In the late 70s, Brook Henry (an Australian Ducati expert) started Vee Two and established himself as one of the world’s pre-eminent guys to make a Ducati go faster. In addition to a bevy of trick parts, Vee Two ended up creating a few bespoke models. One was the Alchemy, based on bevel head engines. Recently they’ve also made the …
1946 Triumph…Something
Post Sale Update: After 23 bids on eBay, this Doc custom sold for $2,876. That’s right – it’s time for another game of “what the heck is that?” courtesy of the late Dr. Robert Harms. At this point you’ve seen plenty of his builds and hopefully remember his story. If not, I’ll send you back to the Kneeslider for a …
Magnum Opus Custom – 1978 Kawasaki KZ830 Turbo
8-29-2016 Update: This “KZ830” keeps getting relisted at lower prices – now you can find it with a BIN of $14,500 here on eBay. Built by Magnum Opus Custom Bikes, (I’ve featured XV750 build and a CB750 build of theirs in the past), this Kawi turbo was first revealed to the public last weekend at the Handbuilt Show.
Could It Be? 1933 NSU Twin Engine Custom
Post Listing Update: This crazy custom did not meet reserve with bidding up to $12,200. The seller has no feedback and the bike’s going to need some work, but this is definitely one of the most interesting twin-engine motorcycles I’ve ever seen…assuming the listing’s for real.
The KAgusta – BMW K-Series Custom
I’ve featured a few of Larry Romestant’s “Special K” builds in the past, like “The Executive“. They’re all variations based on flying bricks, but the only one I’ve really been intrigued by is this build, called the “KAgusta.” I first saw it in person several years ago and I’ve been intrigued by it since – but now I finally know …
The Huskymer – 1976 BMW R75/6 Custom
Built by Mokka Cycles, the Kuskymer is named as it’s a Husky tank on a BMW slash 5. It’s a weird concept, but do you think it works well?
1971 Honda CB750 Cafe Racer
Here’s a rare cafe racer where the builder realized it takes more than a set of cafe bars and a custom tail. What do you think of the end result?
1984 BMW R100RT Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this BMW sold for $10,000. I featured an R65 a few days ago that had been modified into a café racer, and remarked how great I thought it was that old, unloved bikes were getting a second lease on life. Here’s another great example. This bike (VIN: WB1044903E6243804) started life as an R100RT. It …
1981 Honda CB900F Cafe Racer
The predecessor of the CB1100F, Honda’s CB900F was introduced in 1981 after US riders sufficiently complained that the bike was available in Europe but not in the States. Cycle magazine called it “one of the best performance buys on the market” in 1982. Of course, this statement has not held up over time, so now it’s an interesting platform for …
In England – 1978 Yamaha SR500 Custom
The English Electric Lightning was a Cold War era jet fighter known for having an incredible rate of climb – pilots said flying it was like “being saddled to a skyrocket.” That plane was the inspiration for this Yamaha custom built by Old Empire Motorcycles – a SR500 dubbed “Lightning.”
Old and New – 1975 Honda “CB450R”
Post Listing Update: This CB450R did not get any action at the opening bid of $3,550. Built by Kurt Blankemeyer of Design Cycle, this “CB450R” combines a heavily modified frame from a ’75 CB400F and mates it to a Honda CRF450R motorcross engine. It is glorious, and it’s on offer with no reserve.
Unexpected Custom – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S was relisted a couple of times, but eventually it did not meet reserve with the bids stalling at $8,500. Obviously, BMW airheads have become a popular platform for customization in the last few years. Still, you don’t expect to see someone start with a R90S! What do you think of the end result? Before you …
Born Free Best Chopper – 1963 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Post Sale Update: This FL chopper sold for $19,600 after 27 bids on eBay. The seller calls this “part survivor/part custom” – whatever you call it, it won Best Chopper at last year’s Born Free 7. It’s been featured in Easyriders Magazine (NSFW) and will be featured in the August issue of Hot Bike/Street Chopper.
1999 Royal Enfield/Buell Custom
Post Sale Update: This crazy custom sold for $3,050 after 15 bids. Yes, it’s another Robert “Doc” Harms build – I will never not feature one of these! This time around we’ve got a turbocharged Buell single in a Royal Enfield frame, and it’s probably my favorite of the offered builds so far.
Custom Airhead – 1979 BMW R65
I’m really starting to enjoy these classic airhead builds. I knew that BMW was trying to change their demographic, but I never thought we’d see a day that people are customizing old airheads. My favorite part is that these builders are repurposing bikes that might not necessarily get a second chance at life. Case in point is this 1979 R65. …