XV 1000 ORTOLANI CUSTOMS
By Ross Sharp - 24 Feb 17



Olivier wanted to flex the workshop's fabricating arm by making as many parts for this XV as possible, rather than relying on the postman to deliver a bike in bits. The frame was looped and a rear light/indicator strip integrated. Space below the seat now houses the lithium battery and Motogadget wiring harness, very neatly encapsulated by hand rolled aluminium panels. Local upholstered NMB Designs made a saddle to suit the new subframe.
Suspension manufacturer Fournales from a bit further down the road near Toulouse provided a sturdy looking air shock, bolted straight to the stock swingarm. Upfront a GSXR fork and converted 16" XV rear wheel make for a properly burly stance.
Fuel tank pop quiz.... anyone? Yup, Benelli Mojave, but an aluminium version, not steel. Thankfully this has been left raw, with a gloss black edge accent which ties it in visually with the subframe. The clutch and brake levers were machined and finished in-house, as was the fluid reservoir.
The litre twin didn't need opening up, just a good service but it would have been a crime not to have shared the XV's booming soundtrack so Olivier fabbed a stainless full system with stumpy reverse megaphone silencer. This should sound epic through the tunnels along the Corniches.


We're glad that Olivier is now using his considerable four-wheeled experience and craftsmanship to offer customers more than just a fancy paint job. Get in touch on Facebook | Web
Images: Nicolas Licari