Custom Creativity from Europe

November 7, 2022 | By Mike Seate

34th Biker Fest 2020
Lignano 17-20 settembre 2020

34th Biker Fest 2020
Lignano 17-20 settembre 2020

 

Our next issue, due out in the first week of December,  not only features coverage of the recent 100th Anniversary celebration of Moto Guzzi, we’re [proud to present some rare images from the European Custom Motorcycle Championships also held in Italy this summer. For years, countries like Germany and Sweden were known for their burgeoning, outside-the-box custom motorcycle industries while Italy was known more for giving the world the sexiest, fastest racing motorcycles on the planet. However, the global pandemic changed all that, with thousands of riders looking for outlets for their mechanical creativity during the year’s-long lockdowns. The results ahve been breathtaking with the custom streetbike scenes in several previously unknown countries suddenly boasting some of the most original and unique two-wheelers going.

 

For an example of how difficult it must be to hand-craft a one-off motorcycle in modern-day Europe, many custom builders tell of stringent rules and regulations facing any garage-built machine looking to be licensed legally for road use. There’s still plenty of supply line issues facing bike technicians seeking parts from our shores and beyond while noise regulations are far more strict than even riders in California face today. Best of all, some of the most sought-after prizes awarded at this year’s Italian Championship presented the winners with 300 Euro (or about $320) in free gasoline- a fortune in countries where a gallon of high-octane go-juice will set a rider back $12 or more Still, they peservere and some of the results are seen here. Look for additional coverage in issue#84’s Custom Scene feature. Keep those wrenches spinning!