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Destinations Motorcycle Travel oregon Other Motorcycle Blogs portland You Must Be Trippin' - Click on the Title to View Entire Article

Six Places for Motorcyclists to Visit in Portland, Oregon

One of the joys of motorcycle travel is exploring a place that is completely different than your hometown. Unless you are from there, I can guarantee this: Portland, Oregon is completely different than where you live. And the folks who live there like it that way.   Here are six of my favorite places to…

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Cruising Other Motorcycle Blogs

Folsom Combat Boots Review

Frye Folsom Combat Boots

Or how I stopped worrying and learned to love internet shopping

Frye’s Folsom Combat Boots look and feel as good on the street as they perform in the saddle.
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Cruising Other Motorcycle Blogs

Riding The Globe On A Vintage Norton

Norton
Bikes

John Fitzwater’s fuzzy plan to take a 43-year-old Norton Commando around the world

After he finally rebuilds and restores his nearly 50-year-old Norton, John Fitzwater decides it would be a good idea to ride it around the world.
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Cruising Other Motorcycle Blogs

Zilllers Garage’s SR400 Wins 2018 AMD World Championship Freestyle Title

Yamaha SR400
Bikes

Zillers Garage from Moscow takes home the Freestyle title at the 2018 AMD World Championships, a first for a Russian builder

Dmitry Golubchikov made the international bike building scene by winning the Freestyle class at the 2018 AMD World Championships with a Yamaha SR400 spin-off.
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Cruising Other Motorcycle Blogs

Triumph Unveils Two New Scrambler Models For 2019

Triumph Scambler 1200 XE
Bikes

Triumph adds Scrambler 1200 XC and XE to the Bonneville lineup

Triumph Motorcycles unveils the Scrambler 1200 XC and XE with all-new ride modes, instrument system, and much more!
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BikeExif Biltwell Inc Flat Track Racing Harley bobber Harley Flathead Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs Racing Motorcycles Trackers

WTF: Turning a tank-shift Harley WLA into a flat tracker

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
The great thing about flat track racing is that anyone can have a crack. You don’t need a rocket scientist crew chief, or clever throttle body setups to have fun: there’s a series for every man and every budget.

The bug has even bitten Bill Bryant, the man behind the Biltwell Inc aftermarket empire. And since Bill knows a thing or two about building V-twins, he’s selected a very unusual steed for his dirt track excursions: a venerable Harley-Davidson WLA.

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
Like most of Bill’s older bikes, the WLA has a low-key, off-kilter vibe that we’re finding irresistible. So we pinged him for a little information.

The engine is from a 1941 Harley WLA—the ‘A’ meaning ‘Army’. It’s a flathead that was produced in small numbers from 1940 onwards, and this one is a little rare—since it’s technically a pre-war bike.

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
It’s also most unusual for a flat track racer to have a tank shift and a foot-operated rocker clutch, so we give Bill ten out of ten for dedication to the Milwaukee cause.

“I found the engine as a ‘mostly there’ Craigslist basket case, about five miles from my house,” Bill says. “I have no way to date the frame, though. It was in pretty good shape but the neck casting had been pie-cut and raked at some point.”

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
Mike at 47Industries put it back to stock geometry, and added the ‘WR-style’ lightening holes and the upright braces between the seat and chainstays. “I have to say he did a fantastic job, and the bike tracks straight as an arrow.”

Bill has been modifying old V-twin engines for years, so you can bet this one is solid. “I’m not gonna give away any engine-build secrets,” he says, “but it’s built more for durability and reliability than outright performance. After a year or so of riding and racing it, I’ll consider hotter cams—but for now it’s good to go, as-is.”

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
In the end, it was Rico Fodrey of Hi-Bond Modified in Pomona who spun the spanners on the engine rebuild: Biltwell’s bonkers ‘Frijole’ Sportster race bike consumed most of Bill’s spare time over the winter.

“The WLA sat lonely in the shop, mocking my poor time management skills. I dropped it off at Rico’s shop and asked him if he could get it wrapped up in time for Born Free.”

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
W&W in Germany are one of the best-kept secrets in the classic Harley game, and they delivered big time for the WLA—supplying the wheels, the gas and oil tanks, and the rear fender.

“Wow,” Bill enthuses. “These parts are of the highest quality. They work perfectly and look great. There’s no way I was gonna pay a fortune for real WR tanks and then go beat them up racing!”

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
The foot controls came from Jeff Leighton of SLC in Utah. “They tuck up nice and tidy, and are way less vulnerable than stock controls. The bars were custom bent to my specs by Jason Ball at S&M in Santa Ana, CA.”

Bill’s flat tracker is no show pony, but the paint still looks sublime. The main color is VW’s iconic 1966 ‘Sea Blue,’ normally seen on Beetles.

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
It was shot by Pete at Hot Dog Kustoms in Temecula, and it’s offset by a big, bright white stripe and gold pinstriping and lettering “It looks even better than I imagined, and I’ll probably cry when I lay it down for the first time,” says Bill.

So far, Bill’s managed to keep his WLA upright. Rico finished the bike in time for the Born Free ‘Stampede’ race, and Bill survived the experience—tank shift and all.

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
“I sucked, but didn’t crash and wasn’t last place, so I was satisfied,” says Bill. “I’ve got plenty of miles on foot clutch bikes, but this was my first tank shift and I found it fairly easy.”

“I’ll get better with practice, and I’ve got a few mods to make now that I’ve ridden it a little.” Those include adding some sweep to the next set of handlebars, and replacing the K&N filter on the Mikuni carb with a more authentic old J-slot air cleaner.

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer
“And maybe even a leather flap or something to keep the rear head from roasting my junk,” Bill adds wryly.

Biltwell Inc. | Facebook | Instagram

Bill Bryant's Harley WLA flat track racer

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Cruising Other Motorcycle Blogs

The 10 Best Cruisers Under $10,000

Indian Scout Sixty
Bikes

From urban bar-hoppers to performance cruisers, we choose the 10 best cruisers that cost less than $10K

Cruiser motorcycles are notoriously expensive. Here are the 10 best cruisers you can buy right now for less than 10 grand.
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Gear Reviews Motorcycle Glove Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review reviews Waterproof Glove Reviews Web Bike World

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Hands-On Review

Introduction

For those of you who follow my articles, you may remember my review on the Ninja 1000 abs that I wrote last month.

I found myself reviewing a 2018 Ninja 1000 abs as well as an X Moto 2 jacket and pants. It was raining and right around freezing when I did this review. The jacket and pants worked excellently and I was not cold or wet – however, the leather riding gloves I was wearing were awful. After less than an hour on the bike, my left index finger started to feel weird. I stopped and checked my hand and my finger was actually starting to turn blue.

I decided to get a new pair of gloves. I decided to purchase a pair of ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves. Here is my impression of these gloves after testing at home as well as on the road on my 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900. Keep an eye out for the upcoming review at Web Bike World.

ICON was founded in 2002 in Portland Oregon. They list their core mission as protecting riders whenever and however they can.

Please note: I purchased these gloves and they were not provided for review.

First Impressions

I received my parcel containing the ICON Patrol Gloves and was quite eager to open it. At first glance, I immediately noticed how well constructed these gloves are. They are also very stylish. I loved the mix of waterproof textile along with the leather palm. The small reflective strip on the glove looks very smart and serves a purpose during low light riding.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves closeup of wrist and gauntlet design

Construction

The ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves are constructed of very good quality materials from the premium goatskin palms to the waterproof textile, These gloves are very high quality. Small features have been incorporated into the gloves to increase the comfort and performance.

For example, these gloves come with injected thermoplastic knuckles for hand protection, a shield wipe on the left index finger as well as a pre-curved palm and finger design to reduce hand fatigue as well as blisters.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves injected thermoplastic knuckles

One of the main reasons I purchased these gloves was the fact that my trusty leather gloves I normally wear left me with a touch of frostbite from riding in the rain at cold temperature. I wanted to make sure that the gloves were indeed waterproof.

I donned the gloves and headed to the sink. I ran the cold water and put my hands under the tap for a good 4 minutes. The water did not permeate the glove and I was very satisfied with the waterproofing claim that these gloves provided.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves are really waterproof

Protection

The ICON Patrol provides amazing protection against the elements. They are a level 3 waterproof glove which means that they feature a Hipora ® waterproof liner, taped seams and a cinch at the wrist.

In addition to protection in inclement weather, the Patrol gloves offer excellent hand protection. A co-molded knuckle offers protection to the back of the hand as well as leather fingertips will provide protection against abrasion in the event of a fall.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves leather fingertips

Finally, the gloves being gauntlet offers protection against the wind and the rain. As far as protection against the weather, the ICON Patrol gloves are constructed of superior heat retaining materials to keep the wearer comfortable in colder weather.

Sizing, Fit, & Retention

The ICON Patrol Glove fits small. I usually wear a medium glove, but with the Patrol, I was glad I ordered a large as a medium would have been a bit snug on my hand. I followed ICON’s sizing chart that prompted me to measure the width of my hand. I was surprised to see that the chart recommended a large glove but I was happy I did when I received the parcel.

All sizing aside, the gloves fit well… like a glove. I am quite happy at the fitment. The gloves have a natural curve in the palm and fingers. This is a nice feature as it already has the broken-in feel. The gloves feature a strap around the wrist as well as velcro straps to cinch up the cuff.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves wrist velcro strap

Once the glove is adjusted, the retention factor is excellent. It feels great on the hand and does not become a hindrance to tactile responsiveness.

My only complaint on the fit is that they feel a bit bulky. This may be because It is the first pair of gauntlet gloves I have ever purchased and I may need to adapt from a short glove to a glove that is designed to go over my riding jacket.

Road Testing

I wore the ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves on a cold day. It was 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) but I did not care, I needed to get out for a ride. It was early in the fall for a snowstorm, but nonetheless, Mother nature had her mindset and we got 18 inches of snow.

I was sure that my riding season was done. A week went by and the snow that was still very present on the front lawn of my house and the roof of my shed was nowhere to be found on the streets of Calgary… as mentioned earlier, I just purchased my 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 and I wanted to go out for a rip… I got geared up and headed out for a ride.

The gloves were great. I did not feel like I was wearing a new pair of gloves. Although they were new, they felt like they were broken in from the factory. The gloves were very warm, even in this cold weather. I installed a set of aftermarket heated grips on my bike and I did not turn them on once during my ride.

I met up with fellow writers and riders Jim Pruner and Jennifer Angelina for a meeting and then off I went. I rode for a better part of the afternoon. I tried out the gloves in the city and on the highway. They performed very well. My hands did not get cold and did not get fatigued. I was able to use the controls on the bike without any issues and the grip from the goatskin in the palm of the glove really gave me the feeling of being in control.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves goatskin palm

A few days before finishing this article, the weather in Calgary changed again and it warmed up considerably. I rode into work at my regular job on Monday morning. It was 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) in the morning and it went up to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon for my commute home.

The gloves still felt comfortable; however, they were a bit warm. My commute is about 30 minutes, I rode a bit more because it was a very nice afternoon, so about 50 minutes on the bike from my work to my home. At the end of the ride, my hands were quite warm and were just starting to sweat.

Conclusion

I have very few negative things to say about these gloves.

They are very well constructed, very well priced, and they are made of good quality materials.

The ICON Patrol features construction choices that make it a worthy pair of gloves. The co-molded knuckles, the goatskin palm with added grip are a start. It also includes the shield wipe on the left index finger as well as the pre-curved design. All this comes with a 1-year warranty.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves palm side up full view

The gloves look amazing. I love the aggressive styling and the use of different materials in the manufacturing process. They are available in multiple sizes from small to XXXL.

In colder weather, these gloves are amazing. They are designed to keep your hands warm and they do so very well. In warmer weather, they are a bit warm. I would not wear these gloves in the heat of summer. I believe that this would not be very comfortable.

The fitment of the gloves is good; however, make sure that you check the ICON website and check out the size chart before ordering. They fit a bit small, so be cognizant of that. I recommend these gloves. They are good solid gloves and you do get a lot for you money.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
  • Waterproof
  • Well Constructed
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Cold climate use only

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: ICON
  • List Price (2018): US $75.00
  • Colors: Black
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
  • Review Date: October 2018

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Image Gallery

The post ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Gear Reviews Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide Test Ride

The Not So Sport Glide

2018 Sport Glide.

Have you ever really wanted to like a motorcycle and had it disappoint you? That’s what happened to me with Harley’s new Sport Glide. It’s not awful or anything like that, but it’s not what it could have been with some better execution on the part of Harley’s designers.

With a Sport label and featuring cruise control along with detachable hard bags and fairing, I thought this would be a sporty cruiser equally capable of mastering long rides and sharp corners.

As it turns out, it can do those things, just not as well as I hoped. It’s not a sport tourer, or even worthy of the sport cruiser label.

Numbers and Noteworthy Features

  • 107 cubic inch (1746 cc) engine with 78 hp and 105.5 pound-feet of torque at 2750 rpm
  • Standard ABS and cruise control
  • Inverted front forks with adjustable preload on the rear suspension
  • 30 degrees of rake
  • 698 lbs wet
  • 26.5-inch seat height
  • 47 mpg

First Impressions

I like the simple look of this bike, especially with the front fairing detached. It presents as a clean and classy Harley Davidson motorcycle in that form.

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

The fairing intrigues me. I love the potential of it providing some good wind protection, but I have serious doubts it will be effective at all. It looks too short and small to be anything more than cosmetic. I’m eager to find out just what this bike is about.

The Ride

The Engine and Transmission

2018 Harley Sport GLide air cleaner housing and gas tank.
The torque is excellent from the Milwaukee 107 cubic inch engine. The Sport Glide flexes that rear wheel muscle to pull powerfully away from stop signs and many other vehicles on the road. It’s terrific to have full torque almost from idle at the rider’s disposal. Full credit to Harley for building this updated engine in comparison to the old twin cam one. It may be all new, but it still has that lovely Harley exhaust note people like me adore.

That torque combined with a six-speed transmission mesh very well and I experienced no missed shifts or desire to change anything about it. In true Harley form, the bike clunks loudly when you drop it into first gear, but other shifts happen smooth and solid.

The Lack of Sport Performance

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

Around town and on back roads at regular speeds the Sport Glide moves around well overall when we speak of its powertrain. I had no complaints until I decided to find out whether it would live up to the Sport side of its name by accelerating past 100 mph. Any legit sport touring bike should be smooth at that speed, but the SG was just plain scary.

Right around the 100mph mark, it started shuddering strongly and making me very uncomfortable. I’m not sure whether it could be blamed on the Michelin Scorcher tires and 30 degrees of rake not meshing well with the cold asphalt that day (it was only 54 degrees), but this bike had no interest in going fast.

Comparatively, my experience test riding the new Fat Bob last fall was just the opposite. That bike was noticeably more powerful with its 114 cubic inch engine, lighter weight and very smooth ride even above 100mph. That bike wants to go fast and handles it well.

2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

Too Harsh?

Am I perhaps being unreasonably critical? Yeah, maybe.

It’s true there isn’t a single road (other than racetracks) in North America that I can legally ride this bike over 90 mph and it performs just fine in that normal range of speeds. Still, I was hoping for more, whether that’s reasonable or not.

Cornering

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

The Sport Glide is one of the new generations of Softails which is supposed to handle better than ever before thanks to a completely redesigned frame. That’s definitely the case for this Sport Glide compared to previous Harleys, but again the Fat Bob is noticeably better in the corners.

What A Drag

When I took some tight turns I found my heel dragging almost right away on the road because of the angle and height of the footpegs.

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

I’m not tall at 5’7, nor do I have skis for feet by any reckoning so that shouldn’t have been happening. If I lifted my foot up and rested my heel on top of the pegs I could corner nearly as sharply as on the Fat Bob, but that’s not a reasonable thing to expect to do with a bike named Sport Glide.

Suspension

Preload adjuster handle on a Sport Glide.

The suspension is decent in the front and rear. I like that the rear is easily adjusted now with a manual dial behind the driver’s right leg.

Rear suspension preload adjuster handle on a Sport Glide.

I didn’t find the forks dove exceedingly under hard braking. Generally, I can say Harley did good with it.

The Seat

The seat is one I just can’t figure out.

018 Harley Sport Glide.

The one on the Fat Bob is the most comfortable stock Harley seat I’ve sat on. That sounds really weird, but is definitely the case even compared to stock seats on the big baggers for my backside. I really wish they had gone with it on the Sport Glide instead of the one they did.

2018 Sport Glide seat.

My main complaint with the Sport Glide seat is that after riding for an hour it produced a dent right where my tailbone rests on it. There was a noticeable pucker in the leather when I got off it and I think over time this would only get worse to the point of failure.

It’s also wickedly uncomfortable to have your tailbone dig into the foam progressively deeper while out riding.

No Passengers

The rear seat isn’t something any passenger would want to use long. They may as well have just left it a solo seat.

The Convertible Aspect

Two Sport Glides showing with and without fairing and bags installed.
The fairing and saddlebags come off quickly and easily thanks to latches inside the bags and ones on the inside of the fork tubes near the triple tree up front.

Quick detach front fairing from a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

This design is efficient and seems bulletproof. The fairing can’t be easily stolen off the bike when it’s parked unattended because when the steering lock is engaged you can’t get fingers in far enough to unlatch the release on one side.

The bags are hard and leather covered with nice logos on each side. I had no trouble removing and reinstalling them afterward with only one or two attempts at learning how it all works.
Full marks to Harley on doing these things right.

The Instrument Panel

2018 Sport Glide gauges and gas tank.

The dash is a 5-inch diameter speedometer with an LCD display below it mounted on the gas tank. It’s not too hard to see how fast you’re going, nor are the warning light for ABS, neutral, low fuel, oil pressure, high beam or indicators for turn signals.

The only problem is you have to look down to access the information. It’s par for the course with many Harley Softails and helps keep the style of the bike sharp. From a practical standpoint, I’m really not a big fan though.

The fuel gauge is a good feature along with the distance to empty, digital tech and trip meters. It’s actually a very good setup, just not located well.

The Style

I think a better name for this bike would be Style Glide.

2018 Sport Glide Engine.

The rims are unique with their bending, polished aluminum spokes front and rear that somewhat resemble shuriken (ninja stars!).

2018 Sport Glide front wheel.

No other builder mixes a distinct package of physical features so well of chrome highlights and blacked out contrasting areas than the Bar and Shield in my opinion. Often imitated, but never duplicated this bike is a looker without question.

The Little Things

Rear tire on a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

The Michelin Scorcher tires even have small depressions around the edges of the rubber that are shaped like the Harley logo. Small badging and tasteful, low key branding on the side of the gas tank among other locations on the engine and saddlebags is all done just right.

In short, I give it two thumbs up in the looks department.

Who Is It For?

Who should buy this Harley? Who is Harley trying to target with this Sport Glide? I really can’t make up my mind about the answer to that question.

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

At first, I thought it would be an excellent option for riders that can’t physically handle the big touring bikes and their 900+ lb weight, but who still want to go on long rides.

The fairing on the Sport Glide just isn’t big enough to make really long rides in wind comfortable, so I’m going to stop looking at this machine as a legitimate touring bike alternative now.

I think this is one for people who want a bike they can quickly, easily and noticeably change the look of. That’s really it because the truth is this is just a Heritage Classic with modern styling and a less useful quick detach windshield when you drill down to the core.

I thought I understood what Harley was going for with this bike, but it turns out either I was right, but they missed the mark or I’m wrong and have no idea what the Sport Glide is for.

So Much Potential

Me riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide.

This bike could have been much more if they had built it more like the Fat Bob, but put in some touring features.

It should have had the 114 engine in it, not the 107.

The footpegs should have been raised to allow sharper cornering.

The windshield should be at least 8” taller.

Change the rake to 28 degrees and raise the exhaust slightly to allow for sport cruiser cornering.

Fix the seat.

The sad truth is that I really wanted to like the Sport Glide, but I don’t. I can’t see it selling well or staying in the Harley lineup long either unless they really tweak it, but I could be totally wrong.

What’s New for the 2019 Sport Glide?

The 2019 Sport Glide is virtually identical to the 2018 other than the shape of the primary drive case. The photo below shows the new, narrower primary case with the smaller diameter derby cover on it.

A primary cover on a 2019 Heritage Classic Softail.

There is a better cooling effect on the oil and primary drive gears gained due to the shape change according to the sales staff at Calgary Harley Davidson who I’d like to thank for offering up this bike for a test drive and review.

A Harley Sport Glide at Calgary Harley Davidson.

Final Shots

I haven’t enjoyed writing this downer of a review. I like Harleys and all motorcycles, but this one just does very little for me, sadly. It’s pretty ordinary overall and I prefer to review bikes I feel make a statement or fit a rider’s needs better than on average.

It would have been more worthwhile for Harley to have built a touring friendly version of the Fat Bob instead of the Sport Glide, because the Fat Bob IS the Softail with sport handling.

That’s about to change though with the new 2019 FXDR 114 from what I hear, but that’s a whole different review than this one.

Steel sculpture of an eagle.

Pros

  • Cruise control
  • Quick detach windshield and locking hard bags
  • Great torque from the M8 107 engine
  • Bright, LED headlight

Cons

  • Uncomfortable seat easily dents
  • Unstable at high speed (got sport?)
  • Fairing isn’t large enough to protect the rider from the wind

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Harley Davidson
  • Price (When Tested): $22,399 and up
  • Made In: USA
  • Alternative models & colors: 6 different paint choices
  • Sizes: 107 engine only
  • Review Date: September 26, 2108

Harley Davidson Sport Glide Image Gallery

The post 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide Test Ride appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Aermacchi BikeExif Custom Motorcycles George Woodman Other Motorcycle Blogs Trackers

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
Two weeks ago, we revealed George Woodman’s cute little Honda SS50. But George had a further ace up his sleeve: he was working on another, equally quirky project.

Et voilà, here it is: a stunning 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV SS, adorned with George’s signature wooden touches. (And if the Italian marque sounds familiar to our readers in the US, it’s because Harley had a half stake in the company in the 1960s.)

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
This custom belongs to the French cinematographer Axel Cosnefroy, who commissioned the build with zero creative direction.

Even the choice of donor was left up to George, whose real name is actually Sébastien Valliergues. That faith was not misplaced: the Biarritz-based woodcrafter only builds two or three bikes a year, as a sideline gig, but every single one is a smash hit. He even has a bike in the prestigious Haas Moto Museum.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
Sébastien’s been drawn to the Aermacchi’s horizontally mounted motor for quite some time, so when he received the open brief, it was time to find one.

He eventually found a suitable donor on Leboncoin—a French buy-and-sell website. And by ‘suitable,’ we mean in dire need of saving.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
“The bike was not in good condition when I bought it,” Sébastien tells us. “Some ‘restorations’ were necessary before anything else.”

That restoration included a full rewire, complete with a new stator and a small Ultrabatt battery. Sébastien also replaced the stock exhaust system with a new header and can.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
The fork tubes were bent too, so Sébastien had to source a new pair from the US, via eBay. He used those to rebuild the stock front end, but replaced the rear shocks with a new pair from Betor. The OEM wheels and brakes also received a major refresh.

Most importantly, when it came to aesthetics, “the bike was tired.” Sébastien envisioned a slim and trim street legal flat tracker, and set to work.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
The Aermacchi’s original fuel tank was beyond saving, so he hunted down an original unit in a more workable condition. Then he cut and welded it to slim it down, and built an electrics tray to hide underneath.

Moving to the back, Sébastien went to town on the subframe. It now features an extremely upswept loop, and a pair of extended rails with combination taillight-and-turn-signal LEDs embedded in them.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
Then there’s the customary woodwork. Sébastien bookended the build with two beech pieces: a headlight nacelle up front, and a rear fender. As always, his wood touches are subtle, tasteful and extremely well designed.

That front plate is particularly sweet, especially with the delightfully retro Marchal rally light.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
“I often use beech,” he says, “because it’s a hard wood and the color is light and uniform enough for the result I’m looking for. And for shaping, this wood reacts well to the carving and sanding process.”

“It’s also a good light base for lovely tints. On this one, I’ve simply made it weatherproof with a resin varnish that adds a very soft layer to the wood texture. It will be necessary to re-do it once a year to keep it in condition.”

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
Up top are custom-made rider and passenger seats, upholstered in leather and sitting on custom mounts. With the electrics relocated, and the airbox ditched in favor of a K&N filter, the area under the seat is sparse and tidy.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
For smaller items, Sébastien turned to the Harley-Davidson aftermarket parts specialists W&W Cycles. The German company supplied the controls, switches and speedo, and also the handlebars—but they didn’t quite have the old-school sweep that Sébastien wanted. So he hacked them up and re-welded them.

For paint, Sébastien pinged the same specialist who shot his Honda: Jérome Lopez from Colorside64 in Anglet, Basque country. With basic but fresh hues on the frame and tank, Sébastien’s beech pieces really shine.

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood
The Aermacchi is more than just some clever woodwork and a set of wheels, though. Séb reports that it’s “minimal, light, and so agile, with a great sound from the amazing 350 engine.”

Sounds like a total hoot—and the fact that it’ll attract admirers wherever it goes can’t hurt either.

George Woodman | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Axel Cosnefroy

Beech racer: A classic Aermacchi 350 with a touch of wood