March 17, 2018

META

The OG Moto Show 2018

March 17, 2018

META

March 31st, 2018

Downtown Los Angeles

The Outlier's Guild Motorcycle Show Returns on March 31 to Downtown Los Angeles

The Second Annual Event to Feature Unique Collection of Custom Motorcycles, Motorcycle-inspired Art, and Entertainment

Long Beach, Calif. – March 16, 2018 – The second annual Outlier’s Guild Custom Motorcycle Show will return to Downtown Los Angeles on March 31, 2018 at an all-new venue, 6th Anderson. The event will showcase a remarkable collection of Café Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Modern Classic, and Brat style motorcycles along with full custom builds.

The Outlier’s Guild Motorcycle Show, also referred to as The OG Moto Show, has brought a unique motorcycle experience to Southern California. The event will gather over a hundred of the top custom builders from across the country and thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts together in a unique setting.

An all-star roster of builders will be participating including: Alchemy Motorcycles, Carpy, Cerberus Motorcycles, Chabott Engineering, Chopper Design, Duane Ballard, Eastern Fabrication, Iron Cobra, Jeff Wolf, JSK Moto, Kickstart Garage, Kiyo's Garage, Max Hazan Motorwork, Monnom Customs, Moto Chop Shop, Sean Burley, Sosa Metalworks, Speed Merchant, Steady Garage, Steve Cabellero, Suicide Machine Co., Twin Line, Woolie of Deus ex Machina, Zach Siglow and Zanutto Engineering.

Additionally, the event will feature a one-of-a-kind OG Moto Market with vendors, food trucks, coffee, and live entertainment. Performing during the event weekend include the Woolly Bandits, an LA-based punk garage band lead by Christa Collins and the Powerflex 5 featuring skateboarding legend Steve Alba on guitar, tattoo artist Corey Miller on drums, and Bobby Abarca on bass.

New to this year’s show will be the OG Moto Gallery, an exhibit of motorcycle-inspired art, photography, and a collection of vintage motorcycles. The gallery will feature work from artists and photographers from around the world including an exhibit by the renown artist, Ornamental Conifer, titled “Reliable Souls,” presented by Vans. Other featured artists include: Steve Cabellero, OVMD, Tomas Pajdlhauser, Robert Schlueter, Ben Giese, Maryia Bulka, Jasper Wong, Blue, Carter Asmann, Tyler Cornelius, Andrew Ritter, Bombshell Deluxe, and more. Participating photographers include: Norman Reedus, Estevan Oriol, Willie T, Dylan Gordon, Matt Jones, and Laurent Nivalle. Additionally, the Motodoffo Collection presented by Doffo Winery, an impressive array of twenty classic and vintage motorcycles will be on display within the art gallery. The OG Moto art gallery will be open on select dates after the event with the schedule to be announced on the OG Moto website.

The OG Moto Show is supported by: The House of Machine, Alpinestars, Bell, Flexfit, Meguiar’s, Moto Doffo, Rev’it, Rizoma, Roland Sands Design, Royal Enfield, Vans, and WD-40.

The OG Moto Show is open to the public and is $10 at the door with a limited amount of online pre-sale tickets for $5. Kids 12 and under are free with adult admission. Tickets can be purchased on www.ogmotoshow.com. The event will be held from 12 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, March 31 at 6th Anderson located at 615 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90023.

For more information visit, www.ogmotoshow.com and find The Outlier’s Guild Motorcycle Show on Instagram @ogmotoshow and Facebook www.facebook.com/OutliersGuildMotoshow.

Press Inquiries

John Pangilinan
info@ogmotoshow.com

About the Outlier's Guild Custom Motorcycle Show

The Outlier’s Guild Motorcycle Show is a motorcycle event that celebrates vintage, modern classic, and full custom motorcycles. Founded by Jay LaRossa of Lossa Engineering, Stan Chen, John Pangilinan, and Ralph Holguin of RMD Garage with the goal to produce a unique motorcycle experience for enthusiasts. The event will feature art, photography, music and a diverse and impressive collection of motorcycles on display. For more information visit, www.ogmotoshow.com.

March 5, 2018

META

THE WRENCH: SCOUT BOBBER BUILD OFF

March 5, 2018

META

Indian Motorcycle Spotlights Unknown Builders

Bike Build Off to Supply Three Non-Professional Customizers with 2018 Scout Bobber & $10,000 Build Budget

MINNEAPOLIS (March 5, 2018) – There was a time when building custom motorcycles came with zero promise of fame or fortune. Instead, it was purely about the love of chopping, welding and grinding on sheet metal. Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company founded in 1901, today announced The Wrench: Scout Bobber Build Off competition. A custom motorcycle competition unlike any other, The Wrench celebrates those who find their sense of identity, purpose and glory, spending painstaking hours wrenching on garage builds.

Indian Motorcycle, along with Hot Bike magazine and a panel of expert judges, featuring Roland Sands, Satya Kraus, Jason Paul Michaels and Hot Bike Editor-in-Chief Jordan Mastagni are seeking three of the most-talented motorcycle craftsmen in the country with the vision and talent to transform stock Indian Scout Bobbers into one-off works of custom motorcycle art. The competition is not open to professional builders and contestants cannot make a living customizing motorcycles. Instead, Indian Motorcycle is looking for everyday wrenchers, home builders and amateur customizers who tinker in the garage for the passion, not the pay. Motorcycle industry professionals, such as a mechanic or salesperson, are welcomed to submit.

From March 15-30, amateur builders can submit to be one of three chosen participates. From April 3-13, the top submissions will be showcased online and available for fan voting.

“We wanted to create a program that would celebrate the unsung heroes who spend countless hours wrenching on their bikes. The men and women who don’t do it for recognition or notoriety, but solely for self-expression and the pure art of customizing a motorcycle,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director – Marketing and Product Planning for Indian Motorcycle. “Last year we saw what professionals could do with the Scout Bobber platform when Kraus Motor, Keino Cycles and RSD unveiled incredible designs at the Brooklyn Invitational. This year, we’re turning the spotlight away from the pros, and shining it on everyday wrenchers.”

Indian Motorcycle will arm each amateur builder with a new 2018 stock Indian Scout Bobber and provide a build budget of $10,000. Participants will design and create their own take on the stripped-down, 100 horsepower cruiser. The three custom Scout Bobbers will be unveiled in July, followed by a fan vote. The winner will be announced at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and will receive a $10,000 grand prize along with a feature spread in Hot Bike magazine.

To enter, wrenchers can visit IndianMotorcycle.com and submit 500 words explaining their build plans and why they’re deserving to be one of three participants. Submissions should include a sketch or digital design rendering of their customized Scout Bobber concept, along with descriptions and imagery of previous builds. Those submitting are asked to include any references who can reinforce their talent and justify their skills. Video submissions are also welcomed.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Follow along or join the conversation by using #TheWrenchIMC.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visitwww.indianmotorcycle.com.

February 24, 2018

META

Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen Launch

February 24, 2018

META

Three Sophisticated, Urban-Styled Models to Enrich Husqvarna's Return to Street Motorcycling

Photos by Sebas Romero

Husqvarna Motorcycles launches their highly anticipated and exciting new range of “real street” motorcycles to the North American market at the Skylight Modern event space in the Chelsea Gallery District of New York City. This modern urban environment, often used for fashion and art shows, provided the perfect canvas to showcase and introduce an entirely new segment of motorcycling to a public motivated by design and technology. The VITPILEN 401, VITPILEN 701, and SVARTPILEN 401 are free of unnecessary excess and feature the most advanced technology to offer something new to the world of motorcycling.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ return to street is a concept originally introduced at EICMA in 2014 with the unveiling of the VITPILEN 401 and SVARTPILEN 401 concepts and in 2015 the VITPILEN 701 concept. These three unique models, inspired by the minimal simplicity of classic Swedish design, are the beginning of a concept that will grow further. Created in the style of this legendary brand, Husqvarna's new urban motorcycles combine high quality, state-of-the-art technology and a progressive design approach to offer a modern riding experience without limitations.

The evening began with a cocktail hour that welcomed guests to immerse themselves in the simple and progressive new range with virtual reality experiences touring the Trollstigen, one of the most exciting roads in Norway, aboard a VITPILEN 701. An interactive presentation highlighted the features and design approach that runs through the whole VITPILEN family capturing the inclusive and pioneering spirt of the brand.

“We are excited to welcome the various media outlets joining us for this momentous occasion. It is with great anticipation that we welcome the VITPILEN family and we look forward to these bikes arriving in North American dealers early May of this spring.’’

– Blaine Schuttler: Managing Director North America

February 22, 2018

META

Explore Shift at IMS

February 22, 2018

META

International Motorcycle Shows - Washington D.C.

Februray 23-25, 2018

IMS introduces Shift. A new lifestyle inspired space to Explore, Shop, Socialize and Experience. Come check out a rad selection of brands that are both new and known to the industry, many of which play across multiple channels; all of which offer a fresh prospective about life on two wheels and beyond.

February 21, 2018

META

Two New Retro Inspired Harley Sportsters

February 21, 2018

META

NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON FORTY-EIGHT SPECIAL AND IRON 1200 SPORTSTERS FUSE THROW-BACK DESIGN WITH MODERN PERFORMANCE

High Handlebars, Cool Graphics, and Garage-Built Attitude

MILWAUKEE (February 21, 2018) – Harley-Davidson adds to the long legacy of its Sportster motorcycle line with the introduction of the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special models. The latest in a line of 100 high-impact motorcycles the company plans to introduce by 2027, these new high-bar Sportsters combine throw-back styling trends from the custom-bike scene with the solid foundation of the Sportster platform and the punchy performance of the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine.

Since its introduction in 1957, Sportster motorcycles have been repeatedly reimagined, in the hands of both the Motor Company and bike owners: The Sportster as a bobber, a chopper, a scrambler and a café racer; as a hero on flat tracks and drag strips and road-race courses; as an accessible entry-point for first-time riders, and as a custom-of-one cruiser.

“Since its inception, the Sportster has offered the perfect combination of size, power and character that makes it appealing to so many different riders,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson V.P. of Styling & Design. “A Sportster is a relatively easy bike to strip down and reinvent. What we’ve done to create the new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special is what Sportster owners have been doing with their own bikes for generations.”

New fuel tank graphics distinguish both the Iron 1200 and the Forty-Eight Special, and combine bold color stripes with a formal typeface, color and graphic elements originally popular in the 1970s.

“The art on these two fuel tanks reflect contemporary trends we are seeing on custom bikes and in design in general, a move away from more complex and intricate art to a look that’s very simple and clean,” said Richards. “It’s also important to note that these graphics respect the shape of the fuel tank and in the case of the Sportster, that tank shape is a classic design element in its own right.”

Iron 1200™
The Iron 1200 recipe starts with power. A 1202cc Evolution® 1200 V-Twin engine delivers 36 percent more torque (73.0 ft. lbs. vs. 53.8 ft. lb.) than the 883 Evolution engine that powers the Iron 883, the original urban brawler in the Sportster family. The Iron 1200 brings more punch to the street fight – more power to blast away from green lights and more mid-range to muscle through traffic. More power means more rowdy fun.

The satin-black Mini Ape handle bar is an essential element of the garage-built chopper look that adds instant attitude. This 1.0-inch diameter handlebar offers an 8.75-inch rise, 32-inch spread and 6.5-inch pull back, that opens the rider triangle with a fist-in-the-wind posture. The gloss black speed screen framing the headlamp is a West Coast styling influence that amplifies the attitude of the tall bars, is intended to offer some wind deflection at speed and provides a space for easy personalization. The fast-back Café Solo Seat flows to the rear fender and is shaped to help hold the rider in position when the torque of the Evolution 1200 kicks in.

A classic 3.3-gallon Sportster fuel tank features multi-colored striped graphics that wrap around the tank profile. The dark engine finish helps draw the eyes to the bright tank graphics. Fuel tank paint color options include Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Billiard White, always contrasting with the Vivid Black speed screen.

The entire powertrain has been styled with a popular color: black upper and lower rocker boxes, black exhaust and muffler shields, and black timer, primary and derby covers. Chrome pushrod tubes and tappet covers are the only brightwork and highlight the V-Twin engine shape. The Iron 1200 is finished with all-black 9-Spoke wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) and a solid black belt guard and rear sprocket.

The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are factory-installed options for the Iron 1200 model.

Forty-Eight® Special
The burly front end of the Forty-Eight Special – a 130mm front tire framed by 49mm forks secured in massive forged aluminum triple clamps – looks especially menacing when topped with a gloss-black, 7.25-inch high Tallboy handlebar.

“We specifically selected the Tallboy bar for its shape,” said Richards. “It offers less pull-back than the Mini-Ape, a look that really works with the steamroller front end and the smaller fuel tank on the Forty-Eight Special model.”

That 2.2-gallon “peanut” Sportster fuel tank features rows of bold, horizontal stripes framing a simple Harley-Davidson text logo. The fuel tank is available in three color options: Vivid Black, Wicked Red, and Billiard White.

The Evolution 1200 engine features a black top end and an expanse of brilliant chrome below, including chrome primary, inspection and derby covers, and solid chrome muffler and exhaust shields. Chrome lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet covers contrast with the black cylinders to highlight the V-Twin engine shape. High-performance Michelin Scorcher 31 tires front and rear are mounted on Black Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels (16-inch diameter front and rear).

The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are factory-installed options for the Forty-Eight Special model.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

February 20, 2018

META

Velomacchi + Yamaha Rural Racer

February 20, 2018

META

Backroads Adventure, Performance Engineering and Modern Technology Merge in New Concept Bike

The Rural Racer Project, a custom motorcycle collaboration between Velomacchi and Yahama Motorcycles, is to be unveiled as a work-in-progress on Friday, Feb 9th at the One Moto Show in Portland, Oregon. Velomacchi, an Oregon-based premium motorcycle accessory and lifestyle brand, developed the Rural Racer Project with Yamaha Motorcycles to showcase the companies’ mutual roots in moto heritage, technology, and innovation. The project also aims to illustrate the versatility and mod-ability of the new Yamaha XSR700 platform to meet the diverse riding needs of the Pacific Northwest.

The Rural Racer Project pays homage to urban-dwelling adventure moto culture; the self-taught mechanics willing to pay their own way, build their own vehicles, and escape into the hills whenever possible. Embracing like-minded values, Velomacchi and Yamaha have teamed up to create the ultimate bike that combines their mutual respect for Americana heritage with modern technology, precision engineering, aggressive riding, and backcountry exploration.

Yamaha’s new XSR platform boasts a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 689cc parallel twin engine renowned for smooth and consistent power delivery, powerful torque and hard acceleration. Numerous modifications and technical adaptations allow the bike to carry extra gas, tools, and overnight gear into remote environments. A custom leather seat inspired by vintage Yamaha Enduro bikes provides additional under-seat storage for gear and documents. The Rural Racer XSR700 will also feature a custom Yoshimura R&D exhaust with a newly designed catalytic converter that’s more powerful, lighter weight, and environmentally compliant in all 50-states. The bike’s rear shock and front fork are also customized for aggressive backcountry riding by Race Tech.

Integrating modern technology is also a cornerstone to the Rural Racer Project. The bike’s build team is working to create a modified ignition that starts upon smart phone facial recognition, and also runs the tachometer, speedometer, and GPS-enabled navigation utilities. The Rural Racer XSR700 will also utilize modern drone technology from DJI that includes a drone mount on directly the fuel tank that provides a gimbal-stabilized camera perspective while riding and rapid overhead drone deployment.

Kevin Murray, Founder and Chief Designer at Velomaccchi and lead builder of the Rural Racer XSR700 commented, “We wanted to build a bike that spoke to the modern urban dweller who uses their bike to both commute to work and escape on the weekends. That’s why the Rural Racer XSR700 is as beautiful and heritage-inspired as it is modernized with technology solutions like drone carry, facial recognition, and precision engineered parts from some of the top component brands in the world.”

Shun Miyazawa, Yamaha Motorcycle Project Manager and Rural Racer Project collaborator also commented, “Kevin and I have been talking about a heritage-inspired modernized rural race bike for years; our two brands share a lot of common values and we have both born witness to how this industry is changing. The Rural Racer XSR700 keeps the heritage-inspired vibe people love, while also delivering 21st century technology and unrivaled performance.”

The Rural Racer XSR700 was unveiled as a “work-in-progress” at One Moto Show on Friday, Feb. 9 in Portland, OR, with the grand completion to be unveiled in April at the 2018 Handbuilt Show in Austin, TX.

Rural Racer XSR700 Product Specs

· Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 689cc Parallel Twin Engine by Yamaha

· Desert racing trail lighting with low and hi beam

· Facial recognition ignition

· Smartphone tachometer, speedometer, and GPS navigation

· Custom Italian wheels with patented tubeless construction

· Custom 25mm Compression / HFR Rebound Front Fork by Race Tech

· Customized exhaust with carbon fiber by Yoshimura R&D

· Advics Monoblocks clamping 282mm front discs

· G3-S Custom Rear Shocks by Race Tech

· Custom leather 3/4 seat with under storage

· Carbon fiber tank shroud

· Riding platform for DJI Mavic drone

· Modular rear carry rack

· Aluminum bash guard

· Drone and smart-camera technology by DJI

· Nissin rear breaks

February 1, 2018

META

Ride Free | Part 1

February 1, 2018

META

Shredding the Moon

Presented by Alta Motors

Alta Motors took Darryn Durham, Tyler Bereman, and Dustin Nowack on a little adventure to the ultimate moto playground, a place we can only imagine is the closest thing to riding on the moon. Silky dirt and giant gaps, the potential was endless at Swingarm City. It turned out to be the perfect place to test the limits of the new 2018 Redshift MXR, and the bike was more than up for the challenge. 100ft sends and epic climbs stood no chance against the electric force of the MXR. That’s one small step for man, one giant gap for motokind.

January 19, 2018

META

Whitcraft Services, 001

January 19, 2018

META

Custom BMW R1150GS

Built by Davey Whitcraft | Photos by Ryan Handt

The modern BMW GS is not unlike a magic carpet - almost telepathic in it’s manners. After so many generations of refinement, the chassis, motor, and suspension are nearly sublime. Yet, it is also the unique design of these components that also makes the bike heavy, unwieldy, and unable to express the classic looks and lines of the older airhead BMW's that we all seem to adore.

The goal of this bike was to create a highly minimal, lightweight and classically styled BMW GS that would not only be reliable and rideable, but look good doing it.

The project started with perhaps the pinnacle of classic GS engineering, the moment in GS evolution that marks the most refined version of the bike before it went full-tilt plastics and technology - the R1150GS Adventure. This model was still mostly constructed of metal yet had the modern refinements that make riding all day long in any condition surprisingly fun and effortless; a stressed member powerplant, the renowned Telelever front suspension and rear Paralever driveshaft and suspension.

The last in the evolution of the BMW R1150 ‘Oilhead’ motor was used; a 2004 Twin Spark edition which has two spark plugs per head - solving the surging issues that plagued the earlier renditions of this motor - mated with an R1150RT-Police EVO transmission (this unit has a lower first and sixth gear, improved shifting and durability, plus it is black!) I began the project with these, and built the bike around them - the inverse of how most bikes are constructed, this one is a motor with stuff bolted to it.

To simplify maintenance and reliability, and to shave off weight, some modifications were done.

First, a new externally located fuel system was designed using AN fittings and hoses that dry break to allow the fuel tank to be removed quickly, an uprated hot rod fuel pump, serviceable pre and post filters, adjustable aerospace grade fuel pressure regulator, higher flowing fuel injectors, an electronic jet kit which controls fueling on the fly and an air-fuel ratio gauge to monitor adjustments in real time. K&N pod filters were fitted, and function properly due to the extensive programmability that the electronic jet kit offers. Clearing all the spent combustibles from the cylinders is now via cera-coated header pipes, a Y-pipe cat delete and a free-flowing Unit Garage high exhaust. Control of the throttle body butterflies is handled by a more responsive short throw Domino racing throttle. Also, the oil cooler was relocated to a lower position in front of the motor.

The electrical system was designed from the ground up, removing 90 percent of the old wiring harness and interfacing the stock ECU with a Motogadget M-Unit Blue, Motogadget Chronoclassic Dark Speedo and Motogadget oil pressure sender (no keys, no display panel, no idiot lights, no fuses, no relays - all ‘trackable and hackable’ via a smartphone interface). A Truck-lite LED headlight was added to the Unit Garage headlight bucket, with Motogadget 360 degree viewable handlebar mounted LED signals, a BAAK Cycles LED tail light. All administration is done via 6 mini Motogadget push buttons connected to the M-Unit via the Motogadget M-button with a single wire. A hellfire loud Denali sound blaster horn was mounted up front to fend off aggressive NYC cabbies. A featherweight Antigravity Lithium battery is hidden under the ECU, kept in place with a custom leather strap and buckle, courtesy of a Brooklyn leather specialist.

Since the bike is considerably lighter than stock, the suspension needed some dialing in. Wilbers shocks were fitted front and rear, with custom spring rates and adjustable preload that allow for proper race sag with the radically lower weight (the bike lost 160 pounds from stock - dry weight is down to 423 from 583). Weight balance front to rear is exactly 50/50.

The BMW GS has incredible brakes, and I intended to retain the braking power but lighten and simplify the system. Everything north of the brake calipers is custom, although after 86'ing the mammoth aging ABS, all discs, calipers, and pads and hardware were replaced with new OEM pieces. The levers are more minimally styled classic Brembo units originally destined for the Ducati 900 series, which has the same piston diameters as the BMW. Brake hoses are custom Goodridge plumbed, with the front receiving the twin hose connection treatment and titanium hardware. The rear brake gets the same plumbing, but with a modified Honda Racing Corporation reservoir delete kit.

After extensive de-tabbing and welding a rear loop, the frame, valve covers and suspension elements were powder coated and fork lower tubes were blasted, and received a light polish. Carbon fiber and aluminum fenders were mounted, along with an under seat fuel system mounting plate and carbon fiber motor cover. CNC aluminum footpegs from Suburban Machinery were used up front, with vintage motocross passenger pegs adapted for the original mounting position for a passenger. A lightweight luggage rack and recycled military waxed cotton luggage bag from Unit Garage was added.

A slim profile custom 5-gallon fuel tank was designed in collaboration between Lawrence Au, Tim Harney and myself, to echo the old airhead toaster tank, and afterwards Harney fabricated the tank from aluminum. The knee cutouts were traced from my knees. A Monza flip-up gas cap was mounted.

Keino Sasaki fabbed up a custom aluminum shroud in front of the tank to alleviate the awkward space created with the Telelever suspension in front after the GS ‘beak' was removed.

The seat was covered in luxurious heavy leather with a diamond stitch pattern by Via Meccanica after I trimmed and shaped the seat pan and foam to match the bikes new, slimmer profile.

Wheels were rebuilt with stainless spokes, new bearings, hubs and rims powder coated and wrapped with Avon Trailrider tires.

Every nut, bolt, washer, bushing, bearing, rubber and maintenance or wear item on the bike was replaced with OEM parts, and when possible upgraded (i.e., Nylock bushings in the rear swingarm).

BMW purists might shriek at first glance of this sliced and diced GS, but I hope they would be won over by the traces of BMW geekiness like BMW blue torque spec marking paint on all torqued hardware, proper fenders, bright lights, a properly set-up GS suspension and even an ample removable windscreen. The bike may look like a style exercise but much care went into creating a highly practical and rideable BMW that retains some of the best features that the GS had - yet lighter, faster and with classic looks.

It takes a village… Many were consulted from the Brooklyn motorcycle community, who nudged and helped during different stages of the process. I am eternally grateful for all their help. In the end, the bike turns out to be a total hooligan bike - the front wheel goes up with a little twist of the right hand and the light weight allows it to be hustled through tight corners far quicker than it should. So. Much. Fun.

Whitcraft Services was the name of my grandfathers bus garage - he was the consummate tinkerer - a stand-out childhood memory involved having grandad visit and immediately plant himself in our backyard garage, emerging a day later with several ‘reconfigured’ big wheels - he cut all my worn out big wheels in half, salvaging the still usable front ends and bolting them together with the usable rears - these were some seriously weird creations. My cousins and I (as well as my Dad, Aunt and Uncle) all kind of hung around the bus garage on family visits. Vacations were about making the trip to granddad’s and ‘helping’ in the garage - pestering everyone who was busy with repairing school buses. The first ‘motorbike’ I had was a Dutch moped my dad scored at the police auction in Cleveland for $26. We got it home and commenced in perpetually dis- and re-assembling it, riding it around the city with my friends - an awesome experience for a kid. I started building these motorcycles after riding for years but not wrenching much. After a serious breakdown on an older BMW GS, I just dug into bikes seriously and haven’t seen a reason to stop yet.