Flashback to 1971. Literally. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper had sprung “Easy Rider” on the unsuspecting public in 1969 and the drive in theaters were full of classic movies like “The Hard Ride”, “Chrome and Hot Leather” and “The Wild Riders”. All of which seemed to star motorcycles, and particularly choppers. Lots of chrome, lots of noise, little substance.
Mild Custom – 1958 Ariel Square Four
By 1958 the Ariel Square Four was considered one of the premier motorcycles on earth. A huge powerplant, incredibly smooth, fast. Edward Turner (who would go on to design the Triumph Speed Twin) designed the twin crank 4 cylinder single head motor in the late 1920’s and sold it to Ariel who successfully brought it to market in 1936. It …
Viktoria – 1978 BMW R100S Custom
Built by Brandon Wulf of Bavarian Cafe, this custom BMW started as a R100S. It received a ‘frame up restoration’ and gorgeous bodywork from Ritmo Sereno. This means we get to play another game of ‘how much is a custom bike worth?’
Sitting Since the 70s – 1947 Velocette MSS 500 Custom
The seller of this bike (same guy with the nifty Triumph flat tracker from yesterday) acquired it from this father upon the latter’s death nearly a decade ago. His dad used to race it in SoCal in the 50s on hill climbs, hare scramblers, flat tracks, and more – plus at one point it was street legal, to boot.
Deus Ex Build – BMW R100S Custom
View PostVee Two Ducati Alchemy SV-1
Last week I featured one of the rare distinct models from Brook Henry’s famed Australian Ducati tuning house, Vee Two. Here’s the other one, a bevel head-based exotic called the Alchemy SV-1.
Confused KLR – 2005/2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Supermoto
There’s a lot of custom KLRs out there – but typically when a KLR owner throws money at his or her bike, it’s to make it more dirt-friendly. This seller has gone in a slightly different direction, as he’s turned it into a fat-tired supermoto. To be frank, I’m not sure it makes sense…but it’s unique enough to share.
Enduro Bobber – 2005 Yamaha 300 Custom
Enduro Bobber: two words I don’t expect to see together. Starting with a “2005 Yamaha 300” – though I could have sworn Yamaha was making a 250 and not a 300 at the time – this bike has been turned into an unexpected bar hopper. It’s street legal and definitely different, but would you ever ride it?
Kott Custom – 1978 Honda CB550
We all know how popular the Honda CB550 is for a Cafe Racer custom. Most of us know how talented Dustin Kott is with the genre (there are several examples right here on bike-urious). The owner of this bike bought a CB550 because it was his first bike and convinced Kott to have a go with it.
In Europe – Vee Two Ducati Squalo
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?