manipulate.
Paul shaped the bodywork itself in aluminium, 5251 and NS5 grade aluminium. Not only is it twice as hard, it's also very difficult to work with. Nevertheless, he created one of the most amazing custom motorcycle bodies full of defined curves and extreme shapes. The body was then smoothed out with Sccotbrite pads and buffed with normal metal polish. This creates a slightly shiny look without overdoing it. Due to the hardness of titanium, he had to spend a lot of time sharpening cutting heads and replacing tips. All the work was done in his humble workshop with an extraordinary patience and power of will. He rebuilt the motor and used titanium intakes and filters. The exhaust system is of course titanium, with blue headers aggressively pointed upwards.
The front uses Öhlins suspension from a Ducati 1098 with Harrison Billet six pot caliper brakes. In the rear, a single swingarm wheel from the same Ducati 1098 is mounted to a modified hub connected to machined splines to the 45° Guzzi shaft drive. A TTX shock absorber was used in the rear to match the front Öhlins system.
Not many builders can even tell the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 5 Titanium, let alone spend all their resources into masterfully shaping it into a beautiful motorcycle. Paul Milbourn has truly outdone himself. He has created a beautiful, functional motorcycle that weighs just 155kg, wet. A true sight to behold and a high performance bike is not a usual combination in the world of customs.
