Roberto Rossi “Rivale”

Roberto Rossi “Rivale”

Roberto Rossi is a custom motorcycle builder well-known in his native Italy, and little known outside. He’s based in the small Lombardy town of Roncoferraro Mantua, a two-hour ride east of Milan. This is his latest bike: called “Rivale”, it’s first in a planned series of motorcycles that combine authenticity and history with modern technology. It’s a 2003 Triumph Bonneville T100, but with the look and feel of a well-used scrambler. Rossi has modified the frame and fitted the gas tank from a vintage Triumph, adapted to its new location. The fenders and side panels were painted by Ettore Callegaro, and the seat and saddlebag (see below) were custom designed. The beautifully-crafted saddlebag is detachable, so it can be used as a smart satchel for work — a novel touch I haven’t seen on a motorcycle before. Rossi says his aim is for a rugged look with a touch of elegant, vintage style, and I think he’s succeeded. Head over to the Roberto Rossi website for details of more bikes and a glimpse into Rossi’s “museum”.

Technical Data
Cut Custom Adjusted Frame: Triumph Bonneville T100 from 2003
Rims: Painted dust black
Front and back tires: Bridgestone Trail Wing Dual Sport
Front and back fenders: hand crafted wrought iron, custom made
Tail light: mini Lucas
Headlight: Lucas with integrated bulbs
Mini tachometer
Gas tank: vintage Triumph Bonneville preserved and adapted to fit the modern frame
Exhaust system: based on the design of a scrambler TT, hand-crafted wrought iron with a perforated protection grille
Rear view mirror: 70s adjustable large screw model
Front and back turn signals repositioned
Seat and saddlebag custom designed