Stripping vintage motorcycles to their bare essentials, then refitting them with hand-made parts but hiding as much as possible so that at the end only three essential component groups are visible to the observer: the frame and wheels, the bodywork, and the engine with exhausts. A complex task than only the best builders can accomplish, but only if they master the dying manual fabrication techniques of metal forming, panel beating, etc.
These 2 motorcycles built by London-based brothers Bujar and Gazmend Muharrem at Auto Fabrica are perfect examples of minimalism, of intricate detailing while preserving the vintage vibe. The Type 6 and Type 8 are built from the remains of old bikes, respectively a 1979 Yamaha XS650 and a 1981 Honda CX500. Each one took six months to build.
The Type 6 9top bike) has a 650-cc engine and weighs just 450 pounds. The Type 8 (bottom bike) has a 495-cc engine and weighs 28 pounds more. Their hard aluminum bodies have been pounded and formed by hand. Notice the scalloped section at the rear of the tank where it meets the seat in one full piece. In-house made stainless steel handle bars, exhaust, levers, and fork covers. To keep a matte finish on bare metal, the castings and aluminium components’ surfaces have been aqua blasted. The type 8 whose life began as a 1981 Honda CX500 is all about flowing lines and weighs 28 pounds more than type 6.
Fewer than 12 of each will be made. Both type 6 and type 8 are on sale now at the M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva. Prices start at 80,000 Swiss francs or US $82,400. Photos @Julien Brightwell.
Very, very nice.
WOW
Impressive tank work but Wow; those prices! The XS650 will always hold a special place in my heart. I had a 79′ I bought brand new while stationed in Hawaii. Great little bike. I’m sure many have the same thoughts about the Honda 500.
Wow, need a third eye to take it all in. Love the flowing lines on those bikes – Everything works.
Agree with all of the above
Very impressive !!!
Don’t know how comfy it would be ?
(Not very) !!!
But as Art, beautiful
Cool…!!!
-nicker-
I love the design style, but I thought the “take a second mortgage to buy a bike” phase was over.
Nice re-cycling there! peace
When time and dedication are put into a bike, this is what comes out, very, very nice.
$80,000.00?
I THINK I’ll take an Arch for that price.
Too much for a 35 year old jap bike, no matter how artistic.
Ok where is the battery or am I just in need of better glasses?