Honda’s CX500 has become a popular platform for custom builds over the last few years as donor bikes could be found for cheap (though prices have been going up as of late). What are your thoughts on this custom?
Unexpected Custom – 1987 Ducati Indiana Street Tracker
Though Ducati’s Indiana was something of a commercial flop, it does make for a pretty interesting base for a street tracker with its Italian-built V (or rather “L”) Twin and pressed-steel backbone frame. Built by Redonda Motorcycles of Coimbra, Portugal, this one-off 1987 example features a myriad of custom works and aftermarket parts as well as upgrades to some of …
Don Vesco Prototype – 1974 Yamaha RD250/350
Post Listing Update: This Vesco prototype did not meet reserve despite 27 bids up to $3,600 in Luttrell, Tennessee. This Yamaha RD started as a 250, though it was “converted to RD350 specs” by none other than Don Vesco. Don used it as a development mule to create his “Cafe Royal” fairings.
Mule Motorcycles Street Tracker – 1984 Harley-Davidson XR1000
Post Listing Update: This Mule Harley did not meet reserve despite 79 bids up to $19,650 on eBay in Aliso Viejo, California. Richard Pollock is the man behind Mule Motorcycles, and he was called when the owner of this XR1000 had an accident and wanted to bring his Harley back to life. The XR1000 is one of Harley’s cooler bikes, …
“Isabella the Cafe Dancer” – 1972 BMW R75/5
Post Sale Update: Isabella sold for $4,150 after 30 bids on eBay in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Named “Isabella”, this slash 5 served its original owner for over 20,000 miles before it was put away in storage. The current owner rebuilt it in 2-year process that included a cafe racer conversion.
Andy DiBrino’s Street Tracker – Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750
I haven’t had a chance to try a Street Rod for myself, but that’s partly because I haven’t encountered one I’d want to try…until today. Andy DiBrino is a two-time RSD Super Hooligan National Champion Flat Track champion who also competes in American Flat Track, AMA Motocross, and MotoAmerica – Cycle News calls him one of the most versatile riders …
TCD’s Aviation-Inspired Custom – 2013 Triumph Thruxton
Built by Moscow’s TCD (short for Timokhin Custom Design), this one-off Thruxton was commissioned by a client who works in the aviation industry, and requested a jet-inspired theme for the Brit bike. So the Russian shop crafted up a full set of custom aluminum bodywork; a sharp, low-profile cafe tail and leather saddle feeding into a diagonally-topped tank that connects …
Odd Knievel Tribute – 1966 Suzuki B100P Custom
5-18-19 Update: Almost 3 years later, this Suzuki is back up for sale. Turns out that it eventually found its way to Bike-urious regular David N, who fixed it up and is now offering it for $950 in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania here on Craigslist.
Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2019 – The RoHorn Racer
View PostElectric Start with No Reserve – 1971 Norton Commando 750 Custom
Post Sale Update: This Commando sold for $11,215.55 after 24 bids on eBay in Indianapolis, Indiana. The seller of this bike acquired it 13 years ago as “a clap trap pile of parts”. Over the last decade and change he has brought it back to life and collected nearly 20 awards and 3 Best-in-Show honors in the process. Now it’s …
Street Tracker Custom – 2017 Indian Scout Sixty
The Indian FTR1200 is about to drop into dealerships, and like many motorcyclists I am dying to get the chance to ride one. There were leaked pictures and rumors of the flat track-inspired Indian all over the internet. When Indian finally released production pictures of the bike, I was blown away by the looks of the final product. Early online …
In Australia – 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 T3 Custom
Post Listing Update: This custom Guzzi did not get any interest at the BIN of $20,000. Built by Max’s Moto Works of southeastern Australia, this custom Guzzi started as a 850 T3. Thanks to custom bodywork and a long list of rebuilt mechanicals, it’s now an interesting one-off cafe racer.
RSD Custom For LynZ Pastrana – 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Post Listing Update: This custom Sportster did not get any interest at the BIN of $13,500. Roland Sands originally built this particular Harley-based tracker for LynZ Pastrana, wife of MX legend Travis Pastrana. Sands started the build with a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C that was stripped down and mechanically overhauled before going on to receive an RSD Vintage Softtail tank …
Down & Out’s “Misfit” – 2001 Kawasaki W650 Custom
Down & Out Motorcycles is a UK-based customs outfit that’s received write-ups on well-over-a-dozen of its builds on sites like TheBikeShed, BikeBrewers, and BikeExif. While the shop undeniably has a lot of range when it comes to the flavor of its various builds, much of D&O’s work has a vintage feel to it, with this café’d W650 — that reportedly …
Lithuanian Custom – 2007 BMW R1200RT
Post Listing Update: This custom RT did not get any interest at the BIN of $6,499. I share this not because I’m in love with the end result, but because I’m stunned someone decided to start with the RT as a platform to customize with. Called the “White Swan”, this bike was created by Mantas Simanauskas, who goes by Si …