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Custom Bikes Of The Week: 28 October, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and restomods of the week
A Bimota DB1 restomod with a 70s vibe, a BMW R80 built for the dunes of Dubai, and a limited edition Ural sidecar with a built-in drone. How’s that for eclectic?

BMW R80 dune basher by Dust Motorcycles
BMW R80 dune basher by Dust Motorcycles Many customs live pampered lives: brought out at the weekend, and garaged when it rains. But this R80 is destined for a life in the dry heat of Dubai, blasting down dirt roads and over dunes.

BMW R80 dune basher by Dust Motorcycles
It’s the work of the aptly named British shop, Dust Motorcycles, and it’s been heavily modified to cope with the fine, white sand of the Arabian desert. That means the airbox is now a pre-81 item—no pod filters here—and the forks have been upgraded to tougher Suzuki DR650 items.

BMW R80 dune basher by Dust Motorcycles
Dust have converted the monolever to a twin shock setup with Öhlins suspenders, fitted an aluminum sump guard and high pipes, and welded tough off-road pegs onto the stock hangers. Freshly shod with Pirelli MT43 rubber and featuring a full suite of Motogadget electronics, this is a custom that’s more about the go than the show. [More]

Bimota DB1 restomod by Made In Italy
Bimota DB1 restomod by Made In Italy Just over a year ago, reports surfaced that Bimota was closing its doors for the last time. But it appears that the oft-troubled boutique maker was merely shifting location a few hundred meters down the road.

Bimota DB1 restomod by Made In Italy
We’re hoping that Bimota really is in good health, because the Rimini company has produced some stunning machines such 1973. One of our favorites is the DB1 built in the late 80s, which was the first Ducati-powered Bimota.

Customizing a DB1 sounds like heresy, but this delightful restomod was a bodged-up mess when it arrived in John Fallon’s workshop.

Bimota DB1 restomod by Made In Italy
“I wanted to build a DB1 to the same high standards as Bimota would have,” says John. “but in a style they may have used if it was conceived in the 1970s rather than the ’80s.”

We reckon the finished article looks stunning in these shots by Chippy Wood (top) and Amy Shore (above). Return Of The Café Racers has the story.

Film: ‘The Salt Flats – Eleven Ninety Eight’
Film: ‘The Salt Flats – Eleven Ninety Eight’ Does the world need another film about the Bonneville Salt Flats? This one is a little different, because the star is one of the best custom bike builders on the planet—Max Hazan.

The man behind the camera is Brit Josh Allen, who’s been working on the upcoming Oil In The Blood documentary feature film. He flew to the US to follow Max (above right) and his friend Gerald Harrison as they headed out to Utah with a Ducati 1198.

Film: ‘The Salt Flats – Eleven Ninety Eight’
This isn’t one of those super-organized record attempts with teams of mechanics and a bike running on custom-blended race gas. It’s just Max and Gerry ‘having a crack at it’—and seeing the event from the perspective of newcomers, who also happen to know rather a lot about motorcycles.


Josh has kindly put together a trailer to give readers a sneak peek. To see the full movie, head over to his website after the film premieres on November 3.

Triumph Bonneville T120 by BAAK Motocyclette
Triumph Bonneville T120 by BAAK Motocyclette BAAK is one of our favorite French workshops. Their machines always have an effortless style and beautiful finish—so much so, we put their BMW R nineT into our 2019 wall calendar.

The BAAK crew also have a collective head for business, and sell a range of classy parts that allow you to gradually transform the look of your bike bit-by-bit. Occasionally a request comes along for a complete transformation, and that’s what happened here.

Triumph Bonneville T120 by BAAK Motocyclette
BAAK’s client Xavier wanted a multi-purpose version of the Bonneville T120, with tires that would work off road and well as on. BAAK gave his Bonnie a chic British look, mixing a deep green paint with brown leather.

There’s a classic speedometer inserted in the headlight, the fenders are neatly bobbed, the bars are wide and easy to manage, and the exhaust pipework is short and purposeful. It’s a bike full of neat touches and a strong custom look—but the kind of build that can be done relatively quickly. These guys know what they’re doing. [More]

Ural Air limited edition sidecar motorcycle with drone
Ural Air limited edition Ural sidecar motorcycles are like Land Rovers: they’ve rarely changed over the years, apart from trim levels and paint schemes and add-on equipment. In the past we’ve seen some inspired limited editions dreamt up by the US importers, and this latest one doesn’t disappoint.

The $17,999 ‘Ural Air’ has a compartment on the nose of the sidecar that opens with the push of a button to reveal a DJI Spark drone. The drone compartment is made by StrataSys, specialists in 3D printing, and was developed from scratch in just six weeks.

Ural Air limited edition sidecar motorcycle with drone
“What’s over the ridge? What’s just beyond your campsite? What obstacles lie ahead after a big storm?” the PR exhorts. “When the trail ends, or nightfall is looming, the rider or passenger becomes a pilot—sending out their eye in the sky to determine the best route or quickest escape.”

Just 40 units of the Ural Air will be built, and they’ll be in US dealerships next month. [More]

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BikeExif Bimota Classic Motorcycles Honda CB750 Honda motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

This Bimota HB1 replica is even better than the real thing

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
Bimota: It’s one of the most evocative names in motorcycling. Like most Italian manufacturers, the company has been through the full cycle of fame, financial crisis and rebirth—but the star power of the bikes bearing the name has never waned.

The Bimota story started in the early 1970s with the HB1, built around the Honda CB750 engine. Only ten of these machines were made at the Rimini factory, and nine were delivered in kit form.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
Word is that just four built-up HB1s still exist, so prices are high: the auction house Bonhams has sold two over the past couple of years for around US$70,000. And there’s a strong enthusiast network—but we’re not sure how owners will react to the machine shown here.

It’s a jaw-dropping HB1 replica, shot by top motorcycle photographer Ryan Handt and built by American Rob Phillips—best known as the man behind Husky Restorations, based in upstate New York.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
These days, Rob focuses on Yamaha HL500 restomods, but he also likes a good challenge. So he’s spent the past two years reverse-engineering the HB1 from photos and diagrams.

Bimotas are all about the frame, and this one was built for Rob by Framecrafters of Illinois. It’s a work of art, and as close as you could get to the original without having the real thing on a jig to measure from.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
It’s a true stressed-member frame, built using sections that Rob CNC’d himself.

A 1974 CB750K engine is slotted in. It’s a completely rebuilt SOHC/4 unit, boosted with a Megacycle cam in a smooth road race profile. There are K&N filters at the intake end, and for the exhaust Rob mandrel-bent a 4-into-4 system.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
He’s even CNC’d a set of custom hangers, and hand-made four Magni-style megaphone silencers to maintain the period vibe.

Oil is held in a custom tank made by Ian Halcott of Twinline Motorcycles, and Rob has machined up new adaptors to fit a custom set of lines running into the engine, with an oil pressure gauge plumbed in. A Dynatek electronic ignition keeps the spark strong, hooked up to a tiny Antigravity battery.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
Bimota always used top-shelf suspension components, and Rob has located a set of adjustable Ceriani GP35R racing forks. They’re clamped with a custom offset triple tree, which can be adjusted up to five millimeters. At the rear, classic Marzocchi shocks keep the Bridgestone BT45 tires under control.

The brake setup is custom too, with Brembo calipers and master cylinders, CNC’d caliper mounts and Hel Performance lines. The wheels are Excel rims laced up with stainless spokes by Buchanan’s; the axles and spacers are one-offs.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
The bodywork is carbon fiber, from the tank to the seat unit to the front fender. It’s a perfect facsimile of the original, right down to the paint and decals. The tank is even secured by a flexible rubber strap, just like the original.

Off-the-shelf parts are few, but well-chosen—such as Tommaselli clip-ons and Tarozzi rearsets. And there’s a fair smattering of original CB750 accessories too, such as the headlight, bar controls and tachometer.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
The tach has been modified with an HB1 dial, and it’s supplemented by a Dakota digital speedo. Everything is wired into a Motogadget m-Unit control box.

Having this bike in your garage would be like owning a restomod Bimota of the highest order. But it’s effectively a ‘new’ bike—providing the same experience new owners must have enjoyed back in the mid 70s.

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations
In these days of Photoshop renders and cookie-cutter cafe racers, it’s good to see that old-fashioned chassis engineering and fabrication skills are alive and well—if you know where to look.

Husky Restorations | Images courtesy of Ryan Handt

Bimota HB1 replica by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations

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The 10 Best Motorcycles of EICMA 2015

The 10 Best Motorcycles of EICMA 2015
As the giant EICMA 2015 motorcycle show closes its doors, we’re getting the feeling that manufacturers are shifting their focus. Everyone’s scrambling (see what we did there?) for a share of the modern-retro scene. They’re designing bikes that blend modern tech with classic aesthetics and timeless sensibilities.

That means motorcycles with neutral styling, more options for customization and, yes, more ‘scramblers.’ It’s a good time for motorcycling.

The biggest news was the new Triumph Bonneville range, but we’ve already covered that. So here are ten more releases from Milano that got our motors running.

EICMA 2015: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Concept
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Concept If last year’s 401 concepts had you frothing at the mouth, Husqvarna has a whole lot of good news for you. For starters, the Vitpilen 401 will be on dealer floors in 2017—along with a 125cc version of it. On top of that, we have this to drool over: the Vitpilen 701, a concept based on the same platform as the 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto ‘big singles.’

It’s a stunner, right down to every little detail (note the line running from the back of the tank through the exhaust hanger). Husqvarna say they’re committed to expanding their street range; with any luck we’ll see these on the streets soon after the 401.

EICMA 2015: Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Ducati have finally confirmed rumors of a smaller Scrambler with the Sixty2. Think of it as ‘Scrambler Lite’—a 400cc variant making only 41HP and weighing about 7lbs less. Ducati have kept costs down with cheaper right-side-up forks and less powerful brakes, and they’ve ditched the swappable side panels on the tank.

The hope is that a cheaper (and less intimidating) Scrambler will help breed new Ducatisti. But considering that the Sixty2’s set to be priced at just $500 less than a ‘regular’ Scrambler, we’re not so sure.

EICMA 2015: Indian Scout Sixty
Indian Scout Sixty Another ‘Sixty’—but from the other side of the Atlantic. The Scout has been a smash hit for Indian, and Roland Sands has already proved it can be customized well. If you like the Scout—but not its price tag—the Scout Sixty is your bike. You lose eight cubic inches, about 10Nm of torque and one gear—but get to keep $2,000 more in your bank account (for the entry level model in black).

To prove how much fun the Scout Sixty can be, Indian gave Roland Sands five of them to prep for flat-tracking, and proceeded to race them in the ‘Super Hooligan’ class at the Superprestigio of the Americas event, held in Las Vegas.

EICMA 2015: Suzuki VanVan 200
Suzuki VanVan 200 Remember the beloved Suzuki VanVan? Originally manufactured in the 70s, Suzuki revived the series a few years ago. And now they’ve bumped the engine up from 125cc to a slightly more respectable 200cc. That means it’s now a legitimate option as a pocket scrambler—a light, laid-back throwback, that will hopefully get the same attention from custom builders enjoyed by the Yamaha TW200. [Suzuki product page]

EICMA 2015: Victory Ignition Concept
Victory Ignition Concept Remember Victory’s Project 156, the bike that Roland Sands built to race in Pikes Peak? Here’s that same engine in a new concept: the Ignition. It’s been designed by Swiss builder, Urs Erbacher. Erbacher’s drag racing history shines through—the 1200cc, liquid-cooled mill’s wrapped in a cast aluminum chassis, complete with performance brakes and suspension.

Is it a classically styled motorcycle? No. Is it ripe for customization? Perhaps not. But does it get our hearts racing? Oh, definitely. [Victory]

EICMA 2015: Benelli Leoncino
Benelli Leoncino We don’t hear much from Chinese-owned, Pesaro-based Benelli these days. So it was a surprise to see them revive the Leoncino name at EICMA. The original ‘lion cub’ was a post-WWII, 125cc bike. Now it’s a 500cc, twin-cylinder scrambler. Details are sparse, but its ergonomics and spoked wheels (19” front and 17” rear) suggest that the Leocino should be good for mild off-road use. Plus it’s really cute.

EICMA 2015: Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Not to be left out, Moto Guzzi released their own ‘scrambler’ at EICMA: the V7 II Stornello. But it was their new V9 that grabbed our attention. Powered by an updated, Euro 4 compliant, 850cc mill, it’s available in two guises: the Bobber, and the Roamer. The differences are cosmetic, but the murdererd-out Bobber is too good to resist. All it’s missing is some pipe wrap and a set of Firestones…

EICMA 2015: Yamaha XSR900
Yamaha XSR900 When we rode the XSR700, and then saw Roland Sands’ ‘Faster Wasp,’ we knew it was only a matter of time before Yamaha revealed a MT-09-based standard. And here it is: the XSR900. A bike with the same ‘Faster Sons’ design philosophy as the XSR700, but wrapped around 850cc of triple-cylinder awesomeness.

Like the 700, it’s loaded with aluminum parts, round lights and a gorgeous seat, and will be just as easy to mod. Only now it also comes in a special, 60th anniversary ‘King Kenny’ yellow scheme (along with the rest of the Sport Heritage range). We can’t wait to swing a leg over it.

EICMA 2015: Bimota Tesi 3D RaceCafe
Bimota Tesi 3D RaceCafe The Bimota Tesi 3D blends hub-centered steering with the air-cooled, 803cc engine found in the Ducati Scrambler. The RaceCafe variant is Bimota’s attempt at giving it a more café-racer slant. Calling it a ‘café racer’ would be too much of a stretch—but it’s exotic and outrageous enough that we love it anyway.

EICMA 2015: BMW R nineT Scrambler
BMW R nineT Scrambler BMW’s Path 22 concept was a sure sign that a R nineT ‘scrambler’ was imminent. But it left us wondering: how close would the final product be to the concept? As it turns out, extremely close. The R nineT Scrambler is built on the same chassis and engine as the stock R nineT, but with right-side-up forks, cast alloy wheels (with a 19” rim up front) and a solo seat.

The ratio of bars-to-seat-to-pegs has been adjusted to be more ‘scrambler-ish.’ There are some cost-cutting features too—like a simpler fuel tank in steel, rather than the existing alloy unit. It all suggests that the Scrambler will be priced lower than the original R nineT. We give BMW top marks for styling; if they get the price right, it’s a shoo-in.

Those are our picks from EICMA 2015—which ones are your favorites?

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Massive collection of official high-res photos from EICMA, Milan

BMW Motorrad, at the 2015 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy

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The main focus for BMW this year was on the new R nineT Scrambler

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BMW eRR concept showcases the German co's electric ambition
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Bimota Impeto, Tesi 3D RaceCafe unveiled at EICMA


The Bimota Impeto, a supernaked streetfighter that uses the Diavel’s 162bhp engine

Bimota usually always have something new to show at the EICMA every year and this year is no different. First up is the new Impeto, a supernaked streetfighter powered by a Ducati 1198cc V-twin (the same units that’s used on the current-generation Ducati Diavel), which pumps out 162bhp and 130Nm of torque. The chassis is, of course, Bimota’s own. In recent years, Bimota have moved away from the beautiful aluminium alloy beam frames which they used to do in the 1990s, and the Impeto gets a steel tube trellis frame with aluminium alloy plates.

The Impeto has all the electronics that you might expect to find on a modern Bimota, including ABS, ride-by-wire and traction control etc. There’s a fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins USD fork up front and fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock at the rear. Brembo brakes all around – twin 320mm brake discs at the front with radial-mount 4-piston calipers, and a single 220mm disc at the back. The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 120/70 and 190/55 ZR-rated rubber.

The list of accessories available for the Bimota Impeto is truly impressive. You can choose to have the standard steel tube trellis frame replaced with a carbonfibre unit, get an advanced 3.5-inch digital dashboard with TFT colour display, integrated data recording, GPS and automatic racetrack identification (!) and, if that weren’t enough already, even have a supercharger bolted on to your Impeto. Yes, Bimota are offering a supercharger kit for the Impeto, which boosts power by up to 20%. No word on pricing though.


With hub-centre steering and Art Deco styling, the Bimota Tesi 3D RaceCafe is simply spectacular

The other Bimota unveiled at the EICMA this year is the Tesi 3D RaceCafe, which is powered by a Ducati 803cc V-twin, though Bimota have not supplied any power/torque figures for the bike. The composite chassis is comprised of an aluminium alloy section, mated to steel tube trellis front and rear swingarms. Yes, the Tesi has hub-centre steering, hence also has a swingarm at the front. Not having a conventional front fork suspension is pretty cool. Always has been, ever since Bimota started mucking around with the first Tesi 1D back in the late-1980s/early-1990s.

From a cutting-edge superbike that the Bimota Tesi 1D was back in the early-1990s, the Tesi has evolved and morphed into the 3D RaceCafe, which is quite spectactual. Bimota have more or less single-handedly kept this whole hub-centre steering / front swingarm suspension thing alive for almost four decades now, and deserve applause for that.

Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers are used at both ends on the Tesi 3D RC, which rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 120/70 and 180/55 ZR-rated rubber. Twin 320mm brake discs are used at the front, with radial-mount 4-piston Brembo calipers, fuel tank capacity is 16 litres and the bike weighs 165kg dry. You can have the front and rear steel tube trellis swingarms replaced with carbonfibre units, which brings dry weight down to 162 kilos. Ride height is fully adjustable, front and rear, by up to 23mm.

In a world where even the biggest of motorcycle manufacturers prefer to play it safe, we can’t help but admire Bimota for the unique, cutting-edge motorcycles that they’ve been building for decades despite severe financial troubles which they’ve been facing for years. Brilliant stuff, Bimota!