An invitation to build a custom bike for the annual Born Free show in the US is a massive accolade. But the honor is typically reserved for custom builders that are well established within the scene—and that’s where the Biltwell People’s Champ competition comes in. “Biltwell’s goal for the annual, democratic People’s Champ bike building…
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If you want to learn how to weld, fabricate parts, or rebuild an engine, there’s no shortage of resources out there. But good design can’t be taught. You either have impeccable taste and a sharp eye—or you don’t. For Yusaku Sato at Satomari Motorcycle in Hiroshima, Japan, good design is instinctual. The Harley choppers that…
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There’s a lot to love about Honda’s current crop of pint-sized modern classics—particularly the iconic Honda Dax. But for some riders, the modern amenities hiding under the new Dax’s retro aesthetic are a major turn-off. Not everyone wants (or needs) fuel injection and ABS-equipped disc brakes on their scoot. Mike Chen is a firm fan…
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Vida Motorcycle has been building Euro-style choppers from their workshop in Fukuoka, Japan, for 17 years. But they’ve also found their groove with high-performing Harley-Davidson FXR and Dyna builds in recent years. So when their latest customer wanted a bit of both in one bike, Vida was poised to deliver. The commission came from the…
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Each year, on the first Sunday of December, scores of custom motorcycles and hot rods pack out the Pacifico Yokohama exhibition center,…
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They say that perfect is the enemy of good. But when it comes to high-end custom motorcycles, shouldn’t perfection be the goal?…
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As one of its pre-eminent voices, Winston Yeh’s contribution to the modern custom motorcycle scene is undeniable. But where does he draw…
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In our quest to pack Speed Read with every style of motorcycle imaginable, we’re kicking things off with a groovy 70s-style Royal…
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Despite its middle-of-the-road looks, there’s a lot to love about the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Royal Enfield’s lively 648 cc parallel-twin…
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From Jakarta to Bavaria, great custom motorcycles know no borders. Our weekly round-up includes a Yamaha XS650 chopper, a custom BMW R80RT,…
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There’s a long history of purpose-built automobiles that use motorcycle engines. Combine a strong enough motor with a light enough chassis, and…
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There’s no shortage of celebrities that own motorcycles, but that doesn’t make them real riders. Norman Reedus might be best known for…
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