Admit that you never saw a motorcycle like that before. And it’s the forte of motorcycle artist/builder Max Hazan. Creating machines that he never saw before, nor us… Max considers the motorcycle as an artistic medium to express his creativity, emphasizing beauty and elegance much more than rideability or performance. Designing and working like a painter or sculptor, not like a typical custom builder.
An old motor, in this case a 1949 500cc BSA, and a sketch are always his starting points. Then the process is always about inventing, reinventing and styling as many parts as possible, from the way a rear wheel can be easily assembled and removed even when buried into a 180-degree rear fender, to the way a seat suspension should function, to the way to route gas and oil plumbing, etc… making sure that aesthetics and functionality work together without one compromising the other.
The 1949 BSA motor has the reputation to be strong, is quite simple in its conception, and although a couple of parts were missing, using the oem manual, Max had no major issue rebuilding it. Of course, with no expectations of exceptional performance. One of the most interesting part of this project is of course the swooping rear fender reminiscent of those found on the most celebrated European cars of the 30’s and 40’s. Formed very narrow from sheets of aluminum, the big challenge was to fit all the wheel/brake/driveline components and to make assembly and disassembly of the rear wheel as easy as simply dropping it. So, Max designed a hub – made from seven pieces machined from billet aluminum and chromoly), a 3” diameter rear axle to slide through the fender, with the chain sprocket remaining outside on the left side. It implied a jackshaft to line up with the outboard sprocket. Result is visual simplicity on both sides and mechanical beauty on the lesf side.
Although less spectacular in appearance, front of the bike is also very special, a one-off front suspension hand-made at the shop from 2” x 1” steel bars. Admire all the custom linkages and custom shock and the purety of the bars featuring only the throttle grip. The bike rolls on an Excel 23” front and 19” rear, both dressed with Firestone tires. For lighting, the triangle custom headlight incorporates 6-volt vintage General Electric bulbs, and in the rear, the fender top features a flush-mounted strip of 6-volt LEDs. Although comfort is not a priority, the seat pan moves on a very intricate suspension system just beautiful to look at. And when the bike is running you can see the oil circulating inside the custom made and rubber-mounted Pyrex oil tank. Although light – about 325 lbs wet – the 500 cc will not give you strong sensations on the road, except those emotions of knowing that you ride a true piece of mechanical art. Hazan Motorworks. (photography @ Shaik Ridzwan)
A one word bike……’incredible’!
Wow!
Ok, not for a daily ride, but the work is superb.
The definition of art on wheels.
Difficult to make a living doing this. But I admire the art.
I am not typically drawn to custom bikes, but have to admit that is sweet!
gorgeous.
a jolt w/o a deco-minimalist front fender. (beauty in the eye of the beholder)
love the long bevelled exhaust pipe.
Wow! Amazing! And than oil tank is really freakin’ cool!
I am dog sitting an Italian greyhound. If it were a motorcycle, it would look like that.
A True work of art
The only thing missing is the corporate logos , oh wait , that era is over . never mind …………
wow! masterpiece!
Wow – Amazing – great craftsmanship and vision. It has been a long time since I have been blown away by anything in our industry.
Now that’s a motorcycle that is not Gawdy! It’s got style!
Great job!!!!!
Some builders seem to forget the motor is the focal point of a bike, not here. Awesome.
insane!
Agree with Robby & the rest ..
No way this is a “rider” daily or otherwise !
But is this one BEAUTIFUL piece of motor art ?
Hell Yeah !!!!
Yep, what they said and more…WOW!
Now that really is a work of automotive art!…Magnificent!
WOW !!!!
Incredible, Wow. built with the Definition of a Corporate Logo, in mind. I am thinking any Multi, multi million dollar corporation should have this or 1 of his creations in the main lobby up on a pedestal for all who enter to admire.He seems to be as talented as the German dude and the Japanese Dude, Sorry, I did not remember their name, folks. PS. i think his Web site looks like he had a Beginner design it!
If this bike were mine it would have leather grips. The concept of metal grips does not appeal to me on any level, but kudos nonetheless.
Nicely Done. 🙂
bike looks incredible.
moron comments..not so much.
I imagine it’d take at least an hour to take in every little detail. Very, very nice!
A creative & skilled guy for sure..
His work is always off the scale and this has to be one of his best!
Beautiful. Later Jay