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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle Design Motorcycle News MV Agusta Specials Zagato

Andrea Zagato talks about the MV Agusta F4Z

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It may not be 'beautiful' in the conventional sense, but the one-off Zagato-designed F4Z is certainly unique and, in its way, quite strikingly handsome

Earlier this month, MV Agusta unveiled the custom-built F4Z that was co-created by MV and Zagato for a Japanese customer. It's not a 'beautiful' motorcycle in the conventional sense of the term, but it's certainly an intriguing machine. We love many Zagato-designed cars, which, again, are not 'nice' looking but mean and aggressive and purposeful. The bike, we think, follows suit. So we decided to catch up with Andrea Zagato for a quick chat, to find out more about the F4Z.

Born in Milan in 1960, Andrea Zagato is the third generation of his family to lead the Zagato marque since it was founded in 1919. He graduated from Milan’s Bocconi University with a degree in Economics and Commerce, specialising in corporate finance with a thesis on 'Design in the production and marketing of automobiles.' Already, the stage was set for him to enter the car (and now, a motorcycle as well!) designing business.

Here are some excerpts from what Andrea Zagato had to say about the MV Agusta F4Z:
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials Supercharged Yamaha

Supercharged Krugger-built Yamaha SR400 pays homage to 1970s Yamaha TZ racebikes

Krugger SR400 Krugger SR400
Krugger SR400 Krugger SR400
This Krugger-built machine is the coolest SR400 we've seen in a long time

Based in Belgium, Fred 'Krugger' Bertrand has built the Yamaha SR400 that you see here, as the latest addition to Yamaha's Yard Built custom bike program. Inspired by Yamaha's MotoGP heritage, the SR400 has been built in collaboration with Fred's friend and fellow Belgian, Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be a mechanic for… Valentino Rossi! And if that weren't enough, Ansiau has even worked on the bikes raced by former greats like Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe.

Together, Fred and Bernard have built this SR400 in tribute to Yamaha's 1970s TZ racebikes. "I think it's impossible to have a custom machine that lives and breathes our racing history better than this," says Cristian Barelli, Yamaha Motor Europe's Marketing Coordinator. "It's such a beautiful bike and the longer and closer you look at it, the more detail you find to enjoy. You wouldn't normally associate the SR400 with MotoGP racing, but this build is as genuine and authentic as it's possible to get, a real Yard Built special," he adds.

In order to extract some performance from the air-cooled single-cylinder SR400 engine, Fred and Bernard have given it an Aisin 300 supercharger, with a custom-built plenum chamber, a one-off stainless steel exhaust system and an S&S 48mm carburettor in place of the original fuel-injection system. No power figures have been quoted, but the stock engine makes 23bhp and 27Nm of torque, so the supercharged Krugger SR400 probably packs at least 30-35bhp and 35-40Nm of torque. Not very MotoGP, but what the heck, every little bit helps. Probably.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News MV Agusta News Specials Zagato

MV Agusta F4Z unveiled, has been built for a rich Japanese businessman with impeccable taste in motorcycles

MV Agusta F4Z, by Zagato MV Agusta F4Z, by Zagato
MV Agusta F4Z, by Zagato MV Agusta F4Z, by Zagato
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The F4Z is the first motorcycle that Zagato have ever designed, and it's brilliant!

Now that Massimo Tamburini is no more, MV Agusta have had to turn to the Milan-based automotive coachbuilder, Zagato, for a special one-off motorcycle that looks like nothing else on the planet. The thing about Zagato is that they don't do 'nice.' Cars designed by Zagato are a bit dark, a bit menacing. If Zagato were human, he might be Ronnie Kray, in the movie Legend. Not to be messed with.

Some of Zagato's best work has been with Aston Martin (we love the DB7 Zagato and the DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial), though they also built some brilliant cars for Alfa Romeo and Lancia. And yet, a collaboration between MV Agusta and Zagato is not necessarily a recipe for success. Whenever car designers have turned their attention to motorcycles, the results haven't always been very good. Remember the Pinifarina-designed Morbidelli V8? Or the Lamborghini Design 90? Er.. yeah, well.

Then again, the F4Z is different. Unveiled at the third international Concours d’Elegance Chantilly Arts & Elegance, it's the first Atelier motorcycle that Zagato have ever designed and… we think it's not bad at all. Sure, it isn't 'beautiful' in the conventional sense, not in the way you'd call an F4 or a 916 or a Panigale 'beautiful.' Of course it isn't. It's been designed by Zagato, who don't do 'nice,' remember? It's low, mean, hunkered-down and subtly aggressive. If Ronnie Kray were a bike, he might be the F4Z.

The F4Z, built as a one-off machine for a wealthy Japanese collector (who collects Zagato cars and Italian motorcycles), is based on the regular MV F4 and is built with aluminium and carbonfibre. The bike consists of a small number of relatively large panels, a characteristic which sets it apart from more mundane, mass-produced machines. The MV Agusta F4's inline-four engine, chassis and suspension are all stock items, but the intake manifolds, fuel tank and exhaust system are all bespoke.
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Aprilia Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials

VanderHeide builds an Aprilia-powered carbonfibre-bodied superbike that costs US$165,000

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On the VanderHeide, every bit than can be made of carbonfibre is made of CF. With its monocoque CF chassis, alternative front suspension and 200bhp Aprilia V4 engine, it really is one hell of a motorcycle!

Based in The Netherlands, Brothers Rolf and Sjors van der Heide have created an Art Deco-style motorcycle that's crafted out of carbonfibre, is powered by an Aprilia RSV4's 200bhp V4, weighs 174 kilos dry and, just before you get your hopes up, know that it's priced at US$165,000.

"We decided to build our own motorcycle because we enjoy riding motorcycles, we love pioneering, thinking outside-the-box, and we see plenty of opportunities to improve upon existing technologies," says Sjors. "Rolf dreamed of creating his own motorcycle as long as he can remember. He has been involved with Spyker [Dutch supercar company] and Carver [a company that made a truly awesome three-wheeler road-rocket], and also specialises in carbonfibre composites engineering," he adds.

Sjors says that the brothers wanted to build an attractive street-legal superbike, that would utilise carbonfibre construction and an alternative suspension system since Rolf doesn't like the conventional front fork very much. The brothers invited Michiel van den Brink to design the bike, who made the first 2D sketches. The brothers then went on to build a full-size clay model and even used a 3D scanner to digitise the design. The completed bike is made almost entirely of carbonfibre – the one-piece monocoque chassis/bodywork, swingarm and front suspension are all made of carbonfibre.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Harley-Davidson Motorcycle News News Specials

Harley-Davidson, Marvel co-create superhero-themed motorcycles


We’ve all wondered about what kind of motorcycles our favourite superheroes would ride, right? For us, Batman would ride a matt-gray ZX-14R, Superman would ride an S1000RR and Spiderman might choose an F4RR. Harley-Davidson in the meanwhile have actually gone and built superhero-themed machines – two dozen of them, which include bikes for Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk and even Black Widow. We’d really like Scarlett Johansson to ride a black Panigale 1299, but still, these aren’t too bad either. The bikes have been built by Harley-Davidson dealerships in Australia and New Zealand and you can get more information on the machines here
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Custom-built Ducati Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials

Roland Sands-built Ducati XDiavel shown at the 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

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Honestly, we think the stock XDiavel looks better than Roland Sands' custom-built machine that you see here. But that's okay, to each his own…

Dating back to 1938, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally draws over half a million bikers from every corner of the globe. It's one of the world's biggest meetings of motorcycle enthusiasts and this year, Ducati took their new XDiavel to Sturgis, which was held from August 5 to 14 in South Dakota, in the US. And not any old XDiavel either, this was a special one-off machine, designed by the California-based Roland Sands. The custom-built XDiavel has a one-piece body fixed to the Ducati trellis frame, a 19-inch front wheel and a collection of shiny billet aluminum bits for a bit of stand-out glitter.

"The response to our presence here at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been exceptionally welcoming. The passion for two wheels, twin-cylinder engines, and beautiful roads is shared by everyone at this gathering of the motorcycle community,” says Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. "As motorcyclists we are part of a tribe, but we also embrace our individuality. This custom-built XDiavel by Roland Sands Design embodies the spirit of personalization that makes this Rally so special. The XDiavel and this interpretation provides us an opportunity to share Ducati with all in attendance," he adds.

"The XDiavel is a beast. A wolf in wolves’ clothing and a serious piece of speed equipment. We really wanted to pivot off all that amazing technology and not mess it up by tearing it out. So the bike is still very stock from a functional standpoint," says Roland Sands, owner of Roland Sands Design. "The bike was a three-month build, with careful consideration and deliberation about the direction of the design. Ultimately, we decided to twist the aesthetic while retaining decidedly stock bike functionality. I’m proud to say that’s exactly what we've achieved," he adds.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News MV Agusta News Specials

David Yurman, Walt Siegl collaborate to build a $48,000 forged carbon motorcycle


We have to admit, the Yurman carbon bike looks stunningly beautiful. It's gorgeous!

New York-based sculptor and jewellery brand owner, David Yurman has collaborated with custom motorcycle builder Walt Siegl to create a high-end machine called the David Yurman Forged Carbon Motorcycle by MV Agusta, which is priced at US$48,000. David's son, Evan, is a biker boy who collects dirtbikes, vintage BMWs and old Harleys. Wanting to promote his dad's collection of designer luxury baubles, he teamed up with Siegl to create a "statement bike." The machine itself is based on an MV Agusta F3 800. The three-cylinder, 150bhp MV engine, as well as chassis and suspension are all stock, while Siegl has designed and built the front fairing and tailpiece. The triple clamp and the front and rear fenders, made of forged carbon, are bespoke items.

The David Yurman Forged Carbon Motorcycle makes extensive use of kevlar and forged carbonfibre, which makes it suitably expensive to produce. "There’s no profit involved in this at all, whatsoever. Walt is a great bike modifier and sculptor, and I was inspired to call him up and collaborate," says Evan Yurman, who adds that if the bike were priced appropriately, it would cost closer to $250,000. Which, incidentally, is what a brand-new Ferrari 488 GTB costs. Then again, the Yurman motorcycle comes with a forged carbon keychain, which probably makes it all worthwhile. "If you just take forged carbon and put it in jewelry, that is only a one-way conversation. But if you put it in the form of a motorcycle, something you can use, it becomes a dialogue. So we got to utilize it in a different way that may be considered esoteric to some, but for the people who utilize it as a means to their industry, like Walt, we give them the opportunity to think way outside the box," says Evan.
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Bottpower Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials

Bott XR1R, a 150bhp flattracker for closed circuit use only, prepares to do battle at the 2017 Pikes Peak Hill Climb


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The dark and handsome Bott XR1R flattracker is for competition use only. In terms of its design, styling, mechanicals and overall engineering, it's an impressive package

Based in Valencia, Spain, Bottpower is a motorsports engineering company that specialises in custom-built motorcycles. Managed by David Sanchez, a mechanical engineer himself, B'power build some pretty cool machines, some of which you see on their website here. We particularly like their latest bike, the Bott XR1R flattracker, a track-use-only, racing version of their earlier XR1, which itself is based on the Buell XB12SS. Indeed, the XR1R uses the Buell's air and oil cooled 1203cc "Thunderstorm" V-Twin, which produces more than 100bhp and 110Nm of torque. The custom-built chassis, made of Titanium, has been designed by built by Bottpower themselves. A Showa fork (from the Buell 1125R) and an Öhlins monoshock handle suspension duties, while the Bott XR1R rolls on 17-inch wheels, shod with 120/70 and 180/55 slicks. In deference to its Buell roots, the bike uses a single 375mm brake disc up front, with a 6-piston caliper. Fuel tank capacity is 13 litres and the XR1R weighs about 165-170 kilos.

"We see this bike as big and quite radical supermoto, which feels at home on twisty tracks," says David. "This XR1R unit is a Bottpower laboratory bike, which we are using to test and develop new solutions for our bikes and customers. In fact, we have a very good customer who ordered a Bott XC1 cafe racer with titanium frame and racing electronics, and the first target of this XR1R is to develop those components," he adds. As of now, the Bott XR1R is already Euro 4 compliant and packs advanced electronics, including a launch control system an adjustable traction control system, three different engine maps and a speed limiter for the pit lane. There's a full race-spec data acquisition system and in the quest for weight reduction, even the electric started has been removed. "As culmination of the project, we are already working to race with the XR1R in 2017 Pikes Peak race," says David. "Our target with this bike in race configuration is to achieve a power to weight ratio better than 1:1. This is, more than 150bhp and less than 150kg," he adds.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Indian Motorcycle News News Specials

RSD Scout pays homage to 1920s Indian racebikes


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The RSD Scout, another gnarly build from Roland Sands, is for a customer called Thor. Ahem..

Indian have provided the first official pics and details of their latest custom-built bike, the RSD Scout, which was first shown earlier this month at the Wheels & Waves festival in Biarritz, France. 'The Scout is a pretty cool machine stock. Polaris did a damn good job of putting together a production Scout with a great powerplant. And in its stock form it’s got a lot to work with from a customisation stand point,' says Roland Sands, who's built the RSD Scout. 'Stylistically, this RSD Scout points towards the future with, say, a 15% nod to the Scout of the past. What it’s not? Well it’s definitely not a ‘cruiser’ anymore. If you’re a fan of the traditional Indian Scout, then you understand that the Scout was originally a racer. This RSD Scout carries that racing heritage,' he adds.

To build the bike you see here, the RSD team completely deconstructed the stock Scout and rebuilt it with a frame made from ChroMoly. 'The actual frame we came up with is very similar to the one we used for Victory’s Project 156. What that means is it’s a very lightweight frame with much more aggressive geometry than the stock Scout frame, shorter, and with less rake. We’ve also utilised the same rear suspension package we used for Project 156. If you’re hip to the Polaris method, the Scout and the Project 156 share some mounting points, which made this project much easier, as we’d perfected the suspension geometry on the 156,' says Sands.
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Custom-built Ducati Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials

XTR Pepo's tribute to the mid-1950 Ducati Siluro looks fabulous


XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro
XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro XTR Pepo Siluro
"I like to construct performance bikes that are not just pretty and that look like they go fast. They really do go fast!" says Pepo, who's created this Monster-based Siluro. He's our kind of man then…

Based in Madrid, Spain, Pepo Rosell is a biologist who's worked in aquiculture. But, quite clearly, he loves motorcycles more than fish farming, which is why he's set up not one but two motorcycle customising companies over the last 15 years. The first was Radical Ducati, which Pepo ran for more than 13 years but shut down in 2014. But then, in his own words, "After 13 years of work I stopped and leave the bike world, but I couldn’t live without bikes, so I began again with my new company, XTR Pepo." So there you are – the man is nuts about motorcycles!

"I like to construct performance bikes, not only that are pretty and seems that goes fast, they really go fast. I like the racers and endurance bikes, to have the look of the racebikes from '70s and 80s, but with 21st century technology. To make them light, fast and high performance," says Pepo. And indeed, his latest piece of work – the Ducati Monster 1200-based Siluro, seems to be a perfect example of the kind of bike he loves.

"Siluro is a commission from Ducati Iberica, the Spanish Ducati importer. The idea was to show people the posibilitys of customing a Ducati Monster 1200. In the designing and construction of the bike, Ducati Spain asked me to keep the original fuel tank and work only with Ducati OEM or Ducati Performance parts," says Pepo. "The first thing was to lighten the bike not only visually but also in real weight, so finally I have reduced the total weight by 40kg compared to the original. I wanted also that the bike looks heavily technical, so I removed all the plastic covers, to show the internals – the engine, the belts, radiator, the rear cylinder head etc. The bike is a tribute to the mid-1950s Siluro, which set many speed and endurance records back then," he adds.
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