VINCENT + INDIAN = VINDIAN

There can be two reactions by looking, no... no... by KNOWING the bike. To start off, its a VINDIAN, a crossover between VINCENT and INDIAN. Sacrilege!!! How can someone rip a legend like Vincent and fot it to another legend like Indian when both could have been masterpieces? The second reaction could be Wow!!! Great idea, the Vincent engine in a Indian Cruiser classic! If it is the former reaction, well why not a VINDIAN when we can have TRITON, NORVIN, etc? Whatever your reaction is, if you are just looking at it, time to stop salivating. Why? because its already SOLD! at ebay on 21st October 2008.

Who so ever came up with the idea has to be applauded, I mean who would have thought the legendary unbreakable Vincent engine in a legendary Cruiser styling? And the overall product... Smashing, isn't it! It has the typical Chopper good looks. And what awesome good looks! I am not saying that the paint quality and all are top notch, but the matching of the engine with the chassis is so perfect that... well, words fail me.

The orinal donors are a Vincent HRD Black Shadow for the engine and an Indian Chief for the chassis. According to the information given in the website (link below), this motorcycle was built in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late '70s. The engine is an original Vincent Black Shadow powerplant, F10/AB/1B/4121, with matching case numbers and verified by the Vincent Owner Club of England. The frame and forks are Indian Chief. Well, to equip it with further modern technologies, the original wheels have been replaced by Carrol Shelby mags and a Honda disc brakes. The website says that there is a small dent in the gast tank left side, but would you really care? The engine has been completey rebuilt from the crankshaft out. From the looks, the rear mudguard is definitely Indian, the front seems to be styled on a Vincent. The handle bars and head lamp seems to be from a everyday bike.

The tank definitely looks like an Indian. The last owner says "it draws a crowd wherever it goes". Buddy! that would be an understatement. Among other details, the engine has Lightning cams, Dellorto 32mm pumper carbs. The engine though is untouched which means you (okay, the new owner) will get the legendary howl from those exhausts. The frame has been modified to fit the engine. While that may be of concern about the handling, but of the two choices, this was the obvious better option. Just for the record, bidding started at $12,500 and finally ended at $21,360. Man, that was cheap, think about it, just the Vincent engine starts bidding from $20,000 and here you are getting a whole customized bike for that money. Probably the chassis being modified has kept away a few people. Whatever it is, the new owner will be very very envied upon.

Original Source of photos and information - EBAY

The MOTO GUZZI Ottanta from Firestarter Garage

Some time back I had made a post on Firestarter Garage, who specializes in Moto Guzzi custom Cafe Racers. I got a mail today from a Italian gentleman by the name of Steffano who send me the first picture with the folowing mail.

Hi,
My name is Stefano, I am Italian but I live in London. I love café racer and custom bike and I hope to open my own shop soon. I email you about the new Filippo Barbacane (Firestarter Garage) creation. Another splendid Moto Guzzi, of course…
P.S. – Your blog is great!! Congratulation.
Bye
Stefano “MrBlack” Russo.

On visiting the website, I was informed that the name of this 'for sale' product is OTTANTA designed by Filippo Barbacane of Firestarter Garage. Just look at the blood red paint scheme and the matt black combination. Stunning, isn't it? And those exhausts looks sporty. No details about the bike are provided in the website although they would oblige it with a request mail. All images copyrighted with Firestarter Garage.

Thank You Stefano for the nice link and sincerely hope that you open your own shop very soon and give us fans some nice visual treat. All the best "Mr. Black"

The Cafe Racer from T.M. Choppers

I got the link of T.M. Choppers through a link in my friend Sebestian's blog. There is no link in the blog itself, but if someone does such wonderful job, its not very difficult to track anything these days, thanks to the net. Looking at the bike, I thought T. M. Choppers must be a group of hardcore HD guys in the U.S. But I was very pleasently surprised.

When I saw .ee in the web address, I really thought hard that what can 'ee' mean? I mean, other then .com, .net and .org, the others usually used are according to the countries, like .in (for India), .jp (for Japan), .za (for South Africa) and like wise. Little did I wonder that .ee meant Estonia. I am sure you have heard about Estonia and the name sounds as one of those countries which fragmented from USSR in the early 90s. Well, it is, and it is near to Finland and Sweden in the Baltic region.

Okay, T. M. Choppers concentrates only in HDs and of course Buell. They are into choppers and drag racers. This was the only Cafe Racer featured in the website and although there was no associated text, it looked good :-) and fit to post. C'mon, its a Cafe Racer! They dont make the accessories like exhausts themselves but has a lot of friends for out sourcing, mainly Europe & U.S. They are also into HD purchase and sales and of course, repairs & servicing too.

With a decade of collective experience under them, every product they make bears a stamp of top class quality product and they have been featured in many shows and mags. According to their website, the current fastest V-twin in Estonia was built and owned by one of their own mechanics. If you would like to contact Toomas Köster or Marek Kose (the owners of T.M Choppers) you will find them here. Visit th T.M Choppers website and one more gallery featuring the bikes in Flickr.

Personal Liberation - The CONFEDERATE Renaissance Fighter

What is common to a Vincent (HRD, Rapide) and a Jessica (Beil, Simpson, Alba)? These are things in life which you will always want or lust for, but can never have and you know that just as well, but still you will keep on wanting and hoping for ever.

Confederate is just a name you will always have it in your 'want / lust' list. And with every product they feature, the hunger grows. Confederate has just launched its 3rd product after the Hellcat and Wraith. Its named C120 Renaissance Fighter and its as radical as its elder brothers, as limited as its elder brother and just as hell expensive.

The first photo you see just above was on every website that featured motorcycles saying its featured in the winter catalogue of Neiman Marcus. A frantic google search for additional images didn't yeild any results. A search in the Confederate website only gave its specifications. But after a day, Confederate had put lots of pics and a brand new website and a new logo too!

So, what is the Fighter all about?

Well, Confederate has never done anything conventional. What they dish out is totally outrageous, bizarre looking motorcycles which are downright sexy, it may take a while to adjust to their imagination, but THE MOTORCYCLES ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL. Period. The core thinking is that whatever changes and designs are incorporated are totally for superior riding and superior performance. The bikes looks like straight out of Star War movies.

This particular model, the C120 Renaissance Fighter is capable of 305kmph (190mph, eat that Busas and ZZRs!) aided with its cutting edge carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum chassis. Wheelbase is 64", Seat height is 27" and all the gizmos that you can possibly immagine. The other thing is while the Hellcat was limited to 250, the Wraith limited to 145, the Fighter is even more exclusive with only 45 limited editions to be hand crafted. 3 have already been sold/ booked as the website says and by this time the number has surely decreased. No, actually its not worth rushing as the price tag would probably maintain a distance from you at $110,000. And thats not all. It is a super limited edition, why? because it has customized Neiman Marcus edition features.

Critics are saying Confederate has outdone themselves this time. So what's new? Everytime Confederate launches a bike, the biking faternity gets stunned. Okay, like the Wraith, the Fighter is built from a combination of components crafted from aircraft billet aluminum, carbon fiber, and high grade titanium as mentioned before which wraps around a 45 degree radial twin.

Although it looks like a concept bike (read not ready to ride), its only in the attitude. Take a hard look at it. The bike is very evenly proportionate. Notice the traingular mass at the heart of the bike. It would surely suit power racing and cruising with equal aplomb. The engine is of 120 cubic inches and there by the name C120 Renaissance Fighter.

The following is an extract from the Confederate website describibg the Fighter -

The Fighter clarifies opaqueness and nullifies hype with straight-forward true to concept certitude. At the source is a classic right triangle. Proportion is classically derived. Scale is middle way. Bearing exudes structural permanence. Human integration deploys yang energy, vitality, and power in the most simple, pure and direct form. Geometry is optimized for the medium and/or long disciplined journey of sensory heightened motion. Torque to weight is maximized. Engine, suspension and ergonomic luxury and ease of use is optimized. Materials utilization is the finest. Individual piece and component specification is highest and best.
Craft preparation and specification is uncompromised. The aesthetic is fresh, industrial, sculptural, holistic and honest. The saddle of the Fighter is your place for those outings which require extended time, geography, meditation and distance. Personal liberation will result!

Amen to that. So , if you are really planning to buy the Fighter or wanting a look, visit the Fighter website. Additional photos sourced from Confederate website, where a Neiman Marcus page has been created to promo this bike.

Specifications –
Proportions: 430 lbs, Wheelbase: 64”, Seat Height: 25.75, Rake: 30 degrees

Engine: 1966cc, 45 degree V-twin, Bore x Stroke: 110 x 120

Transmission: Confederate design; 5 speed; close ratio; CNC aircraft billet aluminum cases,
Primary: Confederate design; CNC aircraft billet aluminum engine, transmission, swingarm pivot outrigger bearing supported mounting system; belt drive
Chassis:
Confederate triple load path design; CNC aircraft billet aluminum front and rear bulkheads; pure high-grade titanium 5 inch outer diameter .095 wallbackbone; oil bearing
Suspension:
Front- Girder-type CNC aircraft billet aluminum and titanium multi-link Confederate-Vincent design; centered coil-over shock; dual carbon fiberblades
Rear- Lightweight Confederate drag-race inspired design; aircraft aluminum fabrication;
Brakes:
Front- CNC aircraft billet aluminum 4 piston caliper; aluminum-ceramic matrix floating lightweight rotor
Rear- CNC aircraft billet aluminum 2 piston caliper; aluminum-ceramic matrix floating lightweight rotor
Wheels & Tyres:
Front- 3 inch x 19 carbon fiber & 120 ZR x 19 Pirelli
Rear- 8 inch x 18 carbon fiber & 240 ZR x 18 Pirelli
Other Features:
Forged lightweight alloy pistons
CNC aircraft billet aluminum heads
Confederate “Combat” designDual counter-shaft balance system
Lighting: Front & Rear integral LED headlamp & tail lamp; turn signal; brake

Visual Gratification - The Return of the Classic

This is the new Royal Enfield Bullet Classic that has debuted in Intermot Colonge this week. This is the new unit construction 500cc engine has been given the EFI treatment that Royal Enfield has introduced recently to their 500cc Electra series. Maximum power is 27.2 bhp at 5250 rpm and maximum torque is a healthy 41.2Nm at 4200 rpm. All other electricals, tranmission, dimensions remain the same. Visit the classy looking website Bullet Classic for all the information.

'Legend of the Motorcycle'

The beathtaking venue and the exotics. The MV Augusta Marque

'Legend of the Motorcycle' is an annual meet which started in 2006 which covers motorcycles from pre 1978 tier. Showcasing approximately 150 to 200 of the finest motorcycles over a century from around the world, it hosts special displays of contemporary custom, racing and concept bikes.

Giacomo Agostini, who is also a judge, aboard the MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078. 1972 Triumph Rickman Café Racer

The 4th edition is scheduled for Saturday, 2nd May 2009 while the venue has not yet been fixed. There are a host of categories that you can participate and expect to win. There are 'Special Category Awards' like 'Best of Show', 'Lifetime Achievement Award', 'Elvis Presley Award', 'Steve McQueen Award' etc and in the 'Standard Classes' you can participate in the American Production awards, Class Year like 1901-1929 or 1950-1977, European Production, Japanese production, Modified/ Custom and a whole lot of other categories including Off Road from 1956-1969 and another from 1970-1977.

Actor Giovanni Ribisi on a 2007 Silver Wasp. Rarely will you see so many Vincents at one place

In 2008, a 1908 Indian Torpedo Tank Racer belonging to VinceMartinica of California won the 'Best of Show' award. The trophy awarded to all winners is a bronze statue of the 'God of Speed' figure. The 2008 event was organized in Half Moon Bay, California and the event featured exotic bikes from around the world on the lawn of the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Another picture of the venue. The 1908 Indian Torpedo tank Raver with the 'Best of Show' award

This year's event featured MV Agusta and Norton as the featured marques. There is also a dedicated website for the event. Go to Legend of the Motorcycle for all the information you want. You wont get too many pictures on the website of the legends, so if you are looking for pictures, there are several links on the net, an article with a few photos in Cycle World, and another with all the awards. No photos, but a good article in Web Bike World. And a dedicated group with loads and loads of photos in Flickr.

A Bultaco and an Indian with the owners dressed for the occasion.

The God of Speed bronze sculpture.