Return of the Cafe Racers

Healthy Obsession: Jaron Hall’s Ducati 996 Cafe Racer

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:52:55 +0000

Yamaha’s release of the 2007 R6 gave birth to an obsession that led Jaron Hall deep down the rabbit hole of motorcycle customization. “At age 17, I wrote my parents a letter to pitch my case about why they should let me buy a motorcycle. Surprisingly, it did the trick and they let me purchase a 2008 Ninja 250 before I was 18.” he recalls. Inspired by his time working on classic cars with his grandfather, Jaron wasted no time […]

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What To Consider Before Buying A Cafe Racer Motorcycle

Marco Tam — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:58:20 +0000

So you want to join the ranks and buy yourself a cafe racer. I can hear it already: “What? You’re not building your own?” Building a cafe racer isn’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and most importantly, skill in order to build a truly custom cafe racer motorcycle. Sometimes it’s easier to peruse another enthusiast’s properly built project and make it your own. You love the look, you’ve looked through listings, and it’s time to make a decision. However, […]

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15 Years Strong: Thor Drake’s One Moto Show

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:29:26 +0000

For 15 years now Thor Drake, owner-operator of See See Motorcycles in Portland, OR, has been hosting the venerable One Moto Show. By all accounts, the 2024 edition of the custom motorcycle-centric festival was a huge success attracting some of the biggest crowds since its inception in 2009. Today we’re sitting down with Thor to learn a bit about the man, the evolution of the event, and what the future has in store for the One Moto Show. “The One […]

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In For a Penny: The Hot Rod Shop Honda CB750 cafe racer

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:06:42 +0000

Jeremy Bumpus owns ‘The Hot Rod Shop’ in Corinth, Mississippi, and co-hosts Motortrend’s CarFix series. Alongside fellow host Bryan Fuller of Fuller Moto, they demonstrate how their workshops build amazing vehicles for their clients. Along with a busy shooting schedule at any one time, there are around 20 builds on the go at The Hot Rod Shop. It’s fair to say Jeremy doesn’t get much time to put toward personal projects. Over the past 2 years though, he’s managed to […]

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Diesel Motorcycles: Why Aren’t They More Popular?

Marco Tam — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:42:23 +0000

Diesel motorcycles are relatively rare compared to their gasoline counterparts, but they do exist and offer some unique advantages and disadvantages. Despite their unique characteristics, diesel motorcycles have not gained widespread popularity primarily due to their performance limitations and the growing focus on electric alternatives. However, for certain applications, especially in military or adventure contexts, they remain a valuable option. Advantages of Diesel Motorcycles Fuel Efficiency Diesel engines generally provide better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines. This means diesel motorcycles […]

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Adrenal Trigger: 2024 MV Agusta Rush Mamba

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:10:39 +0000

When it comes to motorcycles that pack a punch and look good doing it, one name always comes to mind, MV Agusta. The Italian manufacturer is well-known for its stunning motorcycles and their latest offering, the 2024 MV Agusta Rush Mamba Edition, is no exception. Devoid of fairings and sporting an exclusive red and black livery with gold accents the Rush Mamba is the epitome of hyper-naked style. It’s the kind of motorcycle that will never fail to turn heads, […]

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Riding Gear Review: Biltwell Gringo SV Helmet

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:40:58 +0000

Early in their manufacturing journey, Biltwell helmets were more form than function. Things have come a long way since then though. Today Biltwell helmets boast both DOT and ECE certifications. Best of all, they have maintained the same classic styling as the original designs and as a result, they offer some of the best-looking homologated helmets on the market. Among Biltwell’s latest riding gear, you’ll find the Gringo SV, a thoroughly updated and feature-packed evolution of their uber-successful full-face Gringo […]

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Love It or Hate It: It Rocks! Bikes BMW K1 ‘Limbo’

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:01:47 +0000

When it debuted, the BMW K1 was Marmite for motorcyclists. They either loved it or hated it. The radical sports tourer roared onto the scene in 1988 with the subtlety of a kick to the groin. It was BMW’s embodiment of the future, right down to its bold livery, styling, and affinity for plastic. It was unlike anything anyone had expected from the Germans. Based on the innovative K100 inline four-cylinder engine, the K1 was as much a statement as […]

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Common Misconceptions About Cafe Racers

Marco Tam — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:19:26 +0000

Cafe racers are a distinctive style of motorcycles that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Britain. Born out of a desire for speed and style, these bikes were typically modified from standard production motorcycles, stripped down for lightweight, and fitted with low-mounted handlebars, elongated fuel tanks, and rear-set foot pegs for a more aggressive riding position. Courtesy: london.acecafe.com Today, cafe racer culture endures as a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern performance, with enthusiasts worldwide continuing to build and […]

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Riding Gear Review: Trip Machine Moc-Toe Boots

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:58:58 +0000

Indian riding gear manufacturer Trip Machine Co. entered the scene a few years back with a modest range of stylish leather luggage. Since then they’ve expanded their offering tenfold to offer a wide range of leather-based products. Amongst them is the brand’s new range of riding boots. On a recent trip to India, I met the Trip Machine team and was impressed with what I saw. On the back of that encounter, I secured a pair of their Moc-Toe riding […]

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Double the Fun: 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:17:30 +0000

We’ve been huge fans of Husqvarna’s naked street bikes, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen, since their release in 2018. The unapologetically futuristic-looking motorcycles were developed in conjunction with Austrian design firm Kiska and were a welcome change from the stagnant designs on offer from other manufacturers. Now, 6 years after their first appearance, Husqvarna has unveiled the biggest change to their naked series both in design and engineering. Although it shares the first half of its name with a previous model, […]

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Evolution of Devolution?: Kawasaki Z900RS VS Kawasaki Z900

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:48:26 +0000

Motorcyclists like to moan about everything. And the quickest way to start some premium groaning is to sell us a naked bike that’s been detuned. Because it’s downright aggravating when a manufacturer decrees that because you don’t want a race replica bike, you don’t want race replica performance.  The CB900 Hornet? Castrated CBR. The FZR? An R1 midway through a course of HRT. For the first time in history, ‘naked’ means ‘less exciting’. Manufacturers find it cheaper to build naked bikes from […]

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Sweet Single: Candy Motorcycle Laboratory SR400

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 15:10:21 +0000

Yamaha’s beloved SR400 may have ceased production back in 2021, but it remains a hot favorite amongst custom builders in Japan. First released in 1978, the “easy to use” SR400 was an instant hit. Upon releasing the model Yamaha designer Atsushi Ishiyama credited the XS650 as a major influence on the design. That bike was influenced by British motorcycles of the sixties so the SR inherited timeless classic styling. The bike’s single-cylinder 400cc engine also complied with cheaper JDM small […]

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Riding Gear: Akin Moto x Gorm Taube Anorak

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:29:19 +0000

With wetter weather coming soon to the southern hemisphere, I’ve started my annual search for seasonally appropriate riding gear. Like many riders, I’ve already invested in a decent riding jacket so the idea of buying a second for a few rides in the wet feels excessive. This is when wet weather gear designed for layering comes in. Unfortunately, a large portion of rain gear looks ungainly and is far from fashionable. Recognising this issue Max Duff of Aussie riding gear outfit […]

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Celebrating Success: Norton Motorcycles V4CR 588 LE

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:24:04 +0000

There’s no denying that Norton Motorcycles has had a troubled past. From insolvencies to multiple ownership changes, and who can forget Stuart Garner’s recent appalling management of the brand? But thankfully, things are finally starting to look up for the iconic British marque. Norton is now nestled snuggly under the wing of Indian automotive giant TVS Motor Company and its future is finally looking bright. After acquiring the Norton brand TVS has dedicated itself to securing its future with a […]

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Katros Garage Honda CB400

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:47:30 +0000

By the early 2000s Honda had diluted its once iconic CB series so much that any connection to the original CB750 was all but gone. Following suit with just about every other brand, the Japanese manufacturer had jumped on the naked bike trend that Ducati spearheaded with the Monster in 1993. By 2004 though the CBs had become yet another staid-looking, run-of-the-mill sport naked. During the early thousands CBs had been subjected to a “little in the middle but got […]

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Crowning Glory: Marian’s street legal Norton MkII Commando Seeley

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:41:50 +0000

New York based, fashion and beauty photographer Marian Sell loves a good side project. He cut his teeth with two-wheeled engineering growing up in Germany. Tinkering on the Vespas and Lambrettas he and his friends terrorized local streets on. Decades later he’s still tinkering on motorcycles in his spare time, but his latest project is his crowning glory. Building a Norton street racer has been a long-time desire of Marian’s and he’d even attempted one in the past, but this […]

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Riding Gear Review: Saint Road Gloves

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 13:04:55 +0000

The riding gear in Saint’s catalog consistently blurs the lines between form and function. Despite being highly functional motorcyclist apparel, their jeans and jackets can easily pass for streetwear. But from the look of their latest release, times may be changing. These are the new Saint Road Gloves, a no-nonsense motorcycling glove that won’t pull any punches when protecting your precious digits. Although slick in their styling Saint has taken a more traditional sports bike design approach with the Road […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1990 Honda GB500TT Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:28:13 +0000

The 1990 GB500 was Honda’s first retro bike and it marked a pivotal shift in both car and motorcycle design, resurrecting the styles abandoned by Japanese manufacturers. Despite the irony, the Tourist Trophy was a formidable motorcycle, featuring a 500cc OHC single-cylinder engine derived from the XL600 dirt-bike, reaching 108 MPH. Mimicking the aesthetics of 1950s and ’60s British racing motorcycles like the Velocette Thruxton, it sported a black-and-gold paint scheme, clip-on handlebars, and a humped racing seat, embodying a […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1972 Honda CB750 K2 Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:03:45 +0000

The cafe racer you see here was built over a four-year period by Wisconsin Honda specialist Jeff Stephens at Godffery’s Garage in Burlington, Wisconsin. It stands as a testament to Stephens’ skill and the adaptability of the CB750 platform. Originally a 1972 CB750K2, this bike pays homage to the cafe conversions popular in Europe during the 1970s and ’80s. Beyond mere cosmetic changes, almost every component has been enhanced, updated, and refined for optimal performance. The engine underwent a transformation, […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1979 Honda CB750F Custom

Mark Capayas — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:09:43 +0000

This custom-built motorcycle is a testament to high-level craftsmanship and attention to detail, showcasing a fusion of classic design and modern performance enhancements. The distinctive hand-built fiberglass tail section and seat pan, utilizing a stock CB750F rear cowl as a mold, exemplify the dedication to bespoke craftsmanship. Its eye-catching Mini Cooper Pepper White paint, adorned with 1979 CB750F-style decals from CBdecals.com, was expertly applied by Miller and Son Collision in Alden, New York. The seat, boasting color-stitched details and a […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 ‘Spitfire’

Mark Capayas — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:10:45 +0000

Introducing the ‘Spitfire,’ a custom masterpiece crafted from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – 2021, a platform as agile as a dancer, designed for the soul of a cafe racer. This exceptional two-wheeled creation emerged from numerous sketches, each stroke on paper striving to capture the essence of the perfect cafe racer. The custom heat-resistant brass paintwork on the engine goes beyond being a mere coat; it’s a proclamation that rises above the ordinary, ensuring the Spitfire always commands attention. […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1966 Norton Atlas 750 Café Racer

Mark Capayas — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:55:21 +0000

The Norton 750cc Atlas, unveiled in 1962, marked the evolution of the capacity/horsepower race initiated in the 1950s among British twin-cylinder motorcycles. Stemming from the Featherbed Models lineage, which progressed from the 500cc 88 to the 600cc 99 and later transformed into the 650SS and Manxman, the series culminated in the 750cc Atlas. Facing financial constraints to alter the 650SS crankcases, Norton opted to elongate the stroke, resulting in the Atlas—a long-stroke twin boasting remarkable torque and rapid acceleration but […]

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Bike Of The Day: Triton Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 22:03:13 +0000

This Triton cafe racer, built over a two-year period and finalized in 2009, showcases a fusion of classic components. Its core features involve the integration of a customized 650cc parallel twin engine derived from a 1960 Triumph T120 Bonneville, seamlessly incorporated into a Featherbed frame sourced from a 1956 Norton Model 99 Dominator. Noteworthy additions to this exceptional build include a Triumph pre-unit gearbox with five-speed internals, a Suzuki GT750J front end, Hagon shocks, a meticulously replicated Seeley swingarm, Akront […]

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NeoRacer: Lord Drake Kustoms Ducati 999

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 05:32:25 +0000

Most of the custom motorcycles rolling out of the Lord Drake Kustoms workshop have been Harley-Davidson-based. Despite this, the Spanish workshop welcomes projects that buck that trend. One such opportunity presented itself when the owner of a 2003 Ducati 999 approached them in the hope of having his bike transformed into a modern take of a cafe racer. “It is very strange using racing motorcycles like this to carry out motorcycle customization work,” says Lord Drake Kustoms owner, Francisco Alí […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1977 Ducati 900SS Custom

Mark Capayas — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:59:23 +0000

In the 1990s, this 1977 Ducati 900 was modified using a C&J Precision Products frame and Fiber Systems fiberglass bodywork. The pearl white and green metallic finish, adorned with black pinstriping, graces the fiberglass body mounted on a C&J Precision Products’ red 4130 chrome-moly tube-frame. Notable features include a center stand, a wrap-around half fairing, a clear windscreen, street lighting, and a racing-style solo seat. The Marvic 18″ magnesium wheels in gold finish support Michelin Macadam 90X tires, while the […]

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Numero Otto: M-Cafe Garage Honda CX650

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:09:14 +0000

The Honda CX500 has been a hot fave in the custom scene for quite some time. But for some reason, the 500’s bigger sibling, the CX650, is often overlooked despite significant performance upgrades. Whether that’s to do with the more angular styling of the 650 or its availability we’ll never know, but what I do know is that if a custom CX650 is done right, I’d take it over a 500 any day. Take for instance this CX650 cafe racer […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1971 Honda CB450 Army Cafe

Mark Capayas — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:42:15 +0000

This 1971 Honda CB450 underwent extensive customization, highlighted by a shortened rear frame, green bodywork adorned with military-style tank graphics, and various component replacements. The modifications include a new seat, handlebar, right-side mirror, front brake master cylinder, hand controls, rear-set foot controls, copper accents, an aftermarket speedometer, and Progressive Suspension rear shocks. The green-finished bodywork, featuring military star graphics on the fuel tank, is complemented by a headlight guard, rear-set foot controls, integrated rear turn signals, and a brown-upholstered aftermarket […]

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Top 10 Cafe Racers of 2023

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:50:55 +0000

As we welcome in the new year it’s time to look back at 2023 and put together our annual editor’s choice ‘Top 10 Cafe Racers’ list. There’s been talk of the cafe racer scene going quiet, but from where I’m sitting it’s still got plenty of life in it. Although some manufacturers have lessened their interest in the custom motorcycle scene, brands like Royal Enfield are fostering new talent with their Custom World projects. Many of our favorite workshops have […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2015 BMW R Nine T Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 19:29:43 +0000

This BMW R Nine T is a customized retro-inspired sportbike turned café racer. It is equipped with a 1,170cc air-cooled flat-twin engine that produces more than 110bhp thanks to enhanced airflow from engine upgrades and custom mapping, coupled with a six-speed transmission. Adorned in a custom Electric Candy Blue paint scheme with alloy silver fuel tank sections and carbon-fiber trim, the bike boasts a black leather and Alcantara-trimmed seat pad featuring a gold embroidered ‘Nine T’ logo. Riding on 17-inch […]

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Bike Of The Day: WSM Bol d’Or

Mark Capayas — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 21:52:32 +0000

This custom motorcycle was created by Walt Siegl Motorcycles in Harrisville, New Hampshire using the chassis and mechanical components of an MV Agusta Brutale 800 and is one of ten such examples produced. Constructed with a carbon fiber half-faring, fuel tank, front fender, and cafe-style tail section reinforced with Kevlar, it sports a red, silver, and blue finish with black script. Notable features include a black chrome-moly steel trellis frame, aluminum swingarm pivot plates, and a custom aluminum subframe. Practical […]

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Riding Gear Review: Saint Engineered Classic Jacket

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 04:15:41 +0000

This is the Saint Engineered Classic Riding Jacket. Developed by Melbourne-based riding gear experts Saint, the Engineered Classic Jacket represents an evolution of their best-selling jacket that adds class AA-certified protection to the offering. Saint has been producing streetwear-styled riding gear since they first came on the scene. I have been lucky enough to own many items from their range and regularly wear their jeans both on and off my motorcycle thanks to their great look and comfort. The Engineered […]

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Single Obsession : A KTM 690 Duke Cafe Racer by 46 Works

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 09:03:59 +0000

Shiro Nakajima of Japana’s 46 Works has the kind of fabrication skills most could only dream of possessing. As a trained engineer his work is both intricately precise and highly functional and his keen eye for design means that everything he produces looks every bit as good as it performs. Shiro’s latest work of art, a KTM 690 Duke cafe racer, was his entry into the 2023 Mooneyes Yokohama Show. It also happens to be his personal ride and a […]

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Keeping Spirits High: The Royal Enfield Custom World

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:43:11 +0000

Turn back the clock to 2016 and you’ll see motorcycle manufacturers scrambling to get involved in the custom scene. Yamaha’s Yardbuilt Series was in full swing, BMW had unveiled the R NineT alongside custom builders Rolands Sands and El Solitario, and Triumph was gearing up to release a whole raft of new modern classic models ripe for customization. It was the peak of the “new-wave” custom scene and manufacturers were working hand in hand with some of the world’s top […]

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Bike Of The Day: Custom 1978 BMW R80/7 by Upcycle Garage

Mark Capayas — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 22:00:38 +0000

This 1978 BMW R80/7 was modified by Upcycle Motor Garage into a bobber and fitted it with military-spec Firestone tractor tires. The bike showcases a distinctive two-tone green finish on an R80/7 frame, expertly fabricated behind the BMW neck and down tubes. The lowered engine and rigid rear end contribute to its unique design. Powering the motorcycle is a 798cc opposed twin engine coupled with a five-speed transmission. Notable modifications include the exposed driveshaft, a Motogadget m-Unit, a springer front […]

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Scarecrow 2: Vytautas Alekna’s BMW K1100LT

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:02:53 +0000

I’ve written articles about thousands of custom motorcycles, but every so often a bike crosses my radar that’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. Built by Lithuanian-born motorcycle addict Vytautas Alekna, this mind-bending BMW K1100LT is a custom creation that defies definition. Growing up with a father who was obsessed with motorcycling, Vytautas was bitten by the bug at an early age. However, his journey into the world of customization came later. After striking a friendship with motorcycle engineer Mindaugas Silgalis, […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2019 BMW R nineT Option 719

Mark Capayas — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 22:19:19 +0000

The BMW R nineT, part of BMW’s Heritage line, is a classically styled café racer that seamlessly combines vintage and modern design elements. The 2019 R nineT stands out with its gold-finished front suspension fork, lightweight aluminum engine cover and tail section, and 17” wire-spoke steel wheels. Powered by a 1,170cc 4-stroke flat-twin engine and featuring a single-sided swingarm, this 2019 model comes equipped with Option 719. This customization program, rooted in BMW’s heritage since 1923, empowers customers to personalize […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1980 Suzuki GS1000 Custom ‘Restomod’

Mark Capayas — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:07:58 +0000

This stunning Suzuki GS1000 was transformed through a two-year custom ‘restomod’ reconstruction. The frame of this unique GS1000 was developed to accommodate a tailor-made seat, while the swingarm was expertly designed to host a larger rear wheel. This motorcycle boasts lightweight Akront spoked wheels adorned with a combination of Pirelli and Continental tires. It cruises on shortened front fork legs and YSS adjustable rear shocks. The front mudguard, skillfully fashioned from aluminum and coated in a matching gloss black finish, […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster XL1200CX ‘JT26 Rascal’

Mark Capayas — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:26:38 +0000

The ‘JT26 Rascal’ is a unique custom build inspired by Warr’s Harley-Davidson’s second consecutive UK and Ireland championship-winning bike, the ‘Rascal Racer,’ in the annual Battle of the Kings build-off. This custom creation was designed by Charlie Stockwell of Stockwell Design, who serves as the Head of Design and Custom at Warr’s Harley-Davidson custom department, King’s Road Customs, showcasing the full potential of the top-of-the-range Sportster XL1200 Roadster model. The exterior design by Image Design Custom, drew inspiration from the […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2021 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber

Mark Capayas — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 21:57:45 +0000

BAAK Motocyclettes has customized this Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, equipping it with a potent 853cc air-cooled longitudinal four-stroke V-twin engine that delivers 65hp at 6,800rpm. The powerplant boasts two valves per cylinder, controlled by a centralized camshaft and operated through rocker arms. Notably, the intake valve is crafted from titanium, enhancing the crankshaft profile with its lightweight construction. Fuel delivery is managed by an electronic injection system, and the air intake is regulated by an electronically actuated central throttle body, […]

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