The popularity of custom and retro bikes has exploded. Here’s why and how you can be part of it
Love them or hate them, but fashion-focused bikes are here to stay. Why? Because, like it or not, we’re living in the post-performance era, where speed is trumped by style. For many, it’s not about how quickly you reach your destination, but the size of your grin getting there. And let’s face it, speeding these days just lands you in jail.
For emerging buyers of this belief, it’s about enjoying your bike, personalised by you. That’s right, custom bikes — as in the new wave of bobbers, choppers, cafe racers, scramblers, brats and trackers — and all are as individual as their creators.
The popularity of today’s custom bike scene has exploded across the globe and there’s very much a culture and industry supporting it and thriving from it. Think the likes of Deus ex Machina, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, yes, the rise of the hipster, and the proliferation and relevance of bloggers and social media. Then there’s the renaissance effect for many long-time riders who’ve developed a desire for less go-fast and more feel-good. Just look at ARR’s own Brian Rix, for example. His regular ride might be a BMW R 1200 GSA that’s quick, capable and comfortable, but he loves riding and tinkering with his old R75 airhead, which he’s turned into a neat cafe racer. Ask him about it and watch him grin like a Cheshire cat.
It’s about enjoying the ride, isn’t it? Let’s take a closer look.
RETRO BIKES
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Australian Road Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Australian Road Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Chip Off The Old Block
ARR’s roving reporter, Ian Neubauer, heads to India to test the new Himalayan, Royal Enfield’s long-anticipated mid-size adventure tourer.
Winter Wonderland
As the weather cools, the tourists and surfers dwindle on the Sunshine Coast and the motorcycle riders move in
Taking It To The Street
Riders converge in Sydney’s Inner West for the 2017 Throttle Roll Street Party
Ride Like Hell
Anyone who hasn’t discovered the literary offerings of Paul Carter is missing a real treat.
Genre Bender
When Ducati produces a whole new bike, we sit up and take notice. When it creates a new category, well, the motorcycle world stands to attention. Leechy reports on the newest thing from Ducati, on the spot in Spain
Elite Fleet
BMW wheels out its very biggest guns to the Aussie press in an epic trip to take on Tassie’s challenging tarmac
Kriega Tail Packs
When it comes to bike luggage, my preference is usually a set of soft saddle bags; you can throw them on and off easily, and they make sense whether you’re packing for a day trip or a months-long adventure.
Pipe Dreams
We’re going hunting for noise after some urban exploration
Riding Me Crazy
Today’s 149km leg took us to 4200m above sea level on wild, rocky, slippery mountain passes with drop off s you just don’t want to think about.
Keeping Girls On Motorcycles
On any given weekend at your local motorcycle club, you will see throngs of kids blasting around on dirt bikes having a great time. More often than not, it’s at these local club tracks where kids are introduced to motorbikes. Boys and girls (under 10 years old) get out there and simply enjoy riding their bike without too much competition. Not many of the kids or parents care where they finish in the pack — it’s just about having fun.