Bespoke ADV builds are a rare breed, so whenever a fully transformed custom adventure mount from a big-name shop pops up for sale I feel obligated to share it. We’ve previously featured a one-off build from Portugal’s The Maria Riding Company, however this highly-modified ADV rig is a far cry from the track-spec (Ducati) GT1000 from back in October.
Naked Panigale V4 Custom – Officine GP Design’s “Penta V4”
When Ducati first unveiled the Panigale, many thought it wouldn’t be long before the Bologna-based brand pulls the cover off a naked version of the full-faired flagship L-Twin. To the dismay of many a Ducatista, the Italian marque never opted to release a production Panigale Streetfighter…though rumors have been swirling that we may be treated to a naked version of …
The Foundry MC Build – 1991 BMW K75 Street Scrambler
A while back I wrote an article about Carlos Ormazabal; a Spanish bike enthusiasts who abandoned the security of his corporate career to pursue building custom motorcycles full time. On top of loving Carlos’ story, I also really dig his work, so when I saw a BMW Scrambler of his was for sale, I just couldn’t resist.
Manx-ish – 1959 Norton ES2
Post Sale Update: This ES2 sold for $11,000 after 2 bids on eBay. Introduced in 1927, the Norton ES2 started as a sporting single but over its nearly 40 years of life technology (and other models) passed it by. Still, it apparently makes a nice platform for a Manx knockoff that you can enjoy for much cheaper than the original. …
“Mental Illness” – 1980 Suzuki GS1100 Trike
Post Listing Update: “Mental Illness” did not meet reserve despite 29 bids up to $9,100 on eBay. Alright, this really has nothing to do with a Suzuki GS1100, but that is how the crazy trike is titled in the state of Texas. It’s an entirely custom three-wheeler that utilizes a 5.3 liter LS1 motor with a C5 Corvette transmission…and a …
Unexpected – 1975 BMW Chopper with R69S Frame
Post Listing Update: This custom BMW did not meet reserve with 20 bids up to $3,338 on eBay. The “R69S Frame” part of the title might upset you, but this is an interesting custom built with a BMW frame/motor (the seller doesn’t identify the powerplant), a Harley-Davidson Springer front fork, and HD Bobtail rear fender.
Ginger McCabe Build – 1977 Yamaha XS400 Custom
Ginger McCabe of New Church Moto is a popular name to call when someone needs a new seat made for a motorcycle. Her work has become parts of hundreds of custom builds all over the country, so it stands to reason that she’d have plenty of inspiration for her own two-wheeled creation. Here’s what she created with a Yamaha XS400. …
180 Claimed HP – 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
Post Sale Update: This GPz Turbo sold for $7,100 after 19 bids on eBay. According to the seller, this custom Kawi has over $20,000 invested in it – at one point it had a “stage 5” turbo that led to 235 horsepower, but that blower needs a rebuilt so the bike is currently equipped with a “stage 2” turbo that …
Yamaha XS650 Motor – 2003 Royal Enfield Bullet
Royal Enfield has just released two models powered by an all-new 650 twin motor, but the seller of this bike beat them to the punch. The title tells you what you need to know – this is a Royal Enfield that’s had a heart transplant. The seller says he “decided to change the motor to make it a reliable daily …
Unexpected Custom – Yamaha Seca 2 Dual-Sport
My first bike after undergrad was a beat up Yamaha Seca 2 that I bought for $600. I thought it was a pleasant bike, but I never thought it would make a good platform to go off-road with. Thankfully, the builder of this bike doesn’t think like I do.
Diesel Conversion – 2006 Honda Rebel
Last month, I shared a Qujos Trailmaster that had been converted to diesel power. Today, we’ve got a bike you’ve heard of. In 2015, the seller swapped out the motor of this Honda Rebel with a 740cc Kubota diesel powerplant.
Yamaha Promotional Custom – 1972 Yamaha XS650
Post Sale Update: This custom Yamaha sold for $13,556 after 14 bids on eBay. Last time I featured a custom Yamaha by Greg Hageman, it was a XSR700 inspired by the XT500. This time around, it’s a XS650 that was created as a partner to another XSR700. Yamaha’s slogan for their line of retro bikes is “Faster Sons” – the …
Unexpected Custom – 1967 Honda CB450
Forgive me. I know that you will probably hate this, but I couldn’t stop staring at it and I figured I had to share it with you because of that. “This” started as a ’67 Black Bomber and it’s been customized with the suspension (and a few other parts) from a 2012 Honda CBR. On paper, that’s a wonderful combination. …
Build By A British MX Champ – X-Axis’ Custom 1984 Honda CBX750
Billy MacKenzie first made a name for himself in the motorcycling world competing in various MX events before eventually going on to claim back-to-back MX1 British Championship titles in 2007 and 2008. The Edinburgh-born rider also represented the UK in the Motocross of Nations before MacKenzie announced he’d be hanging up his race leathers to focus on building custom motorcycles.
Sabre-Toothed Two-Wheeler – 1959 Harley-Davidson Sportster Custom
Built around a 1959 Harley-Davidson Sporster, this Saber (or Sabre) Tooth Tiger project was one of three builds created in a series (alongside a Bengal Tiger and a Dragon). Interestingly, the (in this case literal) bodywork on the Harley is all made of wood.