CARL FOGARTY’S DOMINATOR

You don’t become 4-time WSBK Champion, IOM TT lap record holder, GP racer, NW200 winner, Macau GP winner etc etc. without knowing a thing or two about what makes a good motorcycle. Perhaps more importantly than that is knowing who makes a good motorcycle. Impressed by the IDP Moto Dominatrix builds from the Silverstone based outfit, Carl Fogarty headed down to their workshops for a design day. The guys at IDP knew Carl wasn’t the average customer, so weren’t surprised when he pitched up with a polished ally fuel tank under his arm.

A decent ’99 NX650 Dominator had been sourced and before a complete strip down was gently coaxed into accepting the ex-CCM fuel tank. Carl subsequently sent down a fibreglass tail section that he wanted to be incorporated. If you’re going to have a particular customer then you want one that supplies his own ideas and parts to suit, I bet more builders wish they could say that.

Once bare, the subframe was shortened and adapted to accept the new tail and give a proper flat line; many Dominator builds miss the aesthetic mark by plonking a seat directly onto the upswept rear. Satin black powder coat was the finish of choice for chassis components leaving the shiny bits to do the talking.

Being well connected always helps in life. While Marc Marquez was busy making his colleagues look like also rans, his suspension man Andy Dawson built an Öhlins shock for the Dominator, proper bespoke! Meanwhile, Co-Built Geoff, F1 exhaust fabricator extraordinaire, created this gorgeous twin-exit system with welds so perfect you’d swear a robot had taken his place in the workshop.

IDP Moto’s customer base is packed with racers, ex-champions, film makers and generally folk whose attention to detail has afforded them the ability to commission a custom build. As a result corners remain something to be worked around and not cut. There’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful bike on a plinth at some bike show with a rusty or mismatched bolt lurking out of sight; there’s no such place. Equally, a bucket full of lurid titanium fasteners can spoil to a similar degree. So, that’s a roundabout way of saying; Carl’s nuts and bolts were all sent off for zinc plating.

Whilst buffing the tank, the top yoke and engine casings were given a shine-up, and the engine treated to a few coats of silver enamel. Polished Talon rims maintain the raw theme and Continental TKC 80s suggest the off-road ability. In-house painter Spidey laid down silver to the tail, shortie mudguard and swingarm to match the bare aluminium before adding number boards to the side panels. Carl wasn’t fussed about ruining the bike with lights and indicators so a DTRA spec number board was fitted, complete with the Foggy Eyes and Öhlins yellow airbrush work by Purple Fayz.

Seat man Steve Adams upholstered a simple pad from water resistant synthetic suede, providing the grip for Foggy’s penchant for wheelies.

On a typical British damp and grey day the bike was delivered, but wheeled straight into the garage; far too many polishing hours to be undone by the wet roads. Luckily the sun got its act together and gave Carl plenty of opportunities to enjoy the country lanes around his home. Although he has admitted to popping out to the garage, just to have a peek at his new toy.

Could there be a greater reward for the guys at IDP Moto than hearing that? I don’t think so.

The queue is building so if you fancy commissioning a project, get in touch with Daryll via the IDP website and keep an eye on the latest builds on Facebook.

via The Bike Shed

2014 FIM Endurance World Championship - Season Review

vague ...........

SHOP VISIT: DEUS MILANO

Welcome to a new series on the world’s best motorcycle shops. We’re kicking off with Deus Milano, because this week is EICMA week—when Milan hosts the world’s most exciting motorcycle show.

EICMA is open to the public for just four days. But that’s enough time for half a million people to squeeze through six giant pavilions, ogling the latest bikes (and the bored models astride them).

When you tire of the maddening crowds, take the subway to Isola, Milan’s famed ‘motorcycle district.’ It’s an oasis of charm in an otherwise unprepossessing city, and the home of Deus Milano—a stylish refuge containing a workshop, a retail store and a restaurant.

The Italian outpost of the Australian motorcycle brand is already a major player on the European bike-building scene, with commissions from Yamaha Europe as well as local riders.

How did it get so far, so fast? Deus co-founder Filippo Bassoli (above) provides the answers.

How long has Deus Milano been going? We opened Europe’s first “Temple of Enthusiasm” on 15 March, 2013. I remember the precise date because it was also my birthday!

Did you deliberately choose the Isola district? Yes, we really like this neighborhood. We spent eight months scouting for the right location, and looked at dozens of places. But we fell in love with this location straight away, which was originally a space for live events.

Who are your partners in this venture? We’re a group of friends and associates. Everyone has retail or motorcycle industry experience. And like the people we employ, we’re all full of passion. That’s the first requirement to work here, and we’ve got a great team.

What’s your background? Before Deus I started an editorial network called Blogo.it. That included the sites Autoblog.it and Motoblog.it, which get millions of visitors every month. They’re two of the most-clicked websites in Europe in their categories.

How would you describe your customers? Variegated and trendsetters. We see people of every age: men, women, youngsters and old timers, and from every social strata.

Take a look at the big communal table in the Café, and you’ll get a snapshot of the kind of people who visit. You’ll find university students, business people, tattooed bikers and locals with kids and strollers sharing the same table. It’s a unique situation in Italy.

What’s your approach to retail? We look for products and objects that are curious, rare and interesting. But the best-selling items in the store are from the Deus Collection.

Has the store been a success so far? Yes, we’re really satisfied. We’re proud of starting a ‘new’ project, a fresh concept, in a very difficult economic environment. Before we opened, our friends regarded it as rather heroic. But now we’re thinking about further openings in Italy and Europe.

What’s your own ride? I’m a ride-a-holic: it’s quicker to tell you what I don’t drive or ride! However, I’ve always loved the off-road scene. At every opportunity I register for an Endurance or Rally Raid event. Lately, I’ve also been on the hook with vintage motorcycles—and of course, being part of Deus doesn’t help these addictions!

My latest bike is from the Deus workshop, based on a BMW R80/7. It’s an old German police bike and I call it Derrick, after the German detective TV series of the same name.

You’re sure to get a lot of visitors during EICMA. What are your hours? We’re open every day, all week long. The store is open until 10pm, and the Café stays open until 1am during the week and 2am during the weekend. In benzin veritas!

Deus Milano, Via Thaon Di Revel 3, 20159 Milan, Italy. Deus Customs | Deus Café

VIA 

WSBK ; Guintoli décroche son premier titre mondial / Guintoli, the difference maker in the season finale

Le Français entre dans l'histoire en tant que Champion du Monde Superbike 2014.

Sylvain Guintoli vient de réaliser son rêve en devenant Champion du Monde aujourd'hui à Losail, où il a remporté le titre WSBK 2014 dans la toute dernière course de la saison. Á 32 ans, le Français est parvenu à rattraper ses douze points de retard sur Tom Sykes, le Champion 2013, en s'imposant haut la main dans chacune des deux courses du Qatar, pour prendre le titre avec six points d'avance sur le Britannique.

Guintoli est le deuxième Français à remporter le Championnat du Monde Superbike après Raymond Roche, qui avait été titré en 1990. Alors que Régis Laconi avait concédé le titre à James Toseland dans la dernière course de 2004, Guintoli a de son côté réussi à s'imposer sur son rival britannique, lors d'une dernière manche dont il repart avec le titre mondial mais aussi son premier doublé de victoires en World Superbike. 

« Guinters » conclut sa deuxième saison en tant que pilote officiel d'Aprilia avec un total de 5 victoires, 16 podiums et 2 pole positions. Comme en 2013, le Montilien s'est distingué par une exceptionnelle régularité et a fini toutes les courses de l'année, même la deuxième épreuve de Portimao, où il était tombé suite à un contact avec Marco Melandri et était reparti pour prendre la septième place.

The Frenchman joins the elite of the World Superbike Champions
 Sylvain Guintoli has finally achieved his life long dream of becoming World Champion today, as he clinched the 2014 World Superbike title after an impressive performance at Losail International Circuit, Qatar. In what was the final race day of the year, the 32 year old Frenchman managed to overcome a 12 point deficit to last year’s champion Tom Sykes and, by taking an impressive double under the Qatari floodlights, he edged out the Briton by just six points at the end of an enthralling season.

Guintoli is the second champion in the WSBK history from France after Raymond Roche, who won the title back in 1990. Unlike in 2004, when Regis Laconi lost to James Toseland in the final race of the year, it was the French rider this time to come out on top against an English rival.

In his second year as official Aprilia rider, ‘Guinters’ had a tally of 5 wins, 16 podium finishes and 2 Pole Positions, and making his remarkable consistency count in results: he never failed to make it to the finish line. Even in race two at Portimao, when he rejoined after colliding with teammate Melandri, he nevertheless claimed a seventh place at the chequered flag.

BSMC GEAR GUIDE #32

Day Of The Dead lids, Death Will Triumph vests by Iggy Pop, something without logos and luminous bits from Furygan, selvedge by bikers for bikers, and a handy little old school tool to keep your rubber on the tarmac. All in Week 33 of the Gear Guide.

DEATH SHALL TRIUMPH DENIM VEST DESIGNED BY IGGY POP

Bolt London is a showroom, a shop, a gallery and a cafe, that “…came about from a love of fixing engines, hanging out with friends, and that unmistakable feeling when you gun the throttle past your comfort zone.” The brain child of the mercurial Andrew Bolt, Bolt’s focus is on the “…hand crafted and premium quality”. Nestled in the heart of London Fields, you can be guaranteed to find something to perk the interest beneath the railway lines, whether be the latest custom ride from the likes of Volts Mechanix or Old Empire Motorcycles, a vintage lid, or a rare motorcycle book.

Andrew’s late addition is the Death Shall Triumph Vest – designed and signed by rock legend Iggy Pop. It’s made of blue-black quality denim reminiscent of the like used in the 50’s. The buttons are handmade of copper, pressed with the name of the infamous Sailor Jerry. On the back is Iggy’s interpretation of Sailor Jerry’s iconic “Death Shall Triumph” anchor flash. The pins on the front collar are handmade metal anchors.

Every vest comes with a pack of six patches chosen by Iggy – each based on a different Sailor Jerry flash design. The patches come separately, so you can choose which ones you like and sew them on yourself.

There are only fifty of these made and inside each you’ll find a small label noting which one of the fifty vests you’ve got. Plus, Iggy Pop himself has personally signed every one. These are appropriately made in Los Angeles, CA.

http://www.boltlondon.com/jackets/death-shall-triumph-vest-designed-and-signed-by-iggy-pop

EAT DUST FIT 67 SELVELDGE JEANS

“A brand fueled by Friendship and mutual interest. We are not into making fashion. This is about proper garments and good design that will stand the test of time.”

Antwerp based Eat Dust were founded by friends Rob and Keith, and make serious denim for serious bikers. Their gear is designed to be ridden in, and are up to the wear and abuse they’re most certainly going to get subjected to. Their stuff looks pretty damn good too.

The Fit 67 jeans are a loose straight denim pant made in 13 1/4 oz double ring Japanese indigo blue selvage denim with two reinforced back pockets featuring Eat Dust’s signature Z-Bar stitch.

The 67’s ’s are fastened with Eat Dust faded copper button double prawn fly buttons and coloured authentic rivits. The Eat Dust label is in heavy leather. The 67s feature a pocket with signature Z-Bar stitch and heavy cotton front pockets. These are triple stitched on the inside leg for extra strength.

These jeans are premium and aimed at denim heads. If you like selvedge and bikes, you need to check out Eat Dust.

http://eatdustclothing.com

CUSTOM LIDS MALTA

Any of you who came to BSMC III earlier this year will have seen Rebecca from Custom Lids Malta painting her amazing designs on Biltwell lids. Each one of their helmets are hand painted with an individual composition and no two lids are the same. These guys have been busy creating some more outstanding one off pieces since we last saw their work.

Whether you want a lid designed specifically for you, or want to buy one of their existing designs, these guys are super-friendly and accommodating.

These helmets are safe and ready to use, being DOT approved, although technically they’re not approved in the EU – but that’s a long story. They can be art pieces in the home, studio or workshop, or worn everyday to keep your valuable grey matter safe.

ttp://www.customlids.bigcartel.com/

customlidsmalta@gmail.com

FURYGAN TEXAS OUTLAST JACKET

Furygan have been making performance motorcycle wear for quite some time now, and the quality of their products is undeniably high. They have, however, been rather keen on the visibility of their logo, and enthusiastic, generous even, with looping lines of shiny stripes that cater more for the tastes of the R1 heroes than the denizens of the custom scene.

The Furygan New Texas Outlast jacket is a refreshingly simple jacket liberated from bling. Made from high grade cowhide leather in a classic western style, it has a smooth waxy feel. The leather shell is lined with a removable temperature regulating aluminium laced Outlast inner which constantly reacts to your body temperature and the external climate to keep you comfortable as conditions change.

It has CE approved D30 shoulder and elbow protectors providing a high level of safety in these vulnerable zones whilst safety can be enhanced further with the addition of a CE approved D30 back protector (available separately).

Te New Texas has two side pockets and a breast pocket, and two two poppers at the side to nip in the waist.

This is a handsome jacket that will keep you warm and protected in the winter months, and can be stripped out once the weather gets warmer. Perfect.

http://www.furygan.com

CYCLE PUMP AIR GUAGE

The wrong tyre pressure can be at worse deadly, and the best a literal ball ache as your ride needlessly vibrates. This back to basics analogue tool is an essential piece of kit.

This simple and reliable tyre air gauge clips onto any tyre valve stem and gives instant and accurate pressure readings up to 100 PSI. This is solid and robust with brass fittings and a braided hose. Without the need for batteries, this can be easily stashed under the seat for when you need it, with the secure knowledge it will work when it has to.

What more needs to be said?

http://www.motolegends.com/motorbike-maintenance/maintenence/tyre-air-gauge.html

via The Bike Shed

This Jeep Wrangler monster truck is a creature of darkness

Last year, Starlight Motors created a Jeep Wrangler-based monstrosity named ‘Full Metal Jacket’: a menacing off-roader with a hint of Mad Max. The latest model from the Texas-based outfit, christened the ‘NightHawk’, is no friendlier a proposition…

A monster hiding in plane sight

The ‘NightHawk’ Jeep Wrangler by Starwood owes its name to the fearsome U.S. stealth bomber. As such, it lurks in the shadows with a ‘matte magnesium metallic’ paint job, large alloy wheels with studded tyres, and a ‘Cocoa Bugatti’ leather interior with numerous gadgets completing the look. We wouldn’t want to meet this high-riding monster in a dark alley…

Photos: Starwood Motors

You can find classic Jeeps for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

These Ducati Monster makeovers are a fright night delight

An intimidating name hasn’t prevented the Ducati Monster becoming one of the Italian manufacturer’s most popular bikes ever – and as we see below, that widespread admiration has seeped into the café racer scene, too…

As a basis, ‘Il Mostro’ isn't perhaps the best starting point for a custom classic: that V-shaped trellis frame is unequivocally at odds with the unwritten rule of café racers having a nice, neat, horizontal line on which the seat and tank sit. But the best café creators stand out by how they rise to meet a challenge, and here are a few that have done just that… and then some.

Hazan Motorworks of Brooklyn

Maxwell Hazan, founder of Hazan Motorworks in Brooklyn, New York, had actually bought his Monster to use as a city runabout, a practical contrast to his more ‘demanding’ customs. It wasn’t until it was damaged while on said duties that he decided to transform it into a Ducafé, with a brief of simplicity, functionality and elegance. By the time he was done TIG welding, hand-beating and tweaking, his 900 didn’t only fit the bill – it was also a fair bit lighter and more powerful (and perhaps a bit less comfortable).

Walt Siegl Motorcycles of New Hampshire

Walt Siegl of Harrisville, New Hampshire, had always intended this particular Monster to be a custom café, as it was commissioned by a client who already owned three of his home-made specials. Siegl’s interpretation not only focused on visual style, but also took into account his own demands as a keen racer (the bike should hold its own on the track) and those defined by his client’s stocky physique – meaning an upright riding position and fully adjustable suspension with heavier springs.

Redmax Speedshop of Hampshire, UK

In the UK, Steve Hillary of Redmax Speedshop went for a style that might reverberate more with Ducatisti of old. An Imola-style front fairing (refreshed with stacked headlamps from a 999) combine with a Sport Classic tank and one of Redmax’s own seat units, the latter with matching stacked taillights. Lamborgini Diablo three-stage metallic orange paintwork completes the striking look.

Photos: Hazan Motorworks, Dino Petrocelli, Greg Moss

You can find several classic Ducatis for sale in the Classic Driver Market.