Friday 25th November, 2011
Yamaha has dipped a tentative toe into the custom waters: it’s commissioned three top builders to work their magic on the venerable V-Max ‘power cruiser’. The V-Max has been around since 1985, so it’s due for a fillip—and that’s exactly what Roland Sands (USA), Marcus Walz (Germany) and Ludovic Lazareth (France) have provided. Although Yamaha has called the initiative “Hyper Modified”, the mods are relatively mild. I’m guessing the builders were told not to stray too far from the essence of the original. The version we’re looking at here comes from Lazareth, who plays at the more extreme end of the custom field—and has a penchant for bolting superchargers onto his bikes. Read More »
Wednesday 23rd November, 2011
If you want a thoroughly modern Ducati with retro good looks, there’s an alternative to the Sport Classic range. It’s the Baines Imola, and this is the first one ever built. It’s the work of John Baines, the Silverstone-based Ducati racer and tuner. This bike is running a 1993 900 Supersport motor, and it’s also fitted with an original bevel Ducati fairing, seat and Conti-type pipes (check the sound in this video). Italian Motor Magazine editor Adam Bolton has ridden it, and reports: “The rate of acceleration is seriously quick and absolutely unexpected from a two-valve Ducati—open the throttle and it just takes off, no messing, no glitches and with plenty of torque”. That’s partly due to the light 168 kg kerb weight and compact frame. Baines based this frame on a 900 Supersport unit, but modified it—most notably with a reduced head angle to quicken the steering. The motor is also enhanced, with 11.5:1 compression Arias pistons, a port and polish job, and a Stage 2 Dynojet kit. The measured rear wheel HP is 83, but the bike is around 90 lbs (40 kg) lighter than a stock 900SS. The Baines Imola was produced for just four years, stopping when the Sport Classic hit the showrooms in 2005. Just 38 were made—so you’ll need to keep a very, very close eye on eBay if you fancy one.
Check out Issue 4 of Italian Motor Magazine for more images of this bike—plus additional cafe racer goodness. Or better still, subscribe.
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Monday 21st November, 2011
We don’t feature many contemporary Harley customs. But the detailing on this Softail Cross Bones caught my eye. It was built by Charlie Stockwell, of the London Harley-Davidson dealer Warr’s, and it’s a collaboration with the Japanese denim label Evisu—a pioneer of intricate, small-scale selvedge production. The look is dark and vintage, offset by warm nickel plating and glimpses of denim trim.
The engine covers are hand-engraved with Japanese-inspired art, including Nishikigoi Koi fish, scales and crashing waves. It’s the work of a London gunsmith and contains symbols used by Evisu over the brand’s 20-year existence. Read More »
Sunday 20th November, 2011
It’s hard to believe that the Wrenchmonkees have been operating for three years now. But in that short time, they’ve become one of the most recognized names in the custom motorcycle world. The history of this 1977 Kawasaki Z1000A is entwined in the history of the company, because it’s been in and out of the Copenhagen workshop since the start. It was originally owned by a mechanic friend of the Wrenchmonkees, who bought the bike for just $2,000. When it arrived, it would barely run—but it’s now a high-performance machine finished in the ‘Monkees signature dark style. Read More »
Friday 18th November, 2011
Of all the motorcycles revealed at the EICMA show in Milan, this is the one that got my heart beating fastest. It’s the Husqvarna Concept MOAB, and it’s billed as a “modern re-interpretation of the scrambler”. If the colors look familiar, it’s because they replicate the paintwork of Steve McQueen’s 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross. According to the blurb given to the press, “The red tank, the spacious seat, the yellow side panel number holders, the simple stripped-down frame … these all form the essence of the new incarnation of the Husqvarna spirit.” And that’s fine by me. Read More »
Wednesday 16th November, 2011
Most motorcycle manufacturers strive for progress. And in doing so, progressively remove the connection between the rider and the machine. One hand gives with more power, while the other hand takes away—with electronics to control that power. But Ural motorcycles have always chosen the tried and trusted route. The original BMW-based design is now decades old, albeit carefully updated with modern components. (That includes Marzocchi forks, Sachs shocks and Brembo brakes.) This month is Ural’s 70th anniversary, so the company is celebrating—not with a giant leap forward, but with a giant step back. And it’s exactly the right thing to do. Read More »
Tuesday 15th November, 2011
Whenever I see a Honda CB750 in the metal, I’m always surprised at how big it is. In photographs, Honda’s iconic inline four always seems slim and sleek. So I’d love to throw a leg over this 1980 CB750 KZ, the latest custom from Cafe Racer Dreams. Nicknamed “Brownie”, it’s a CB750 on a diet. The Spanish builder’s changes are relatively small and conservative, but well-judged—this is the second bike they’ve modified in this style, and it’s becoming a signature look. Power gets a boost from Keihin carbs, free-flowing filters and a custom exhaust system. At the back are Hagon shocks, and up front are Renthal Ultra Low bars. The electrics have been simplified and the ignition key unit has been relocated to underneath the tank on the right-hand side. That supremely glossy tank is a stock item, cut down, and of course the side covers have gone: the battery is now hidden away in a small custom-made aluminum box. It’s this new space under the custom seat that’s helped the CB750 to shed a lot of visual weight. The brown, gold and black color scheme is low-key but luxurious, like a fine piece of leatherwork. I’m sold, but unfortunately, so is this bike. Check out the stylish Cafe Racer Dreams website for more of these gorgeous machines.
PS: The 2012 Bike EXIF calendar is now on sale. Bigger and better than ever before. Get your copy from Amazon. Read More »
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