Motorcycles have always been more than just machines. They’re statements of individuality, rolling canvases where engineering and self-expression meet. That’s why the custom scene has played such a big role in shaping motorcycling culture. From the stripped-down cafe racers of postwar London to the choppers that stormed American highways in the 1960s, customization has always been a way for riders to claim a piece of history and make it their own.
The industry itself has taken cues from these movements, with manufacturers borrowing elements from what independent builders have been experimenting with for decades.
One name keeping that tradition alive today is Revel Custom Motorcycles, based in London. Founded by Andrei Kouznetsov after his previous career in design was cut short by the pandemic, RCM channels the same creative energy he once applied to interiors into two wheels. His background shows in the details: proportions that feel just right, finishes that are carefully considered, and builds that balance respect for heritage with a vision for the future.
Among his standout creations is the Saga Racer, based on a 1980 Moto Guzzi V50 II. It’s a bike that weighs in at only 304 pounds dry, but its presence is far larger than the numbers suggest. Kouznetsov initially thought of ditching the stock fuel tank, but decided to keep it, treating it not as a limitation but as a foundation. That choice speaks volumes about his approach: preserving the DNA of the original machine while still making it unmistakably custom.
The engine was fully refreshed with a new clutch, fresh seals, and rebuilt carbs breathing through pod filters. A stainless-steel exhaust capped with reverse-cone mufflers gave the V-twin its voice back. Suspension upgrades kept things true to the period at the front with refurbished forks, while a set of Hagon shocks modernized the rear. Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires and upgraded brakes brought real-world usability into the equation.
But the Saga Racer isn’t just about hardware. Its character comes from the hand-built leather saddle mounted on a revised subframe, with a hidden electronics tray and integrated LED lighting. The swingarm-mounted plate holder lines up perfectly with the spokes—a subtle design choice that reveals an obsessive eye for detail. Up front, the Motogadget dial, compact headlight, and minimalist fender keep the look sharp without feeling overdone.
The paint scheme ties it all together. The tank’s split black and light green sections disguise its bulk, with blue and gold accents adding flair, while the frame and wheels were finished in black for balance. The result is a bike that’s vintage and modern all at once, not trying to pretend it’s brand new but refusing to feel stuck in the past.
Gallery: The Moto Guzzi “Saga Racer” Custom Cafe Racer Rides Through Time
Bikes like the Saga Racer remind us that motorcycles don’t have to be frozen in time to be appreciated. They can be reborn, improved, and reimagined without losing their soul. For enthusiasts, it’s reassurance that the classics we love won’t fade away. And for riders, it’s proof that turning a motorcycle into something truly yours is as relevant today as it was in the heyday of cafe culture.
Source: Revel Custom Motorcycles
