Last weekend (January 18– 20) was the 2013 edition of the excellent Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy. On the floor, 400 custom bikes from all over Europe from which were nominated 50 to participate in the Custom Chrome Europe Bike Show, part on the CCE International Bike Show Series (other events are set at Mainz in Germany (European Championship), Pahsolavky‘s EURO BIKE FEST and Faak in Austria). Bikes are judged in 4 categories: Championship title, Modified Harley Class, RevTech Performance Class and Jammer Old School Class, all of which were awarded 1st-3rd place with CCE purchase vouchers for a total of 10,000 euros. I have already featured some of these bikes but I am certain you will enjoy seeing them again…
Champion Class Winner. Speed Demon By Abnormal Cycles In Italy, the old school style is as big as here in the US. This board track is powered by a beautifully detailed 1919 Harley-Davidson JD engine that might have originated from one of the surplus World War 1 motorcycles, The single frame downtube ris from a 1930 Harley VL. A multitude of hand made parts are and perfectly treated in nickel-plating and polished brass. By the way, if you have the opportunity don’t miss a party organized by boss Samuele Reali and his team. Italian loud…
Modified Harley-Davidson Class Winner. Blue Bagger By Garage 65. Marco Cinquini is Italy’s most well known builder and his customs landed many times in my digital space.
2 years went in development and construction of this high end All-Aluminum Bolt-On Bagger Kit. All body parts you see on this prototype, including the bags, have been hand hammered and formed.
Notice the exhaust system exiting at the bottom of the rear fender. Bags open automatically. Fairing includes an iPad controlling all the entertainment and navigation systems.
Jammer Old School Class Winner. Indian Scout by Hard Nine Choppers. Danny Schneider’s Indian Scout has stroke a string in the heart on all judges as he collected almost all top positions in the Jammer Old School Class. A restoration/customization preserving the Indian soul and heritage. Danny Schneider kept all the original 101 Scout motorcycle he removed which has been preserved in a way that it can always be rebuild into the original. Danny built his own handlebars, seat, floorboards, fender and tank. The exhaust system has just the right “hot sound.“ Danny is coming from the Freestyle MX scene, so he is occasionally stunt riding his custom creations. He plans to get the custom Scout back the way it used to be and test ride it in a Wall of Death. (photography copyright Horst Roesler)
RevTech Performance Class Winner. 199 RRS by Asso Special Bikes. Mario Colombo has an obsession. How much weight a V-Twin can lose while still remaining safe and functional. In Verona, this custom was featuring the latest version of his aluminum frame weighting only 16 kg (35 lbs) for a total bike weight of 200 kg! (440 lbs) thanks to an all carbon fiber bodywork. Holding engine (110″ RevTech) and gearbox (6-speed RSD Baker). The aluminum swingarm uses a Paioli monoshock.
Lots of nice bikes ( except the ‘ bagger’ ) but again unfortunately nothing new here to be seen . Just more of the same done well I’m afraid . So where has the original thinking all gone in the custom bike world ?
You can only reinvent two wheels and a motor so many times!
Nice work. Wish I could see these bikes up close. peace
I REALLY like the Indian Scout. Very nice lines and real minimalistic. Great job Danny and the Hard Nine Choppers crew!
I was in Verona and I missed 21st century custom bikes. Retro old skul started to be very boring.
Guitar Slinger-
Why wasn’t your creation entered. It must be easy to sit back and judge and criticize when you have no idea the time and effort put forth by these builders. I hope to see your original creation next year. I am sure your stock Honda will do well.