SUZUKI KATANA BY MOTOHANGAR

When we heard that Motohangar had ripped the bodywork off a Suzuki Katana, we were dismayed. After all, the Katana is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever made.

But then we found out that Patrick Jones and crew were revitalizing a 2006 Suzuki Katana, not one of the 1980s originals. A little research revealed that the name was revived in the USA for the GSXF range, a series of bland sport-tourers with none of the angular magic of the original.

“This one came to us from one of our first clients,” says Patrick. “He got a CB750 from us a while back, and then wanted something as a daily driver/commuter. So he bought a Katana, and asked what we could do with it.”

“We wanted it to have a mix of old and new flavors,” says Patrick, “and a bit of ‘industrial urban assault’ styling!” To get the right aesthetics, Motohangar went for bare metal and minimal paintwork, plus aggressive-looking Avon Distanzia tires. (“They seemed to really pull the look together.”)

The budget was small, so the huge seat was given a starring role and the taillights were fitted underneath, after a little subframe modification. The stock GSXF tank was stripped back to the metal, and minor black detailing was added elsewhere for a monochromatic look.

A shortened FMF exhaust system suits the style of the bike and was a major part of an overall weight-reduction regime. The rest of the work was relatively straightforward: relocating the battery, adding pod air filters, and re-jetting the carbs for maximum performance.

To improve the stance of the Katana, Patrick lowered the front end a tad, and then added Vortex clip-ons and a GT380 headlight. And it looks good. Maybe not as arresting as the original German design, but a helluva lot better than the starting point.

“It was refreshing to work on this bike,” Patrick comments. “We’ve been doing a lot of CBs and 70s bikes, so this was a change of pace and we’re proud of the final product.”

If you’ve ever seen a GSXF ‘Katana,’ you’ll know that Motohangar has done an amazing job.

Got a taste for 1980s styling and the best part of $50,000 to spare? Then check out theresto-mod Katanas available from the Japanese shop AC Sanctuary.

via BIKEEXIF

OLYMPIC COLD

Don't let your style get lost in translation like Russia's Olympic slogan.

Homage USA Hoodie ($65). Aspesi Thermoregulating Double-Layered Field Jacket($1,395). Herschel Novel Duffle Bag ($80). Uniqlo Regular Fit Chino Trousers ($49).Canada Goose Aviator Trapper Hat ($225). Ball and Buck Waxed Canvas Dopp Kit ($68).SpeakEasy Russian Translator App ($4). F1 4 Pack Travel Bottle Set ($12). Coloud Earbud Headphones ($25). Oliberte Tompa Boots ($175). Zippo Hand Warmer ($13).

Ryno Microcyle. The answer to Segway face plants

Meet the Ryno Microcyle, a Segway with a seat, a 16kph top speed and stonking set of bull bars

If any of you have tried riding a Segway, you’ll know it’s more difficult than it looks (just ask Jimi Heselden). Lean too far forward or too far back, your belief in gravity will disappear and your faceplant will hit YouTube under the heading ‘Epic Fail’. This pretty badass edition then might be what you’re looking for to put those jittery knees to rest.

Okay, technically this isn’t a Segway. Its full name is the Ryno Microcycle (so called because it’s got one wheel and presumably gives you the horn if mounted the right way). What makes the Ryno a credible option – aside from the bull bars on the front, the purpose of which we’re still not clear on – is the seat. The gyroscope in the wheel still does most of the work and the handlebars are just for sure. But wouldn’t you prefer to sit down if you’re an inch away from going arse over elbow?

Top speed is 10mph (16kph) – or ‘the pace of a very fast run’ apparently – and range is 10m (16km). Anybody got a spare $5300? We’re keen to see how many laps of the crankandpiston office that is.

Source – Ryno Motors

petit déjeuner