Netherlands Big Twin Expo Is Benelux Custom Motorcycle Mayhem (Part 1)

1ROS26ROS2ROS3ROSThe Benelux – the politico-economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg – has his own big custom motorcycle event held each year in the city of Rosmalen, Netherlands. With the appealing slogan :Anything Goes”, Big Twin Magazine – the only remaining motorcycle magazine written in Dutch language – is able to attract custom builders, vendors and custom culture artists from all over Europe. And as expected, last weekend Nov 8-10 yearly event was custom mayhem! The weekend event also featured a large number of 3D and airbrush artists working in small booths.   Below, a few bikes and some motorcycle art that attracted the attention of the crowd…and of the judges. (photography @ Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)

4ROS5ROS6ROSLarry Houghton of Lamb Engineering is well known to the European custom scene: His bikes have won him “Best of Show” titles and worldwide attention. His Bonneville Tribute Bike, created from a 2010 Triumph will be raced either at the Salt Flats or at Pendrine Sands, which is not too far from his shop. Unique details include the one-off brake mounted to the gearbox exit, oil coolers, floorboards and a unique way to get the speedo-drive from the front brake disc!

7ROSDutch shop RNO Cycles is renowned to build bikes “off the beaten path”. His “Inked” bike got a lot of praise from the public.

9ROS11ROS10ROSRoderick Braunius created this very authentic hardcore Bobber from a 1947 Model “U”. The front forks are made from a 1934 HD Springer, minus the “spring”. Riding it must be quite an adventure.

1BS-BoS_0003_22BS_BoS_00063BS_BoS_0003Best of Show went unanimously to Destiny Cycles outstanding Triumph Custom which is very much handcrafted to perfection.

14ROS15ROS16ROSA 1930 Jap Board Tracker with gas and oil tanks out of glass (not one of the type that breaks easily…)

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Build by “Mr. Indian of Holland” Tony Leenes from modern aftermarket Indian parts, this hybrid is a one-off period custom and powered by a 1925 Anzani V-Twin, originating from a “Pacer” Motorcycle. It took Tony 2 1/2 years to complete this handcrafted project.

17ROS18ROS19ROSMichael Naumann’s “Simple Iron” is the latest creation of this German craftsman who again built the complete rolling chassis, this time around a Ironhead Sportster motor. To be noticed, a ront fork with hidden suspension.

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10 Responses to “Netherlands Big Twin Expo Is Benelux Custom Motorcycle Mayhem (Part 1)”


  1. 1 P. Hamilton Nov 12th, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Some nice scoots.

  2. 2 Greeko Nov 12th, 2015 at 9:43 am

    Europeans do different stuff. Like.

  3. 3 Rodent Nov 12th, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Great portrait on Triumph tanks!

  4. 4 Don Diamante Nov 12th, 2015 at 11:32 am

    The Triumph is very cool. The Bobber too. Rideable?

  5. 5 Seymour Nov 12th, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Great stuff Cyril.

  6. 6 jim-bar Nov 12th, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    No baggers…perfect

  7. 7 Blackmax Nov 12th, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    Very nice, old school !!!!!
    As Jim-bar said no “Big Wheels”
    Works for me !!!!

  8. 8 Badams Nov 12th, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    They know whats up

  9. 9 Pat Savage Nov 13th, 2015 at 9:22 am

    Great event I have had the pleasure of performing 3 years in a row and after a year not performing were asked back again. Great magazine, great staff and a great event to enjoy the best of Europe and the UK. Great article Cyril! Hope to see your bikes in the future!

  10. 10 Steel Nov 16th, 2015 at 9:21 am

    Triumph is pretty but will never be ridden onto anything other than a stage. Thats the point at which a bike isn’t a bike.

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Cyril Huze