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Road tested: Gear from Aether Apparel, AGV and Pagnol

Road tested: Gear from Aether Apparel, AGV and Pagnol
We all love retro looks crafted with modern materials. This time around we’re checking out new gear with classic styling from AGV Helmets, Aether Apparel and Pagnol Motor.

AGV X3000 Helmet Not long ago, finding an old-school helmet meant trolling garage sales for something old, smelly and downright unsafe. Now, ‘vintage-inspired’ buckets are everywhere—but not all of them actually deliver the goods. Some sacrifice safety, fitment or comfort in pursuit of style; the AGV X3000 doesn’t.

The $460 X3000 is an extremely attractive retro lid, shaped to accurately resemble the helmet Agostini donned while laying waste to 15 World Championships. The thinner, sculpted chin bar that Ago insisted on for a tighter tuck is the only design detail that really sticks out.

AGV X3000 helmet review
Otherwise, the ACF (Advanced Composite Fiber) shell is clean, minimal, and devoid of any unnecessary frippery or bling. And thanks to AGV employing three different shell castings, anyone with a noggin smaller than Wes’ can avoid the bobblehead look (just kidding mate, you looked stunning at DGR).

The X3000’s inner EPS foam liner is also available in three sizes, so that means in-between fitments are a possibility. My 57.5cm skull typically borders between medium and large, so I went with AGV’s ML size.

AGV X3000 helmet review
The fit is comfortably snug, and I’ve yet to discover any ‘hot spots’. Not only does this better fit make for a safer lid, the materials also help the X3000 achieve relative lightness. Mine tipped the scales at 1,425 g—some 50 g less than my Bell Bullitt.

Lined in microsuede and genuine leather, the interior is a plush affair. It’s also surprisingly quiet, relatively speaking. Compared to a proper modern helmet, things are still a touch rambunctious at speed, but noise levels are nowhere near as cacophonous as other efforts in this category (cough, Bell Bullitt, cough).

AGV X3000 helmet review
Credit the visor for that. In re-developing the X3000, AGV went to decent lengths to create an air- and water-tight seal. A rubber dam lines the entire eye port, so that when the visor is locked via the button clasp on the left side, noise and buffeting are kept to a minimum.

As for ventilation, peel away the rubber ‘switch’ at the top of the scratch-resistant visor, and air enters into a quad set of ducts that flow through the EPS liner, around the peak of your cranium. It’s a rudimentary system to be sure (no closing vents on the fly here), but it’s effective at providing relief on a hot day. The literature that accompanies the X3000 indicates that there is a ‘storage slot’ of sorts for the rubber somewhere inside the chin bar lining but I couldn’t find it, and have since lost said rubber anyways.

AGV X3000 helmet review
The only real downside is the price. As has become customary with all things that stir nostalgia, the X3000 doesn’t come cheap; especially if the Ago #1 graphic is a must have for you. There are plenty of quieter, lighter, comfier and more aerodynamic lids to be had at friendlier sums—but none of them look nearly as cool. AGV has done a commendable job in reducing compromises where it counts most, and this is the best performing vintage lid I’ve tried yet. [Buy]

Aether Mojave jacket review
Aether Apparel Mojave Jacket Billed as their ‘warm weather’ jacket, Aether Apparel’s Mojave was designed by the LA-based company to focus on maximum airflow, to keep riders cool in sweaty extremes.

Luckily this summer was one of the hottest and stickiest in recent memory in my home town of Toronto, and ‘the 6ix’ also lays claim to the longest commute times in North America.

Aether Mojave jacket review
That means a good chunk of my time riding these past few months has involved steamy, flatfoot straddling amongst the caged masses; the perfect conditions to test the $550 Mojave.

Constructed of beefy swatches of Halley Stevensons cotton, the Mojave feels more robust than the mesh-type textiles usually associated with summer riding. The fit is rigid, boxy and not at all like previous Aether efforts I’ve worn in the past. A part of me loves this, as it means the Mojave should age gracefully and stand up to some serious abuse—but ultimate comfort will require a break-in period.

Aether Mojave jacket review
There are two large zippered vents running from shoulder to gut up front, two more linking armpits to elbows, and another set flanking the included D30 back armor. With each new iteration of their riding gear, Aether gets better and better at nailing the functionality of their vents.

On a wide set of bars with elbows out, four gaping intakes suck air in around your torso to cool your core, while those at the rear expel any trapped heat. This system works extremely well while seated and even better standing on pegs. Aether has even moved to D30’s LP1 perforated collection of armor for this kit, to help eliminate hotspots at the impact zones.

Aether Mojave jacket review
Of course once you grind to a halt—whether on the trail or in gridlock—things will heat up in a hurry. The mesh lining helps to wick sweat, but vents or no vents, you’re still just a guy wearing a jacket in the summer, sitting on a heater.

Regardless of exterior temperatures, the Mojave remains a well executed jacket for riders with plenty of thoughtful touches. All button clasps on the pockets and up the storm flap have integrated thumb loops that make closing them easy with gloves on.

Any hard parts that can touch a tank are shielded by fabric, and all of the YKK zippers have a fat, accessible pull. The main zipper is also of the two-way variety, so you can make adjustments to avoid the dreaded ‘billow effect’. And there are pockets-a-plenty for storage, with two at each side, an interior cell phone stash and one at the small of the back.

Aether Mojave jacket review
From a styling standpoint, the Mojave stands out by how stealthily it blends in. This is a calling card of Aether’s ethos and I’ve received more than a few compliments on this jacket from non-riders. Thanks to its minimal design and near total lack of branding, you could easily ditch the armor and wear this as a fall/spring jacket off the bike.

That said, I do have a few gripes. Due to the stiffness of the neck fabric, when it’s zipped up tight it feels abrasive. The collar is padded with a ¼-inch roll of the same canvas around the rim, which does soften after time—but a gentler fabric, like the smooth tricot liner used on other Aether jackets, would ensure comfort right out the box.

Aether Mojave jacket review
Many of Aether’s previous moto offerings also featured integrated reflectivity, via the stitching, or a tiny stretch of piping. That’s not included on the Mojave, which is an oversight but far from a deal breaker.

If, like Wes and Chris, you live on the south side of the equator, the Mojave is a decent choice for your upcoming summer running. If not, know that the fit is ample enough to squeeze in a warming layer of PrimaLoft. And those vents zip up pretty quickly, too. Take your pick between Dark Sand and Graphite colorways. [Buy]

Pagnol P1 motorcycle boots review
Pagnol Motor P1 Boots Much like the lads behind Aether, Paulo Rosas of Pagnol Motor has a keen eye for detail—and an Aprilia V4 pumping blood through his veins. So when he teased me with renderings of a prototyped riding boot, I pleaded with the man for a chance to try them out.

Finished in a supple matte black cowhide leather, the $340 P1 Moto Boot definitely draws inspiration from the sh*t-kickers of yesteryear. Part para-jumper, part traditional riding boot, the P1s are cut high and have a thick, durable Goodyear welt sole.

Pagnol P1 motorcycle boots review
Sliding into the P1s is a simple affair thanks to a single zipper along the calf of the boot. By moving the zip from the more traditional spot on the inside leg to the rear, Rosas has made a boot that you can essentially step into before pulling snug. This may not seem like a revelation, but trust me; it’s a far more dignified way to get suited and booted.

Once your tootsies are comfortably positioned, the heavy-duty YKK zip can be tugged up with a gloved hand via a leather tassel. A button clasp secures a cuff at the top to make sure things don’t loosen up on the road, and all of the hardware is finished in antique brass.

Pagnol P1 motorcycle boots review
There’s a second decorative slice of leather at the base of the boot, to balance out aesthetics, and both the left and right sides have been outfitted with leather shifter guards. This may seem redundant, but from a styling standpoint I prefer the symmetry.

The all-leather upper is lined in pigskin to deliver a soft feel on the inside, and the whole thing has been sized to wear just as easily under a cuff as it does with pants tucked in. I tend to reside in the former camp and even when wearing a slim-fit jean, it doesn’t impede that stealthy approach. The one thing I did notice is that a taller sock (that stays in place) is a must have; after some trail riding, my socks slid down and the cuff of the boot started to rub.

Pagnol P1 motorcycle boots review
Outside of that gaff, the P1 boots are plenty comfy. The anatomic footbed is soft yet supportive and there’s even a smidge of arch support. If you’d prefer to run with your own insoles, the stock ones are removable. The toe box is ample, and provided you don’t typically rely on Nike Air Monarchs to accommodate your above average girth, you should have no problems with standard sizing here.

Thanks to the suppleness of the leather, there’s really no break-in needed with these, either. If you’re used to Red Wings, Dr. Martens or something similarly stiff, the P1s will feel effortless both on the bike and off.

Pagnol P1 motorcycle boots review
On the safety side, there is integrated ankle padding on both sides, and that cowhide is some pretty stern stuff. I would have preferred something with a CE-rating for my malleoli and, because of the trick access method, you lose out on a true reinforced heel.

At $340, the P1 is a reasonably priced riding boot that is well made and has a timeless look. A quick coat of Nikwax will weatherproof everything, and I imagine I’ll be getting miles out of mine over the years. Well done, Paulo! [Buy]

Road tested: Gear from Aether Apparel, AGV and Pagnol

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BikeExif BMW cafe racer BMW motorcycles BMW R nineT Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Onehandmade Other Motorcycle Blogs

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 30 September, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A wild BMW R nineT from Onehandmade, the CROIG Instagrammers get their mitts on a Street Cup, and the Bultaco Pursang from Easy Riders goes up for auction.

Triumph Street Cup cafe racer by CROIG
Triumph Street Cup by Croig If you are one of the millions of two-wheeled enthusiasts addicted to the ’Gram, you’re probably following @caferacersofinstagram. Run by David Chang and Andy Blashko, the feed has been a hotbed for custom cafes since its inception. But the ‘Motosota’ duo don’t just create content for social media—they get their hands dirty building bikes, too.

The latest creation to roll out of their shop is a fully-faired take on the Triumph Street Cup. Working with Triumph’s American mothership, the duo was limited on time—but was given keys to the accessories castle. A wish list was quickly submitted.

Triumph Street Cup cafe racer by CROIG
New Fox shocks have been fitted, a Vance & Hines high-pipe exhaust was secured, and the tail has been tidied, too. But the prettiest bits here aren’t the factory bolt-ons.

Working with a replica fairing for a CB350, team Croig needed to shave bits here and there to have everything line up just right. (The work around the lower engine looks absolutely spot on.) The brackets holding that fabulous glass in place also had to be fabbed up, but the mounting was kept nice and tight. [More]

BMW R nineT cafe racer by Onehandmade
BMW R nineT by Onehandmade In the custom world, not even a masterpiece is safe from revision. Tastes and trends change, and sometimes a build just needs that extra ten percent to take it from great to godly.

Three years ago, Wes called Onehandmade’s Beemer ‘one of the sharpest we’ve seen.’ It recently got a redux and man, it may now be the best. Period.

The lucky client who bought this bike has an even luckier son, who’d expressed interest in riding the beast. (No kidding?) But that meant revisions, to make it a touch easier to get on with.

BMW R nineT cafe racer by Onehandmade
The clip-ons up front were swapped for a set of bars mounted to a newly bolted up triple clamp, to neutralize ergonomics, and the old twin-pod filters have been binned in favor of a custom made singular intake that doesn’t interfere with knees in the breeze. An all-new exhaust, made of titanium, has also been welded up for a more raucous bark. And the girder look was adopted up front via a set of aluminum fork covers.

Aside from the front end, the biggest (and best) change aesthetically is the move to the M Power paint scheme. I dug the previous raw look, but the new white, blue and red livery classes this thing up incredibly well. [Onehandmade Facebook]

1969 BSA Thunderbolt flat tracker by Zoe David
Zoe David’s BSA Thunderbolt We’re all familiar with the addictions of moto-life around here. For most of us, all it took was that first hit: maybe a blast through a farmer’s field or maybe, like Normandy’s Zoe David, breathing life back into a dead machine.

Since resuscitating a 1954 Peugeot 155, the Frenchwoman has gone on to cement her moto-junkie status with this 1969 BSA Thunderbolt. It now sees equal time running around city streets and getting sideways on the flat tracks of Europe.

1969 BSA Thunderbolt flat tracker by Zoe David
Part bitsa-restoration and part unencumbered beauty, Zoe built the BSA into the bike she wanted. Which is why it rides on matched 19-inch wheels for the dirt oval, but also has an impeccably lacquered Spitfire tank. Forme et fonction are of equal import. Following that same theme, the original subframe has been replaced by new one modeled on a Trackmaster design.

Zoe also opted to rebuild the Thunderbolt’s original forks, while shaving near three inches off their height. Braking is now handled by a 1967 Triumph drums, and the muffler was once clamped to a Norton P11. Those changes helped her qualify for her first race at Wheels and Waves and notch a win at Dirtquake in UK. [More]

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed Like us, you’re probably waiting for news of Indian’s productionized FTR 1200, due to be revealed tomorrow. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on this long ‘n’ low custom Scout Sixty from MotoShed of Swansea, Wales.

The concept for ‘Roadrunner’ came from the desire to see what an under-seat exhaust would look like on the Scout. And those two new seat-warmers were by far the most complex part of this project.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Most of the wiring spaghetti, plus the battery and ECU, typically reside where the new cannons sit. So everything had to be redone, and re-routed. Peek a few inches south of the new Rizoma foot controls and you’ll see where most of that stuff now hides, highlighted by the blue hue of a Dynojet Power Vision CX performance tuner and data monitor module.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
For the Scout’s new (and handmade) bodywork, MotoShed tapped CW Engineering. The nacelle, front fender and rear hugger (acting as a heat shield for the pipes) were all rolled from new sheet metal.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Suspension has been upgraded and ground clearance has increased too. This gives Roadrunner a lean angle befitting its more aggressive vibe, while still appearing factory fresh. It’s a tasteful build on a capable bike. I only wonder what stops a rider first: blown eardrums or roasted rump? [More]

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang
The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang When you think of Peter Fonda and Easy Rider, the bike that undoubtedly occupies your grey matter is Captain America, the iconic chopper crafted by Cliff ‘Soney’ Vaughs. But before Wyatt and Billy hopped on their hogs and headed east, they met at La Contenta Bar in Taos, New Mexico. And Wyatt was riding this 1968 Bultaco Pursang.

This is the very bike that was used during the shoot. When filming wrapped, it was hustled back to its owner, and it stayed there.

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang
Recently the bike was restored and is now offered in ‘film used condition,’ which is fancy speak for saying it’s been refreshed—but not too much. Now it’s headed to auction, along with some other rare celebrity bikes, at this year’s Barber Fest next week.

Expectations are that this 250 MKII will find a new home for around US$60,000 to US$70,000. That’s a hefty sum, for sure—but it pales in comparison to the seven figures that ol’ Cap’n would fetch. And this one won’t shudder at a corner, either. [More]

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang

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BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Yamaha cafe racer Yamaha motorcycles Yamaha XSR700

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 23 September, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
The Yamaha XSR700 gets the looks to match its performance, Paton releases a street legal version of Michael Dunlop’s IoM TT bike, and a Yamaha MT-03 scrambler that channels the Dakar-winning XT500.

Paton S1-R 60th Anniversary
The street-legal Paton S1-R If you watched the Isle of Man TT this year, you were undoubtedly blown away by 120.601 mph average speed that Michael Dunlop recorded on his Paton S1-R. It was a blisteringly fast run around the mountain course on a unique machine. And now, you can buy one from Paton to have a go yourself—with signals and all.

Released to celebrate Paton’s 60th anniversary, the S1-R is a street-legal replica of Dunlop’s race winner. Powered by a tweaked version of Kawasaki’s 650 twin, the S1-R develops 80 hp thanks to high-compression pistons, clever head work and a Power Commander. Suspension is top notch, fully adjustable stuff from Öhlins, and braking is tackled by Brembo.

Paton S1-R 60th Anniversary
Beneath that gorgeous bodywork lies a tubular steel trellis frame that delivers an extremely stable and communicative chassis. And because it was competing in the lightweight class, this green beastie tips the scales at a scant 158 kg (348 lbs).

Pricing is a touch high at $34,000, but for those dollars you’re getting a proven race winner—and easily one of the prettiest crotch rockets on the market today. [More]

Two custom Yamaha XSR700s by Gasoline
Two custom Yamaha XSR700s by Gasoline Motor Co. Talk to anyone who’s ridden the Yamaha XSR700, and you’ll soon hear how great the bike performs. Powered by a 655cc parallel twin, it’s a punchy, nimble and manageable little machine. But it doesn’t tend to score a lot of points in the looks department.

Enter Australia’s Gasoline Motor Co.

With two XSR700s to hand, Gasoline decided to enhance all of the good and replace all that’s bad. The crew started by ditching the stock subframes, and fitted up custom hooped units from Cognito Moto.

Two custom Yamaha XSR700s by Gasoline
If the body kits look a touch familiar, they should: they’re JVB Moto units, with slight modifications to deliver a refined hooligan look. New top clamps were designed and machined up in-house, with Motogadget Motoscope Mini speedos integrated. The ignition is now a keyless m.lock unit and the mirrors came from the Motogadget catalog too. The seat perched on that new tail is a bespoke unit, covered in perforated hide from some old Porsche seats.

In the performance department, little needed to be done. Of course, that didn’t stop the lads from sourcing out a new exhaust from SC-Project. Not only does it add a touch of oomph but delivers a soundtrack befitting the new looks. [More]

Ducati 999S by Vengine and Helmade
Ducati 999S by Vengine and Helmade Built to run the 1/8th mile sprints at Glemseck, ‘Helmade Noir’ is a German 999S build from a the custom shop Vengine and the helmet customizer Helmade.

The 80s neon color scheme is inspired by ‘neo-noir’ films like Blade Runner and Ghost In The Shell—and to my eyes is one of the prettiest paint jobs we’ve seen in a while. But to compete in the sprints you need more than fancy lacquer, so this Ducati has been tweaked to deliver speed. With the help of a custom exhaust using Diavel pipes and a SC-Project can, this sprinter develops 136 hp at the rear wheel.

Ducati 999S by Vengine and Helmade
To keep it planted and running in a straight line, the swingarm and shock has been swapped with an Öhlins-equipped setup from a 1098S. And at the pointy end, an Aprilia RSV4 has surrendered its forks.

To keep things relatively simple, the Aprilia’s front wheel was carried over too, but both hoops have been re-shod with slicks. The handlebars and rearsets are bespoke CNC’d bits, fitted for a more aggressive tuck, and the tailpiece is also a one-off—a carbon fiber unit built to match Helmade Noir’s gorgeous snorkels. [More]

Custom Honda CX500 by Luuc Muis
Honda CX500 by Luuc Muis The ‘flying brick’ Beemers and Honda’s CX500 ‘plastic maggot’ are now emerging as starting points for absolute showstoppers. We’re seeing more and more builders turn to yesteryear’s neglected iron to create masterpieces, and this CX500 cafe is the latest to steal our breath.

Luuc Muis started off with a rendering and a Windjammer fairing-equipped 1978 CX500 in his driveway, and over the next 18 months, changed virtually everything. The stock subframe is long gone and in its place is an all-aluminum racer’s perch. The tank has been hammered, shortened 5cm and elegantly rolled smooth on the English wheel before being treated to a black-to-white fade.

Custom Honda CX500 by Luuc Muis
Up front the Honda’s stock forks were also binned and in their place, an upside down set of stanchions from a Gixxer thou have been fitted. In the rear, with the subframe gone, a monoshock conversion nails things down in the looks department. The electrics posed a bit of a nightmare, but hard work paid off as barely any spaghetti remains.

Luuc finished his CX build just a few weeks ago and rode it out to Bikes and Boards in Zandvoort where, judging from the shots we’ve seen, he had the classiest ride of all. [More]

Yamaha MT-03 by RH Motorcycles
Yamaha MT-03 by RH Motorcycles Few things are better than a custom scrambler that takes off-road performance as seriously as style. And this Yamaha MT-03 from the Netherlands ticks both of those boxes with big old splotches of mud.

Designed to pay homage to Yamaha’s Dakar-winning XT500, Roy Holtman pulled out all of the stops to make sure the MT-03 won’t balk at rough terrain. The suspension at both ends has been upgraded with units from Wilbers to add travel and cushion, and there’s a beefy bash plate too—because Roy is a fan of Big Air.

Yamaha MT-03 by RH Motorcycles
The engine was treated to a less restrictive DNA intake and new Bosch injectors, and a custom RVS exhaust follows the kinks of the Yami’s frame before exiting through a set of SuperTrapp cones.

For extra grip, Miller Custom Upholstery has redone the seat in suede. And if you look carefully under the luggage rack, you’ll spot an integrated tool pouch that can double as a pillion if you insert a custom-cut piece of foam. The cockpit has been upgraded with a set of Nekken fat-bars and an Acewell digital speedo was wired up to reduce visual clutter. [More]

Yamaha MT-03 by RH Motorcycles

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BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Suzuki motorcycles

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 16 September, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A Suzuki VanVan with a surfer vibe, a track-ready Ducati Monster from the Emirates, and a sneaky peek at Moto Guzzi’s cool new V85 TT—an ADV bike with a ‘classic enduro’ vibe.

Ducati Monster 1100 EVO cafe racer by Marc Roissetter
Ducati Monster 1100 EVO cafe racer Moto racing coach and precision driver Marc Roissetter was on the hunt for a Virago as the base bike for his third build. But when a wrecked 2012 Ducati Monster 1100 popped up, his plans quickly changed. And man, are we glad they did. ‘Monstrosity’ is a stunning example of what hard work and dedication can deliver, and she goes even better than she shows.

Bringing the Monster back up to running spec was no easy task. It wasn’t just wrecked: it was wrecked and left to rot. Marc figures it sat for at least a year, being blasted by sand and baking in the heat of the UAE.

Ducati Monster 1100 EVO cafe racer by Marc Roissetter
Thanks to an earlier botched repair, the engine required a complete rebuild. The Monster’s original subframe had to go too, so Marc used the tail from an earlier build to help with a mock up before donning a welding mask.

Up front a new top clamp was fabricated and a set of clip-ons were tightened up. A smaller LED headlight sits between the forks and the signals were moved to those clip-ons, courtesy of Motogadget.

Ducati Monster 1100 EVO cafe racer by Marc Roissetter
If the tank looks familiar, that’s because it once belonged to a Ducati 996. Marc needed to make some modifications to get the Monster’s fuel pump to fit, but the finished product was definitely worth it: it provides just the right amount of SuperSport style to this track-bound Ducati cafe racer.

After its initial shakedown, Marc has suspension upgrades in mind for the rear and the pipe-wrapped exhaust will disappear for good. [Marc Roissetter Instagram]

Custom Suzuki VanVan by Officine GP Design
Suzuki VanVan by Officine GP Design Wood is easily the most polarizing of materials a builder can use on their custom creation. We’ve seen it done incredibly well in the past, but it still raises ire in some quarters. This time, it’s Torino’s Officine GP Design who have had a go—and I’m absolutely smitten with ‘Wave.’

Maybe it’s because Luca Pozatto and Luca Santilli based their project on the lovable Suzuki. With its fat tires and squat proportions, Suzuki’s diminutive enduro is the perfect donor for a custom bike with a surf vibe.

Custom Suzuki VanVan by Officine GP Design
To accentuate that style, the duo treated the VanVan’s tip and tail to one of the tastiest wood treatments I’ve seen. Shaped and styled to resemble a classic wooden longboard, the fenders look as playful as they are functional. And when viewed in profile, they deliver a visual for the entire bike that mimics that of a surfboard.

Getting it all to work properly meant revisions to the Suzi’s subframe, so a hooped tail was welded in place. Sitting atop that new tubing is a gorgeous, distressed leather seat that looks as though sun, sand and saltwater are its best friends. The Rizoma catalog was consulted at length for the LED lighting options as well as levers and a set of ‘Wave’ reservoirs. [More]

Greeves 24MX2 Challenger scrambler
Greeves 24MX2 Challenger scrambler When we think about the origins of off-road riding, Triumph’s desert sled TR6 Trophy is usually the machine that comes to mind. But although it was the weapon of choice for Ekins and McQueen, Bert Greeves was building a lighter, better prepared machine.

The Greeves Challenger was easily 20 years ahead of its time. Powered by a Villiers-sourced 200cc two-stroke, the original Challenger offered the power of the bigger four-strokes without the weight penalty.

Greeves 24MX2 Challenger scrambler
Greeves also sussed out a far better way to deal with suspension. His ‘banana leading link’ fork design was more robust than the standard setup (at the time), and delivered exceptional travel and increased ground clearance. Riders on Greeves machines took wins in competitions such as the International Six Days Trials, the Manx Grand Prix and the Scottish Six Days Trials—to name just a few.

Bonhams will be dropping the hammer on a 1965 24MX2 version of the Greeves Challenger in their upcoming auction. It’s been exquisitely restored and looks to be an incredible bargain. If you’ve got US$6,500 kicking around and want something that will raise eyebrows everywhere you go, the auction runs on September 23rd. [More]

Ural land speed motorcycle by Fine Custom Mechanics
Ural land speed motorcycle Ever since my first time in the saddle, I’ve had an affinity for Urals. Their antiquated, quirky approach to motorcycling can’t help but win over even the most hardened enthusiast. But almost all of the charm resides within the sidecar rig. So, do we care about one running sans sled? Well, if it’s a salt flat bomber from Russia’s Fine Custom Mechanics, we most definitely should.

Based on a 1978 M67-36, ‘Puncher CR’ has been modified to compete for speed record fame and the rigors of running flat out for 3-mile stints. Due to class regulations, FCM wasn’t able to modify the Ural’s frame—but almost everything else has been tweaked.

The 650 cc boxer twin has been treated to an upgraded crank and high performance connecting rods. A bespoke injection system was also devised, because the Ural is equipped with a supercharger that doubles its power output to 70 hp—and near 70 lb. ft of torque.

Ural land speed motorcycle by Fine Custom Mechanics
Because they were competing in both the naked and aero-assisted classes, Sergey Maltsev and his team also had to fabricate a wonderful removable fairing assembly. Bolted onto a custom tank, the bodywork creates a slippery silhouette that continues to a beautifully sculpted tail.

The hard work paid off. ‘Puncher CR’ claimed three records at Bonneville this year and the quickest run, at 122.25 mph, also launched pilot Natalya Lyubimova into the Bonneville book of records as the first (and fastest) Russian women in its pages. [More]

2019 Moto Guzzi V85 ADV bike
Revealed: the Moto Guzzi V85 TT When Moto Guzzi dropped their V85 concept at EICMA last year, word was that the production model wouldn’t stray far from the killer ‘classic enduro’ vibe. Thankfully, those hints were confirmed earlier this week when the V85 TT debuted.

Due to Euro 4 emissions standards, Guzzi’s aged Stelvio ADV tourer has gone the way of the dodo—and the V85 TT will fill its spot. It’s an interesting move by the Mandello del Lario factory, since the middleweight ADV market is really starting to heat up, with new options rolling our way from KTM and Yamaha as well.

2019 Moto Guzzi V85 ADV bike
Regardless, the V85 TT is arguably the best looking bike of the bunch, combining just the right amounts of old school enduro style with characteristic Guzzi quirks, plus modern performance.

The V85 TT is powered by an air-cooled, 850 cc, transverse V-Twin that’s good for 80 hp. It’s hung as a stressed member by that gorgeous red trellis frame, and transmits power to the rear via a shaft drive.

There’s no word on weight but the V85’s website touts ‘lightness and ease of use.’ If the top brass really want this Goose to fly—both literally and out of showrooms—we figure/hope it should tip scales around the 470-pound mark. Hopefully we’ll have more to report when the invites go out for the official launch, so watch this space. [More]

2019 Moto Guzzi V85 ADV bike

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BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Triumph Bonneville Triumph motorcycles Triumph T100

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 9 September, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A lesson in laying (exhaust) pipe from Taiwan, a BMW K100 called ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, and a GSX-R750 hiding a little secret under its bodywork. We’re bringin’ sexy back this week.

BMW K100 cafe racer by Deep Creek Cycleworks
BMW K100 cafe racer by Deep Creek Cycleworks What if you really dig the lines and shapes created by the R nine T Racer, but find its protruding pistons to be a bit of an eyesore? Well, you call up the experts at Belgium’s Deep Creek Cycleworks and commission something like this: a K100-powered Racer, dubbed ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’

‘Bikes Are Made to Ride’ is the mantra of Kris Reniers and his DCC crew. So when a Bavarian brick found its way onto their bench, they decided to make it really fly. The original bodywork was axed and a new, hooped subframe was tacked into place.

BMW K100 cafe racer by Deep Creek Cycleworks
Then it was surmised that the stock tank would line up extremely well with the fairing Ola Stenegärd penned for the R nineT Racer, so modifications were made and mounts were crafted. Sure enough, things look spot on.

In the rear, a new humped tail was created to perfectly match the lines on the subframe and although it sits a touch low for aesthetic perfection, it was crafted this way to enhance ergonomics for an easier tuck. Which the DCC boys decided to evaluate at this year’s Glemseck races, decreeing that Fifty Shades of Grey was an absolute blast. [More]

Triumph Bonneville T100 by Persist
Triumph Bonneville T100 by Persist There’s something about the creative vision coming out of East Asian workshops that the West can’t quite replicate. Peep this lean and mean take on a Bonnie T100 for example. Hinckley’s previous-gen modern classic has been revamped hundreds of times, but few builds have nailed the look and vibe of ‘Kane’ from Persist Motorcycles of Taiwan.

Working in collaboration with Taipei-based Cowboy’s Chopper, Lin Dong and his crew hand-formed sheets of aluminum to create the T100’s compact tank. The new side panels, which sit inboard the revamped subframe, and the tail have also been hand beaten and rolled from the same slices of alloy. The forks have been shortened to deliver a squat stance and the headlight that sits between them was specifically chosen for its resemblance to the Kanji character for ‘eyes.’

Triumph Bonneville T100 by Persist
All of this is contrasted beautifully by the brass-capped swooping, exhaust—with each tube hand bent, no mandrels here. It’s a build style that dips toes in a couple of different waters, but we’re digging it in a big way.

All these changes can be swapped back to stock in no time at all. The Taiwanese government is a bit of a stickler for stock motorcycles, and to ensure Kane gets the nod during mandatory inspections, everything has to be bolt-on. So, when can we put in our order for one of these kits? [More]

Gilles Francru’s Paris Dakar Suzuki DR650
Gilles Francru’s Paris-Dakar Suzuki DR650 For ADV and dual-sport enthusiasts, few events separate the men from the boys (and the bikes from the busted) more effectively than the Paris-Dakar Rally. In 1994, ninety-six motorcycles entered the famed race but only forty-seven would finish—and one Suzuki was in that collection. It was this 1993 DR650, piloted by Gilles Francru.

Sotheby’s had this bike in their ‘Weird and Wonderful Collection’ in London that ran on September 5th. Selling for a bargain £10,800, this period-correct racer wasn’t restored or re-touched in any way.

Gilles Francru’s Paris Dakar Suzuki DR650
In fact, judging by the entry stickers and the odometer, it appears this bike has spent all of its life being tortured on the sand of the Euro-African race. As always, we hope the lucky new owner decides to continue the abuse: even by today’s standards, this would make one hell of an enduro. [More]

Honda CB175 AHRMA racer by Tannermatic
Honda CB175 AHRMA racer by Tannermatic With roots in motorcycle racing, surfing, architecture and boat building, Massachusetts-based Matt Tanner is a modern day renaissance man. And his latest creation, this CB175 powered AHRMA racer, is a breath of classically styled fresh air.

It may surprise you, but this build is basically a bitsa—pieced together from boxes of parts and a rolling chassis. That frame is from a 1964 CB160 and it now runs an extended swingarm and a pair of Hagon shocks to keep the Heidenau race rubber dialed in at the back.

Honda CB175 AHRMA racer by Tannermatic
Up front, a pair of NOS Marzocchi forks were fitted up, after Matt machined the Honda’s triples to suit. The CB175 engine has been tweaked for racing performance and reliability by Frank Gianni, and includes a set of Keihin CR26 carbs and a custom 2-into-1 exhaust system courtesy of John Branson.

Of course, since we’re not seeing it in motion at the track, it’s the tank and bodywork that are stealing the show. Matt wanted to combine styling elements from a multitude of former European racers so he combined fiberglass, aluminum and leather to nail his vision. The seat and fairing were inspired by a Benelli 250 GT Racer, both of which were scaled down to meet the Honda’s smaller proportions. [More]

Suzuki GSX-R750 racing motorcycle by Super8cycles
Suzuki GSX-R750 racer by Super8cycles For street riders, Suzuki and its late 80s ‘Slingshot’ Gixxers pushed the boundaries of GP-style bike performance and design. And those very bikes are now fueling the design trend that may be the Next Big Thing in the custom world.

Michael Vienne is the man behind Super8cycles, a California based shop specializing in this discipline—and this Michael’s own GSX-R750 racer. Built for classic track days, the 2009-era mechanicals are hidden by what seems to be the iconic, slab-sided bodywork of a 1990 Gixxer.

Suzuki GSX-R750 racing motorcycle by Super8cycles
Except that it isn’t. Proportions have changed over 20 years, and classic Gixxers are starting to command a premium. So the fairings you see here are actually from the masters of glass at Airtech Streamlining. Painted in period correct Suzi colors, it looks like the bike I had pinned to my wall many years ago.

To help Vienne outpace other riders on those classic track days, the suspension of his Gixxer has been upgraded at both ends. A rebuilt Öhlins shock handles things out back while Vienne poached an entire front end from his R6 racer. (After some mild machining at the steering stem and a fresh set of bearings, everything slid into place nicely.)

If you find yourself near Willow Springs, chances are good you’ll find Vienne running hot laps, dialing in changes to his setup. Let’s hope he keeps those classic looks. [More]

Suzuki GSX-R750 racing motorcycle by Super8cycles

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BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Ducati Other Motorcycle Blogs Racing Motorcycles

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 26 August, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
The octane rating is high this week. We’ve got a $144,000 Mike Hailwood replica Ducati, a Royal Enfield 650 breaking world records on the salt flats, a Honda CB1000R sprint bike and a race-winning Ducati Scrambler tracker. Buckle up tight.

Ducati Scrambler Hooligan racer by Coterie West
Ducati Scrambler Hooligan racer One of the greatest features of the Ducati Scrambler is its receptivity to customization. Everything from mild to wild treatments work on that bike, regardless of the style. Recently, Coterie West got their hands on a Mach 2.0 Scrambler and even though the modifications are relatively minor, they’ve built a stunner of a hooligan racer.

The bike was was prepped it for slideways action at this year’s Motobay Classic Super Hooligan race. So the Duc’s 17-inch wheels were swapped over for a set of matched 19-inch Sun rims, running on the requisite Dunlop DT3 rubber.

Ducati Scrambler Hooligan racer by Coterie West
You’ll notice that the front brake is gone, so the rear compensates—it’s been treated to an upgrade from Galfer. The rear suspension has also been beefed up, courtesy of an adjustable unit from Fox. An SC-Project exhaust has been fitted up.

Cosmetically this Scrambler has ditched its curvy subframe in favor of a new, flattened unit. It’s been topped with Kevin Lambert fiberglass, and the headlight has been binned to make room for the number plate.

Other changes include a new tray built to hang below the seat and house a lithium battery, and a number plate side panel. Rumor is these are only the first of more changes to come, but they were good enough for Ducati’s PR Manager (and friend) Nathon Verdugo to notch up Coterie’s first hooligan win. [More]

Vee Two Mike Hailwood tribute Ducati
Mike Hailwood replica Ducati by Vee Two USA When Mike Hailwood piloted his way to victory at the Isle of Man TT in 1978, after an 11-year sabbatical, he cemented his status as an icon of the sport. The Ducati 900 he rode has become something special too, with several replicas and tributes built afterwards. But none are as incredible or exacting as this recreation, courtesy of Vee Two USA.

Working from a set of original casting drawings, the engine powering this bike is essentially the same as the unique bevel drive that Mike “The Bike” had for his Manx win. Of course, this being a modern day creation, Brook Henry took some liberties when it came to materials. Those casings and many of the parts bolted up are milled from chunks of Aerospace aluminum. Thumping away inside, the pistons are forged units from Pistal Racing in Italy—and spun by a plain bearing crank to increase reliability.

Vee Two Mike Hailwood tribute Ducati
All of the bodywork, including the one-piece seat-tank unit, comes courtesy of Paul Taylor. And he ditched his usual material of choice, carbon fiber, for fiberglass and polyester resin. This was again done for authenticity, as was the painstaking process of recreating the livery. Things are so exacting that each bike even comes with the cut tennis ball that Hailwood used to house his visor wipe.

Endorsed by the Hailwood Foundation, there will only be a dozen of these incredible bikes produced. The costs are substantial—at $144,000 each—and I’m sure most purchasers will never put all 89 hp to use on a circuit hunting down a podium spot. But I think their existence alone makes this world a better place. [More]

Triumph Trophy cafe racer
Matt’s Triumph Trophy cafe racerIf you look closely under the seat of this Triumph Trophy, you’ll read the words “Built by a Spanner.” The owner and builder of this bike, Matt, doesn’t really consider himself a mechanic—but he did spend much of his youth handing spanners to his dad, who often wrenched on his Ariel 250 race bike.

With a bit of self-doubt to overcome and some general hesitations, the project took Matt about three years. Cafe Racer Kits UK supplied the new subframe and tail unit, but chopping up the old perch wasn’t an easy affair.

Triumph Trophy cafe racer
Matt hemmed and hawed and measured more times than most would admit, but eventually powered up the grinder and got things just right. Soon after, the engine was treated to a rebuild and everything was powder coated.

This cafe racer was built to pay tribute to Matt’s dad, so the paint was chosen to match his old Ariels—and the racing numbers were once his as well. But it was always built to race as well. Matt rode this machine to a 4th place finish at Lydden Hill for the Bike Shed’s Cafe Racer Cup, which coincidentally is a track his pops raced at years before. [Video]

Royal Enfield 650 twin Bonneville Salt Flats racer
Royal Enfield 650 twin Bonneville Salt Flats racer With plans for a global launch of their new 650 Twins slated for later this month, Royal Enfield decided to drum up some extra anticipation by having one prepped for a run at Bonneville in October.

Currently word is mum on exactly what’s going on here but we do know the new 650cc twin sits in a hard-tailed, custom frame. In fact, if you look closely most of us at the offices here would wager this bike is actually a re-working of LockStock, the custom-commissioned, Continental GT based drag bike we saw back in June.

Royal Enfield 650 twin Bonneville Salt Flats racer
Everything from the Öhlins suspenders to that lovely blue bottle of giggle-gas seems present and accounted for. That means the over-bored, S&S aided twin should be good for a similar 100hp out there on the salt.

There are some differences though, as the curved bars have been swapped for clip-ons and this version wears a stock tank and some extra aero wrapping around its tail. Regardless, Royal Enfield has enlisted 18-year old Cayla Rivas as the rider, who’s been racing since she was 12 and holds a dozen speed records already. Ms Rivas has delivered already: she’s just got the world record at 132 mph (212 km/h) for this class of bike. [More]

Triumph Thruxton cafe racer by Fuller Moto
Triumph Thruxton cafe racer by Fuller Moto The Triumph Thruxton R is an incredible combination of aesthetics and engineering, right out of the crate. Hinckley really did a fantastic job on that bike. But that doesn’t mean a few subtle tweaks can’t make it better. And when the man behind those tweaks is Bryan Fuller, you know it will be special.

The stock subframe was treated to a minor snubbing to tastefully reduce the overhang out back. That meant a new hump had to be built and the OEM taillight was relocated with a custom bracket. The original seat pan needed some fettling but mates up perfectly and can still be released with the stock lock and key.

Triumph Thruxton cafe racer by Fuller Moto
Derek Kimes was tapped to help with some titanium work that resulted in a smaller headlight being mounted up front but the bounty of this bike’s beauty can be found in its exhaust. Titanium was the alloy of choice and Fuller did an exquisite job on every bend and weld. A set of tips from Cone Engineering—also titanium—finish off the job and Paul Trunzo, the bike’s owner, says ““The sound is just amazing when the 1200 gets under load and starts to hum.”

Triumph Thruxton cafe racer by Fuller Moto
Other changes to the bike include some powder coat work on the rims, engine covers and swingarm that leave things glossy and black. And of course there’s the titanium and gold colorway that’s been sprayed on the bodywork, accented by a gold leaf Tru-Flo logo on the tank, courtesy of Chastin Brand. Everything combines to deliver a unique look that accentuates the beefy lines of the stock Thruxton R without sacrificing style or ride-ability, which is a winning recipe every time. [More]

Honda CB1000R Glemseck sprint bike
Honda CB1000R Glemseck sprint bike Every year, the bikes built to run the 1/8th-mile at Glemseck get better and better. This time around, Honda has plans to run a couple of factory-backed experiments. The pick of the litter is this custom CB1000R, which will be piloted by none other than Mick Doohan.

Pulling from their parts bin, Honda Europe was able to pluck a full set of Öhlins suspenders from a Fireblade SP to keep Mick pointed in a straight line. To ensure that line isn’t directed to the stars, a custom single-sided swingarm was fabricated to add some length to the back end.

Honda CB1000R Glemseck sprint bike
Braking has been upgraded to bigger Brembo bits, and the exhaust is a lighter, louder, 4-into-1 unit from Akrapovič.

Painted in the requisite HRC livery, this CB1000R looks like a proper racer. And it begs a question too. Will Honda eventually pull the trigger on a special edition of their Neo-Retro cafe? We sure hope they do. [More]

Honda CB1000R Glemseck sprint bike

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Benelli BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 26 August, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A super-fresh Benelli from Malaysia, a Harley cafe racer from Japan, and a Sportster street tracker from Sweden. Plus a wild Indian Scout from a NASA engineer. Enjoy.

Harley Sportster cafe racer by Tetsu Mitsuhashi
Harley Sportster by Tetsu Mitsuhashi After working for years under the scrutinizing eye of Aki Sakamoto of Hog Killers, Tetsu Mitsuhashi has learned the art of an exacting touch. So it’s no surprise that his first build looks as tightly knit as this Sportster cafe racer.

Working from a 2001 XL1200, Tetsu handcrafted everything on this build, save for the engine and the core of the cradle frame. A Dunstall style fairing delivers a slender and stylish bit of aero that to give this Sportster a slimming appearance. That vibe continues with Tetsu’s treatment of the fuel cell, which appears pinched instead of fully scalloped.

Harley Sportster cafe racer by Tetsu Mitsuhashi
The modified subframe sits nice and flat and, thanks to creative relocating of the oil tank to the rear tail hump, delivers excellent use of negative space. A pair of Progressive shocks have been fitted in the rear to help accentuate that cafe stance.

While I’d personally spec a different set of shoes for this bike, I’m a big fan of the overall aesthetic of blacked-out uppers and shiny lowers. Obviously the lacquer goes a long way with that: The paint and powder coating were tackled by Andrew Babish, owner of Orange County’s Paint by Bondo. [More]

Custom Benelli TNT 300 by Beautiful Machines
Benelli TNT 300 by Beautiful Machines When it comes to custom styling trends, SE Asian builders seem to march to the beat of their own drum. We’re constantly amazed by the new concepts and directions they’re exploring—and Arthur Loh and Malaysia’s Beautiful Machines are doing it even better than most.

This latest BM build is this funky take on the cafe racer theme that, and it’s been fabricated as a bolt-on kit: All you need is some basic spanner-spinning know-how, and a spare Benelli TNT 300 in your garage.

Custom Benelli TNT 300 by Beautiful Machines
Of course, creating the bits and pieces that make this transition easy was no walk in the park. The machining and sheet metal work is top notch. The tank is an all-new aluminum unit with its mounting points matched to those of the stock cell.

Aluminum again was bent, hammered and molded to create the neo-retro front fairing, and it’s secured to the tank via custom brackets. In the rear, aluminum was again the alloy of choice for the humped cowl, and the new taillights look absolutely stunning. [More]

Indian Scout Bobber Build-off winner by Alfredo Juarez
Indian Scout Bobber by Alfredo Juarez The results are in from the Indian Scout Bobber Build-Off, and even though the cafe’d version we showed you a few weeks ago didn’t win, we’re not disappointed with the final result. NASA engineer Alfredo Juarez is the man behind the winning machine, with this elegant bit of old-skool chopper work.

Indian Scout Bobber Buildoff winner by Alfredo Juarez
Alfredo describes himself as having an engineer’s brain but an artist’s heart—so form and function are in complete symbiosis with this build. He wanted to showcase that magnificent V-Twin, so he let his grey matter calculate how to make it a stressed member.

Working from scaled drawings, Alfredo grafted a new frame from 1-inch 4130 Chromoly tube and then used drawn-over-mandrel tubing to create that exquisite front end. The Scout’s tank was modified so it would sit just right on the new spine, and a set of scripted badges was fixed in place of the block lettering from the factory.

Indian Scout Bobber Buildoff winner by Alfredo Juarez
With the business of making things work sorted, Alfredo let his heart loose on the ornate detailing. The copper fairing and body panels are all his work—as is that beautiful seat pan, which would be a crime to cover. And is probably as compliant as the stock unit, anyway. Congratulations Alfredo! [More]

Honda XL600R street tracker by the Lloyd Brothers
Honda XL600R by the Lloyd Brothers If you frequent this space, the Lloyd Brothers are no strangers to your lexicon. Their fabrication skills have been helping Ducatis carve grooves in the dirt oval for almost a decade now, and they toyed with street legality last year.

This traffic-dodging tracker is based on a Honda XL600R. It was a father-and-son project when the eldest Lloyd brother, Bill, donated it to younger brother David and his son James. With only 2,700 miles on the clock, the engine was practically new—so most of the attention was turned elsewhere.

Honda XL600R street tracker by the Lloyd Brothers
The wheels, brakes and Pro-Link swing arm have been swapped for units from an ex-racer Aprilia SXV 550. There’s a new subframe from Desmo Pro race team member Rich Lambrects, now topped with a Woods Rotax-inspired tail. Race Tech internals inside GSX-R forks and an R6 shock keep the Honda planted in corners.

The XL600 looks like it was fun to build, and we hope James finds it fun to ride too. We’d love to see the Lloyd Brothers crank out a few more of these trackers for the public, but rumor has it that the next project is a 1968 CB350 for David’s daughter. [More]

Harley Sportster street tracker by Injustice Customs
Harley Sportster street tracker by Injustice Customs You may have noticed that The Motor Company pulled the wraps off another new bike earlier this week. And while the FXDR 114 has a healthy dose of badassery going on, we’d rather see something like this street tracker in their lineup.

It’s a once-stolen Sportster Roadster and Anton Knutsson, the man behind Stockholm’s Injustice Customs, had never wrenched on a Harley before tackling this project. Which is a surprise because he’s absolutely nailed things here. The tweaking of the subframe and snubbing of the fender suit this bike to a T, and do a fantastic job of showcasing the seat.

Harley Sportster street tracker by Injustice Customs
A set of tracker bars sits atop the stock H-D triples but the forks have been reworked with a set of stiffer springs. Out back, Anton went with Öhlins to keep the 19-inch Maxxis DTR-1 hoops planted.

On the aesthetic side of things there are a handful of little gems too. The blued, rainbow finish on the titanium fork stanchions and burnt brass coloring on the calipers are subtle standouts but it’s Anton’s work on the exhaust that seals the deal. Fifty-six joints have been welded together to deliver a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that we’re sure sounds just bonkers. [More]

Harley Sportster street tracker by Injustice Customs

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BikeExif Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Ducati Ducati Scrambler Other Motorcycle Blogs Restomod

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 12 August, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A heavily modified 1970 Ducati Scrambler, a barnstorming Indian Scout cafe racer, a super-rare Norton racer, and a Honda-powered Redline BMX bike. It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world.

Indian Scout Bobber build off bike by PJ Grakauskas
Indian Scout Bobber by PJ Grakauskas It’s hard to believe it’s over a year since Indian pulled the wraps off the Scout Bobber. In that time, we’ve been treated to a handful of custom interpretations—but this fully-faired cafe from PJ Grakauskas clearly takes the cake.

PJ was one of three ‘backyard builders’ picked by Indian to tackle their own build. A design had to be submitted before the keys to a new Scout were tossed over, and the Ohio-based safety inspector found himself racing towards a Sturgis deadline—in competition with a mechanical engineer and a NASA engineer.

Indian Scout Bobber build off bike by PJ Grakauskas
On top of the shiny new Indian Scout, PJ had $10,000 at his disposal for parts and fabrication, but only 12 weeks to complete his design. The largest transformation obviously comes courtesy of the new bodywork, which PJ designed before commissioning Krossover Customs to mold.

The stock tank was then beaten and bashed by friends from Raw Iron Choppers to deliver those neat n’ tidy scallops. The tail section is a PJ original that sits just right in our eyes, and the seat is the handiwork of Ginger from New Church Moto. [More]

Ducati 350 Scrambler restomod by Wreckless
Ducati 350 Scrambler by Wreckless Wreckless is an English custom shop with a special interest in Ducatis from the 60s and 70s—and stellar skills in restomod work. This latest creation designed to fill the Northamptonshire forests with noise is a 1970 Ducati 350 Scrambler, and it’s as pretty as they come.

Richard Gaell and his crew weren’t concerned about a factory correct job, so the Ducati has been tweaked in favor of performance and style. The frame has been shortened, the subframe has been flattened, and the wheelbase extended 40mm overall.

The Scrambler now rides on a set of SM Pro rims and has a new set of WP forks up front—and a pair of Öhlins piggyback units in the back that offer over 13 inches of travel. Control is delivered via a set of bars from Renthal and the brakes have been upgraded with single unit up front from Beringer.

Ducati 350 Scrambler restomod by Wreckless
The engine has been treated to some work too. The 350cc thumper was completely rebuilt with a new piston, an overhauled cam and reground valves. Wreckless also opted for a sight glass to allow a glimpse at the bevel drive—always a nice touch—and the Duc breathes through a spick-and-span Dell’Orto carb before exhaling via a snubbed Akrapovič exhaust. [More]

1961 Beart-Norton 350 Manx Racer
1961 Beart-Norton 350 Manx Racer If Manx Nortons are your jam, then the name Francis Beart is undoubtedly familiar. His Ludlow Green machines notched 11 Manx wins, along with a baker’s dozen of other podium finishes. This stunning example of Beart engineering is named ‘Sabrina’: more formally, it’s a 1961 Beart-Norton 350 Manx Racer, and is the last Beart racer ever built. It’s hitting the auction blocks of Bonhams at the end of September, and we had to share it.

As the story goes, a magnificently monikered ‘Mr. Craze’ sold this particular Norton to Beart in 1962. Beart plied his magic to prep it for the Junior Manx GP in 1963: steel was replaced with aluminum, bolts were hollowed, and the rims were swapped for the narrowest set he could find—to reduce weight. A two-piece Jakeman fairing was fitted up and a custom fuel cell was fabricated to incorporate a small chin recess, to aid the aerodynamics.

1961 Beart-Norton 350 Manx Racer
Jimmie Guthrie was set to pilot Sabrina, but victory eluded him due to an issue with the brakes. Repairs and rebuilds were made over the years, and this bike was retired from race duty, winless, in 1984. Beart was famous for stating, “If it looks right, chances are it’ll go right” and despite the lack of wins, this looks about as right as right can be. Expect this Norton to fetch between US$60k and $90k. [More]

Rob Jarvis’ Ducati 750SS racer
Rob Jarvis’ Ducati 750SS racer A few weeks back, Dutch and the lads from The Bike Shed held their first ever Cafe Racer Cup at Lydden Hill, just outside of Kent. The event was open to riders of café-styled customs, both old and new. BSMC regular Rob Jarvis showed up on this race prepped Ducati 750SS.

The bike came to Rob, essentially ready to race, via eBay. It had been worked on by Bangs Racing, and Rob figured it was the perfect fit for the Cup. The bike had already received the requisite humped rear, had its suspenders upgraded and a front fairing fitted. Clip-ons and rearsets were also part of the deal, so really Rob just had to get the bike to the starting line.

Rob Jarvis’ Ducati 750SS racer
Except he almost didn’t. An impromptu ‘getting to know you’ ride ended in disaster when Rob had to lay it down five minutes into his journey. With only a week until the flag was set to drop, Rob had the Duc sent to Ray Petty to get it back up to snuff. While Rob began the healing process of his busted wrist, Ray fixed the cosmetic damages and replaced broken and aged hard parts. New rearsets were mounted up, the clip-ons were replaced, new discs were attached up front and both front and rear sprockets were swapped.

In the end, Rob made race day and snagged a 9th place finish (out of 75), which is pretty impressive for a man with a broken wrist and a bike he’d only ridden (and crashed) once. [More]

Honda-powered Redline BMX bike
Honda-powered Redline BMX When I was a kid, there were scant moments in the day when I wasn’t out on my BMX bike. I ate, slept and breathed the sport—and can still recall most of the dialogue from that mid-eighties classic, Rad. So it’s no surprise that I’m utterly in love with this creation from Lossa Engineering, a Honda-powered Redline.

Apparently Jay LaRossa has an affinity for Redline bicycles (I was more of a GT man, myself). With a Honda CT90 sitting in his shop with no fixed plans, he went to work creating a 50 mph tribute to the 80s. Today, all that remains from the old step-through are its motor mounts and hoops.
Honda-powered Redline BMX bike
Jay fabricated the BMX-style frame from scratch, integrating the fuel cell into that fat top tube. A set of Redline Pro-Flite V-bars are clamped by a Redline stem and mate to an old pair of BMX forks Jay had laying around. A pair of shin-gnashing beartrap pedals have been fitted up as pegs.

The engine powering this tiny brute is a 110cc unit built by Lifan that has a custom exhaust fitted. Getting it to fire comes courtesy of a 4-cell Antigravity battery that hides, along with all of the wiring, behind the motor itself. LED lighting has been integrated throughout and, despite being out of the DMV system, the bike can easily tackle a lengthy ride: Jay rode it to Born Free a few years back. It’s currently for sale, and for around $6k you can take on Helltrack like no one before. [More]

Honda-powered Redline BMX bike

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BikeExif cafe racer Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Norton motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 5 August, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A delicately massaged Norton Dominator, a Honda CB500 with Panigale suspension, a board track racer over a century old, and a Honda CRF1000 upgraded by the improbably named African Queens.

Honda CB500 Four cafe racer from France
Honda CB500 Four by Lionel Duke Just when we think we’ve seen every possible rendition of a cafe’d Honda CB, something new comes along. This time round, that newness is draped in white and comes courtesy of Lionel Duke of Tourettes-sur-Loup in south-eastern France.

Starting with a 1973 CB500 Four, Lionel wanted to do something that would stand out in a crowd but still be identifiable as a Honda CB. Seven hundred hours later and his dedication and craftsmanship are pretty staggering.

Honda CB500 Four cafe racer from France
Take the exhaust for example. It’s a four-into-four, MotoGP inspired unit that came together via 115 bits of stainless steel. Or maybe the tank has caught your eye. Sure, it looks like a stock cell from Big Red—but it’s actually a handmade aluminum unit with an integrated Motogadget MST Vintage analog speedo that’s been flanked by stainless steel cables that run the length of the bike.

Sitting below the gorgeous, snubbed tail is a single sided swingarm that used to keep a Panigale on the hunt. The frame was modified to help everything mate up and while he was hacking away at the Ducati, Lionel decided the front end would do rightly as well. My favorite touch however, is the mounting of the front fender—which uses more aircraft cabling—and the braided brake line that keeps it hovering over the racing slicks. [More]

Norton Dominator by 72 Motorcycles
Norton Dominator by 72 Motorcycles When we first came across the Brits at 72 Motorcycles, they astonished us with their recrafting of Ron Wood’s Big Tube Tracker. Now Jamie Ireson and his business (and romantic) partner Merry Michau are at it again. They’ve taken a Norton Dominator SS, subtly modified it, and called it the Phantom.

The largest changes to the Norton’s visuals come courtesy of the hand shaped aluminum fairing up front and the equally tasty work in the rear. On a stock Dominator the tail is already a very pretty piece of woven carbon fiber—but we reckon this new aluminum unit lends even more elegance to this cafe racer.

Norton Dominator by 72 Motorcycles
To help clean things up even more over OEM form, Motogadget’s catalog has been raided for bright yet miniscule lighting solutions. And on the topic of illumination, the Phantom has one of those pricey yet purposeful J.W. Speaker headlights that shines LEDs into a corner when you initiate a lean.

The finishing touch is a fresh coat of midnight black, accented with a matte center stripe and tasteful shimmer here and there. This Phantom may give Rolls-Royce a run for the most elegant British ghostie. [More]

Harley-Davidson 11K board track racer
Harley-Davidson 11K board track racer Unless you’ve been living off-grid, still have a rotary dial on your phone, or missed Wes’ excellent interview with Harley’s marketing boss Steve Lambert, you’ll know that the Bar and Shield have some impressive hardware heading our way in the near future. But as with any heritage brand like Harley-Davidson, what lies in the past is sometimes of even greater interest. Like this incredibly rare Harley-Davidson 11K board track racer.

One of only 79 original bikes, this piece of rolling history was found rotting away in an Argentine scrap heap. A blown engine had shelved its racing career, and it was apparently more interesting to watch it rust than fix it. So rust it did, until it received the love and attention it deserved and was painstakingly restored beyond its 1915 greatness.

Harley-Davidson 11K board track racer
The parts of the frame that would not turn to dust at first brush were integrated into a new, millimeter-precise bit of millwork. The forks, along with the unique Andre dampers, are from the original bike—extensively cleaned and reworked to a new-old stock condition.

So much sweat and equity was poured into this restoration, it took home the 2017 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance award for Most Outstanding Machine. And now it’s for sale, hitting the Mecum auction block near the end of this month. In all truth, the Motor Company itself is the only buyer this thing deserves, so hopefully it ponies up. [More]

Triumph Speed Triple by Italian Dream Motorcycle
Triumph Speed Triple by Italian Dream Motorcycle The Speed Triple has never been a slouch in terms of performance. Hinckley’s hooligan machine even had creative styling, what with those bug-eyes and all. But that hasn’t stopped Sergio Giordano, the man behind Italian Dream Motorcycle (IDM), from pushing the envelope with ‘Tripla Competizione.’

Everything on this 2005 Speed Triple build has been honed for optimal track performance and go-fast style. And after seeing how the IDM crew tweaked a Suzuki Bandit, we shouldn’t be surprised. The engine has seen some internal wizardry and now generates 145 hp (up from 130 hp), and those big and beefy Brembos have enough stopping force to dislodge eyeballs at 1.3 g.

Triumph Speed Triple by Italian Dream Motorcycle
Even under full twist or clamp, you can trust that the new Öhlins suspenders will keep things planted and let the Pirellis do their job. They’re mounted on spiffy gold-series hoops from Rays, and look ready to sniff out apexes and devour straights.

For bodywork, Sergio went with hand formed aluminum to boost aerodynamics while maintaining the visuals of the Trumpet’s frame. Up front there are two options for the fairing, the one in the images is aluminum and covers the lights for track use, but a carbon fiber unit will be available (with bug-eyes integrated) for the street. The good news is that IDM will be making five iterations of Tripla Competizione available for public consumption. The bad news is that you’ll need €45,000 (about US$52,000) to add one to the garage. [More]

Honda Africa Twin upgrade by African Queens
Honda Africa Twin by African Queens Honda’s reborn Africa Twin is a superemely accomplished middleweight ADV bike. Whether in standard or Adventure Sports trim, it offers a mix of on- and off-road ability for riders looking to get dirty on their travels.

But what if its focus was honed? What if, instead of a Swiss Army knife, you wanted a machete? Enter African Queens.

Situated between Ingolstadt and Munich, the AQ team has been turning out enduro specials since the mid-nineties. With roots in rally racing and the famed Dakar, the AQ team knows how to prep a rally bike—and this kit takes the Africa Twin from mild to wild.

Honda Africa Twin upgrade by African Queens
Essentially an enlarged version of the CRF450 Rally bike that currently competes in Dakar, this CRF 1000R has had most of its creature comforts binned in favor of all-out performance. Up front the soft suspension of the stock AT has been cured via a set of drop-in cartridges that not only improve damping but also add extra travel.

To match performance levels, at the rear an Öhlins unit takes care of Pro-Link duties. A set of Excel wheels has been fitted and, with the help of a new Termignoni exhaust, helps to shed 11 pounds of heft.

Each portion of the kit can be purchased separately from AQ, so if you only wanted little changes, that can be arranged. The standout addition, in my eyes though, is the set of twin auxiliary tanks—fitting seamlessly into the bodywork and increasing fuel capacity to a staggering 30L (7.9 gallons). [More]

Honda Africa Twin upgrade by African Queens

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Custom Bikes Of The Week: 22 July, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A Brazilian custom powered by a Roll-sRoyce helicopter engine, Steve McQueen’s Husky 400 goes to auction, a classy cafe kit for the Royal Enfield Bullet, and a jaw-dropping Jawa custom from Russia.

Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna 400 Cross
Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna 400 Cross Whether you bow to the King of Cool or not, Steve McQueen’s impact on motorcycling culture remains as potent today as when he tore around the desert, shirtless, on his Husqvarna for On Any Sunday. Now that very bike, the 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross, will fall under the hammer of Bonhams during this fall’s vintage festival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham.

Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna 400 Cross
As you can see from the images, the bike has remained virtually untouched since its co-starring role. Combine all that authenticity and patina with legitimate traces of McQueen sweat, and well-heeled, nostalgic petrolheads will undoubtedly be throwing bundles of cash at this lot. Bonhams expects the Husky will command between $70k and $100k, but I’m betting that number will rise before the Husky finds its final resting place in a hermetically sealed room.

All kidding aside, there’s no denying the allure of this iconic bike and the movie it starred in. It’s where we learned some truths like “you never know how fast you’re going, until you fall off” and “desert racers are nice people.” [More]

Tarso Marques Dumont helicopter engine motorcycle
Tarso Marques Concept Dumont If you’re a Formula 1 fan, the name Tarso Marques may ring a bell. The Brazilian former Minardi driver has turned to building custom motorcycles in his retirement, under the banner TMC Dumont—and this latest creation is insane.

It’s powered by a 300 hp Rolls-Royce helicopter engine, so Marques and his team of imagineers had to develop a one-off continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer the power to the rear wheel. And that wheel, much like the one out front, is a 36-inch hubless unit. It’s mounted so the bike will skim across the asphalt with just enough ground clearance to allow ants to scurry beneath it.


Despite its absurdities, it’s hard to deny the elegance of the alien-meets-Tron aesthetic. The fit and finish is absolutely stunning, and spooling up that motor would undoubtedly clear a line through the thickest of traffic. Of course, corners may be a bit tricky—and keeping it topped up with AvGas would be expensive. Provided it can climb the curb to roll into the station in the first place. Oh, and I wouldn’t advise leaning back at speed. [More]

Garth Allison’s Honda CX500
Garth Allison’s Honda CX500 We’ve seen all manner of builds based on Honda’s CX500 emerge over the last few years. Few are as faultless as this Renault-yellow cafe racer from furniture welder Garth Allison. That’s right: this stunning mix of show and go didn’t roll out of a professional build shop, but is the passion project of an enthusiast with an unwavering vision and an incredible skillset.

The build itself took over three years and, Garth admits, was inspired by Sasha Lakic’s CX500 cafe racer. With a wrecked CX in his possession and the workshop of his day job at his disposal, Garth stripped the Honda down.

Garth Allison’s Honda CX500
The cleaned-up and cropped frame was treated to a powdercoat finish. Garth mounted up a carbon fiber Buell ducktail to the new seat, and widened the swingarm around 15mm to squeeze in some meatier rubber.

A set of forks from an R1 had their internals shortened 30mm before being fitted up, and the rear shock from the same donor found its way out back. Garth also took to the powerplant, and shaved three pounds off the flywheel before balancing it—so the power from the poor man’s Guzzi would spool up with more fury.

This hard work is definitely worth salivating over and we’re not the only ones to think so: Garth took home top honors at the Laverda Concours, winning both the judges’ and peoples’ choice trophies. [More]

Royal Enfield kits by J&D Custom Motorcycles
Royal Enfield kits by J&D Custom Motorcycles Apart from Ural and its sidecar rigs, few brands have remained as true to their original creations, both mechanically and aesthetically, as Royal Enfield. Especially the timeless Bullet. And because of that timelessness, Jay Patel of Jakarta’s J&D Custom Motorcycles has taken to building a gorgeous, extensive and minimalist cafe racer kit that will bolt up to Bullets both old and new.

Working with a 1957 example, Jay worked tirelessly to design and develop a thirty-five part kit that can be bolted on by shadetree mechanics, turning stock Bullets into sleek little cafe racers.

Royal Enfield kits by J&D Custom Motorcycles
Nearly everything has been accounted for, including the sleek new bodywork—which includes a front fairing, scalloped tank, and a seat and tail unit. All can be fitted without any cutting, grinding or welding.

The kit is more than just lipstick and mascara. It will also include an extensive revision to the stance, handling and electrics. A new set of wheels, both front and rear, is included. Plus a revised swingarm, newly machined triples, clip-ons, and a complete loom kit to hide the spaghetti. If you’ve got a Bullet kicking around and have been thinking of a project, this kit looks a great place to start. [More]

Custom Jawa 500 by Zillers Garage of Moscow
Jawa 500 by Zillers Garage Take note of the name Zillers Garage. Dmitry Golubchikov and his Moscow-based crew are turning out some absolutely incredible machines that are equal parts meticulous and unique. Case in point, this jaw-dropping Jawa 500 that used to spin wheels as a speedway machine.

Dmitry and his crew decided to scrap essentially everything but the engine to create a steampunk boardtracker. That motor needed some re-working, and as well as a new ignition system, Zillers also changed the valve timing to lower compression from 17:1 to a more manageable (and streetable) 11:1.

Custom Jawa 500 by Zillers Garage of Moscow
The engine was then fitted into a handmade frame and mounted to a refurbished gearbox from an old BSA. Oil is fed through some exquisite copper piping that now draws the vital fluid from a handmade tank—which is an art piece in itself.

The handmade details continue. Everything from the front end, including the copper shocks, to the rear disc has been milled from lumps of metal. Cold steel is softened by the inclusion of wood, which has been tastefully transformed into a new seat, tank badging and grips. The story in the link is well worth the read but you’ll need Google Translate to make sense of it. [More]

Custom Jawa 500 by Zillers Garage of Moscow