SHAW F1-XLR NIGHTSTER

EXCLUSIVE Harley’s evergreen Sportster is probably the world’s most commonly modified bike. So it’s hard to create anything truly original. But the AMD Championship-winning workshop Shaw Speed & Custom has pushed the boundaries once again with this Nightster-based custom, the F1-XLR.

This time, inspiration comes from 1920s Harley-Davidson board racers—with the classic Shaw recipe of old meets new. And if the smoky grey paintwork looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same paint used by the McLaren Formula One team.

This English-built Nightster is a prototype: the first fruit of an unusual new project that Shaw is working on with an Australian businessman. It’s designed to explore how vintage racing influences can be incorporated into the contemporary Sportster platform.

For the F1-XLR, Shaw has improved the breathing of the Nightster’s 1200 V-twin with a ram-air intake and a one-off set of custom pipes. Extra detailing includes modified Covington rocker covers, bigger pushrod tubes and a shortened cam cover. The oil reservoir has been relocated to the split-design gas tank.

Upside-down forks—from a VRSCF V-Rod Muscle—are matched to clip-on bars, holding an anodized master cylinder and switch housings from Performance Machine.

Shaw has heavily modified the seat area of the original Nightster frame, removing the fender rails and upper rear subframe and installing a small race-style rear fender. An extended swingarm is anchored by WP shocks, and the bike has been converted to chain drive. Tall 21-inch Performance Machine wheels (front and rear) add to the boardtrack feel, with big 13-inch rotors and six-pot calipers on braking duties up front.

The result is lean and classy and with more than a touch of practicality. Could this Nightster be the machine that scoops the AMD Championship for Shaw a second time? I’d like to think so.

PS: Join Bike EXIF on Facebook for a steady flow of the world’s best customs and classics. With over 65,000 fans, it’s the most popular custom motorcycle page by far.

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MOTO GUZZI BY KAFFEEMASCHINE

Axel Budde builds the cleanest, coolest Moto Guzzi cafe racers around. This is his sixth build and the best yet, fresh out of his workshop in Hamburg. Kaffeemaschine #6 is based on a 1980 Le Mans frame and was commissioned by the British motorcycle racer Brian Cowan, who wanted a high-performance Guzzi for the European vintage race scene.

Cowan’s brief was simple: the bike had to be fast, finished in red and silver, and have cast wheels. He got what he wanted. The completely rebuilt motor is a V11 unit boosted with an HTMoto hot cam and valve kit. The heads have been ported and polished, and are now dual plug; the rest of the engine has been blueprinted and balanced to extract every last ounce of power.

The sleek looks come from a modified Le Mans Mark 1 fairing and a fiberglass tank in the style of the limited edition Guzzis produced by Arturo Magni, and the bike weighs just 176 kg dry. The forks are from a 750S, but upgraded with modern internals. At the back, the shocks are custom-built Ikons, and the brake system is new and improved throughout. Most other parts are handcrafted, as usual with Kaffeemaschine bikes.

Brian Cowan is planning to give the Guzzi its debut at this weekend’s Bikers’ Classics at Spa. But Axel warns him against going too fast: “He still has to break in his brand new engine …”

Head over to the Kaffeemaschine website for more details (and beautiful images) of Axel Budde’s Guzzi cafe racers. It begs the question: why buy a new bike, when an older machine like this can be so desirable?

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YAMAHA YZ250 FLAT TRACKER

Modern race bikes leave me cold, but vintage machinery gets my motor running. It’s mostly because you can actually see the bike with older machines, rather than a garish mish-mash of graphics fighting for your attention.

This clean, sharp-looking Yamaha YZ250 flat tracker is a case in point. It was built by Italian Lorenzo Buratti, who wanted to go racing without breaking the bank. So a YZ250 two-stroke was a wise choice. “There are a lot of used YZ250s in good condition,” he says, “And if you work on the engine you don’t have to spend too much. They have a lot of horsepower, too …”

The engine is almost completely new, rebuilt with OEM Yamaha parts. Inside it’s absolutely stock, but that’s enough for most riders: there’s a solid hit of power in any gear, and well set-up YZ250 motors were renowned for having a strong bottom end and fast throttle response. Lorenzo did add a new FMF exhaust system though: he chose an enduro pipes rather than a motocross setup, to soften the sudden hit of power.

He also fitted harder fork and shock springs, and laced new rims to stock YZ250 hubs. The wheels are specific to flat track racing, with a 19 x 3.0 at the back and a 19 x 2.5 on the front, shod with Maxxis DTR flat track tires.

The frame is now painted black, with the seat stays lowered an inch. The body is in fiberglass: “I started with a reproduction fiberglass body for an old historical Ducati racer,” says Lorenzo, “fitted on the YZ250 frame with the help of a grinder and then modified with more fiberglass.” The graphics are clean and simple, and a world away from the usual headache-inducing motocross decals.

Taking all costs and the purchase price into account, the YZ250 owes Lorenzo 3,000 euros—around $3,800. That’s got to be one of the best value bikes we’ve seen in a long time.

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DEUS KAWASAKI W650

Here’s the latest machine from the Australian headquarters of Deus. Called “Gicleur”, it’s one of the most stylish Kawasaki W650 customs we’ve ever seen. Gicleur is French for “jet”, and it’s a critical part of an espresso machine: the nozzle that governs the water that flows through the coffee.

According to Deus, the W650 has been “given a double shot of top shelf components”. These include a custom performance exhaust, one off Tingate clip-on bars, and a custom battery box. The battery is now hidden under the swingarm mount, giving the bulletproof Kawasaki an unusually svelte look.

The perfect stance and blacked-out mechanicals are topped off with a creamy brown-and-white paintjob. It’s a simple shot of motorcycling goodness, uncomplicated but satisfying, just like a good coffee. Head here for more delicious images.

PS: A big welcome to the latest advertiser on our Search and Archive pages, Vintage Rides. They’ve been organizing motorcycle tours in South Asia for over six years now, and offer amazing experiences on Royal Enfield motorcycles. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Rajasthan, South India, the Himalayas or Nepal on a bike, check out the Vintage Rides website here.

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NORTON COMMANDO MK III

It’s hard to improve on the Norton Commando. But Bill Becker, creator of the lovely Aermacchi Sprintwe featured a little while ago, has taken the iconic British motorcycle to a new level.

Bill bought the Commando on eBay as a project bike with a rebuilt motor and powder coated frame. Everything else was in a state of disassembly and arrived in three boxes. “That was OK with me,” says Bill. “My intent was to build a cafe racer based on a 1970s superbike platform, but with contemporary improvements—with a ‘naked’ look fashioned after period-racers.” The details were to be practical and serviceable, with paint kept to a minimum.

Bill laced Excel alloy rims to the Commando’s original polished hubs, adding stainless steel spokes and Avon Super Venom tires. The front brake system is by Norvil, with a reconstructed master cylinder and smaller diameter piston. The rear brake is an original Norton, with the rotor vented and lightened. Rearsets are old 60s items rebuilt to accommodate custom brake and shifting arrangements.

A belt replaces the triple chain as a primary drive, and the original primary cover has been heavily ventilated to keep the drive cool. “I also modified the gearbox cradle to provide for belt tensioning,” says Bill. “While the gearbox was out, I rebuilt it. The secondary drive is a 520, O-ring chain, to allow for a larger rear tire.” The Commando’s fuel delivery is now through new Amal 932 concentrics.

“I hit on the right look for the gas tank on the third try … I modified a Norton seat pan and cover, and had a red leather panel stitched into it.” Bill then installed an alloy oil tank under the Commando’s seat, vented to relieve crankcase pressure. Small Supertrapp mufflers give an exhaust note that Bill describes as “distinctive and mellow”.

Except for the alternator, the Commando’s electric system was scrapped and replaced with new components—a Boyer solid state ignition, a Dyna coil, a Tympanium rectifier, a new wiring harness and halogen headlamp, a British-style tail light and small carbon fiber turn signals. Bill designed and constructed a custom dashboard to hold the rebuilt Smith gauges, and completed the ensemble with LED indicator lamps. Clamp-on low bars complete the race-bike feel, and Bill designed custom graphics based on the contemporary Norton fonts.

The project was three years in the making and Bill’s still adding the final finishing touches. I’d say it’s close to perfection already—wouldn’t you?

All images © Roman Torres/Pixelcraft, used with permission. Once again, thanks to Marc Grossman for the tip.

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BMW R80 “DARK LAW”

In Europe, the spotlight on new wave custom builders tends to fall in France, Spain and Italy. But Portugal is coming through the ranks quickly. We’ve already featured the Triumph Thruxton built by Maria Motorcycles of Lisbon, and now we have this classy BMW R80 from Ton-Up Garage of Matosinhos.

“We want to bring back the spirit of motorcycles from a few years ago,” says Ton-Up’s Pedro Oliveira, “and the design that made that era so special.” And this R80, one of Ton-Up’s first projects, fits the bill. It started life as a Spanish police bike from the 1980s—hence the name “Dark Law”.

The bike was in good condition and the engine was strong, but the machine was saddled with the big fairings and panniers favored by Spanish law enforcement. After stripping the bike back to its core, Ton-Up cleaned up the frame with fresh paint and shortened it at the back to accommodate the custom single seat unit, upholstered in brown and dark silver leather. The R80 was then lowered a little, and fitted with a single rear shock from a modern superbike. Next on the list was a set of new foot controls and a full custom exhaust, upswept at the back to give the normally staid R80 the sportiest look possible.

“This isn’t a show bike,” says Oliveira. “It goes and handles well, the sound is very good, and it’s fun to ride on a daily basis.” A great start from a new name on the scene, and hopefully the first of many more sharp-looking customs from Portugal.

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MOTO MORINI SETTEBELLO

In Italian, “Settebello” is idiom for “seven of diamonds”. And this little 175cc Moto Morini is a real diamond, packing a surprising punch from its four-stroke single motor. This was during happier days for Moto Morini, when it enjoyed huge competition success after WWII.

Built for privateer racers as well as fast road riders, the Settebello could keep up with most of the 250s of the day. Engine output peaked at 16.5 hp—at a heady 8,500rpm— but with only around 100 kilos to propel, the bike could hit a remarkable 88 mph (141 kph). Trading on the glamour of Morini’s even smaller 125cc factory racer, and ridden by Agostini in the early 60s, the Settebello was a sales hit for the Bologna company.

Sadly, those sales had well and truly dried up by the time Morini went into liquidation in 2009. But the company is now back in business, and apparently building motorcycles again. Check out their current offerings here.

Images courtesy of Guerry & Prat.

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Zenvo ST1 2010

         The Zenvo has just released the first official images and final details for the ST1, a brand new supercar from a brand new manufacturer that will join the ranks of the automotive world's elite should it make its production date of early next year. It looks to compete with the likes of Pagani, Koenigsegg, SSC and Bugatti for the fastest and meanest cars in the world. 

         The Zenvo ST1's engine was offered 7.0 liter V8 that is rumored to be based on a GM crate motor. The big-displacement V8 is both turbocharged and supercharged, giving the ST1 a power output of 1,104 bhp and 1,055 ft-lb. of torque, with an electronically limited 233 mph top speed, the ST1 won't be breaking any production land speed records, though. 

         The exterior design of Zenvo ST1 works from nearly every angle, and apes notable features from everything from the Lamborghini Gallardo to the Nissan GT-R, to the Porsche Carerra GT, and its big gaping front air vents draw the eye over the tight, taught bodywork. Though obvious Lamborghini comparisons are made when speaking of the front end, the ST1 has softer body corners leading along the main body line toward the rear.

Specification

            * Type of engine: V8

            * Displacement (cm3): 7000

            * Fuel type: Unleaded 98 RON

            * Transmission: 6-speed manual and oil cooler. Hydraulic limit slip diff.

            * Top speed (km/h): 375 (electronically controlled)

            * Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s): 3,0

            * Weight (kg): 1376

                                                                                    

Toyota Avalon 2011

        Despite these difficulties to recall the recent car giant, Toyota continues to develop plans to introduce new vehicles, which debuts new 2011 Avalon sedan at the Chicago Auto Show 2011 exhibition. Avalon began to form on the market for the first time in 1994 and 2011 to the latest version was the 4th generation of the sedan is very popular. but the style of the Avalon 2011 seems like an evolution than a revolution in design. The car is enhanced with ga-steering cooler and new headlights. 

        Inside, the new version of Avalon interior is upgraded with an emphasis placed on technology. The standard equipment in cars include Bluetooth wireless voice and streaming audio, XM satellite waves, connect your iPod and MP3 players. One option for customers is the amalgams including 12 speaker JBL sound power 660W and navigation system DVD drive. 

          The Toyota 2011 Avalon was offered by 3.5L V6 engine, it has the power to 268 horsepower to the front axle and transmission through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Version 2011 is considered as the car models are low emission and ultra-efficient vehicles on the road 20/29 mpg city/highway. The safety devices in the system of Avalon Star Safety System includes stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and traction control TRAC. The new Avalon is expected to Toyota dealerships this spring with two levels is the base version and advanced version than the Limited.

Specification

            * Type of engine: DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual

            * Horse power : 268 hp @ 6200 rpm

            * Transmission: 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic

            * Price (est): $ 34,000

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2010 Buick LaCrosse review

         The new LaCrosse builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s renaissance and great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology. It offers unique features such as all-wheel drive and a new, efficient four-cylinder engine that will attract new customers to Buick. The 2010 LaCrosse was developed within GM’s worldwide network of design and engineering centers, reflecting Buick’s growing popularity around the globe – particularly in Asia.

         It offers a contemporary vision of a luxury sedan that looks at home on the streets of Santa Monica or Shanghai, with heritage cues that recall the brand’s legacy as a design leader. With three models - CX, CXL and CXS: • CX-equipped at the start of production with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque (294 Nm) and has a six-speed automatic transmission. CXL-also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6. CXS is equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6.

          The LaCrosse’s interior continues the flowing, detailed aesthetic of the exterior, with elements such as ice-blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin - from the center console, instrument panel and door panels. Buick’s signature QuietTuning, an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise, provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

          * Price (est): $34,000

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