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Moto-Art 181

Biker Chick 071

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Machine 6 By Kaffee Maschine

  There’s an allure to European motorcycles that I find irresistible.  There’s an old-world charm that Japanese machines lack, though that’s starting to change lately.  BMW, Ducati, and Aprilia are cutting edge, and in my opinion have lost some of the essence that makes for a bike with personality.  Fortunately, Italy’s answer to Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi, is still keeping the flame burning.  Yes, they have thoroughly modern bikes, but there’s still that spark of tradition that goes beyond engine configuration or valve train mechanisms. 

   Moto Guzzis are perfect platforms for cafe conversion, and this one from Germany’s Kaffe Maschine is a wonderful example of the type.  While she’s been optimized for the track, with nary a nod to street use, she’s a perfect demonstrator of what can be done.  Clean lines, a balanced look, and  a color scheme that works to enhance the sense of forward motion all combine to make this one of the better Moto Guzzi customs out there.  She’s a peach!

Kaffee Maschine

Source: Wind-Blown

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Moto-Art 175

Water Buffalo Drag Bike

  If there’s a motorsport that I find less appealing than NASCAR, it would be drag racing.  At least in NASCAR they turn every once in a while!  While I don’t really care for the sport, the bikes look awesome!  Just look at this thing, it’s old-school speed through and through.  Slap some fenders and lights on her, and you’d have am awesome looking streetbike.  Not my usual fare here at the Garage, but I really like this one!

North American Two-Strokes Forum Post

Source: illiMOTO

Moto-Art 174

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Retro Moto’s Honda CM400 Racer

  The art of making steel into beauty is a talent that I much admire.  It’s like a sculptor who takes a block of marble and forms a statue, there’s a vision to the work that not everyone can comprehend.  Junior Burell of Retro Moto is one such artist, and this is the type of work he does.  Here’s how he describes the build…

  The bike was originally an '81 Honda CM400. I purchased it the day after my previous build was stolen. At the time it was just frame, wheels, and a locked up engine. I was able to find an '82 450 engine with a six speed gearbox which I also purchased to go into this build.

  Since I was building this bike for myself, I wanted to fabricate as many of the parts myself as possible. The Honda CM400 isn't a very popular bike because of the shape of the subframe. I cured that issue by chopping it off and building a new one with a much a more aggressive look. The tank was formed by hand from steel and was inspired by old Italian race bikes.

  I built the tail to follow the lines of the tank and the seat is wood base with padded leather inserts. I freshened up the engine and had the head ported and polished. I joined the clipons to the tacho and headlight to make them a single piece reducing clutter on the fork tubes. A couple of buddies of mine talked me into building the under-tail exhaust, and I’m glad they did. The rear sets were constructed using parts from the original oil pump and a pocket bike transmission. The bike is a blast to ride and I do so every chance I get.

  I chose to build motorcycles because the options and possibilities for creativity are endless. I build with an aim to transform raw steel into art.

  There’s a definite sense of artistry to the bike, and it’s what differentiates Junior from many of his peers.

Retro Moto

Source: Cafe Racer and Return Of The Cafe Racers

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Moto-Art 162

Spirit Of The Seventies Spirit II

  Even with a shaft drive, this Yamaha XS750/850 (750 up-engined to an 850) is the epitome of a cafe racer.  While I think a regular sized headlight would look better, and the “spirit” on the front forks is too much, there’s not much else to criticize.  Well, OK, maybe a better seat pad would be nice, that one looks like a joke.  The color scheme and paint, on the other hand, is no joke and really emphasizes a sense of speed and power.

Spirit Of The Seventies