If you're so lucky as to live somewhere that the thought of winter doesn't have you immediately reaching for a blanket, perhaps you'd like to spend the next few months aboard this DP Customs Beach Cruiser ($9,900). A completely rebuilt 1977 Harley Davidson Ironhead, this stylish two-wheeler features an original '70s Super Glide tank, a handmade whiskey flask oil tank, an early, rebuilt CV carburator, custom fishtail pipes, custom laced wheels — 21-inches in the front and 18 in the rear — an electric start, all the original numbers and history it carried pre-rebuild, and a handsome British Green and Wimbledon White paint job.
Technology developed for and tested in F1 racing often makes its way down to daily drivers. But motorcycles? The Zero Engineering Type 9 Motocycle ($TBA) is proof that what works on four ferociously fast-spinning wheels works on two as well, thanks to a F1-inspired multi-link suspension built from the ground up for a clean look and a superb ride. Other features include a S&S 96" Evo engine, a HD five-speed transmission, and the ability to customize everything from the pegs to the paint job, so your ride is as unique as you.
It's not all that surprising, if you think about it, but apparently naked street bikes aren't the most ideal daily drivers. The Ducati Streetfighter 848 Motocycle ($TBA) is out to change all that. Powered by a new 848 Testastretta 11° engine and sporting Ducati Traction Control, the 848 has been designed with ergonomics and user-friendliness in mind, making it as suitable for everyday commutes as it is for high speed hijinx. [Scouted by David]
Ducati... and AMG? Yup. This unholy marriage of the performance-obsessed has resulted in this: the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition ($TBA). As you might expect, it scores high marks in both the aesthetic and speed departments, offering up signature AMG five-spoke wheels, carbon fiber radiator grills with aluminum trim, an AMG-style sport exhaust system, an AMG-style horizontally-ribbed seat in Alcantara, hand-set cam timing with the name of the technician engraved on the engine casing, a numbered plaque on the fuel tank, a Testastretta 11° engine, and spectacular matte black carbon fiber bodywork.
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
When it comes to motorcycles, old is the new black. Or something. Moving along, the Lossa 1978 Yamaha SR 500 Motorcycle ($TBA) is another modern adaptation of a two-wheeled classic, featuring a complete overhaul that includes all new wiring, a relocated battery, a GSXR front end, Brembo brakes in the front and rear, RD400 wheels, a host of custom pieces including the sprocket carrier, rear brake stay, intake manifold, and exhaust, a Binellu gas tank, and an aluminum swing arm, all polished off with a spiffy white/red/black paint job. [Scouted by Stacy]
You wouldn't expect a motorcycle from 1982 to look this good, but then again, the Classified Moto XV920 Motorcycle ($TBA) was made to blow away expectations. Based on a 1982 XV920R, this custom ride features new front- and rear-ends — from a YZF R6-R and R6-S, respectively — a custom front sprocket/spacer to cope with the increased offset of the rear sprocket and wheel, a new 180mm rear tire, top mounted hooligan bars, and a variety of pieces that've been stripped off in an effort to make it look less "nerdy." We think it worked.
Based on a 1980 Harley Davidson Ironhead and sporting a paint job inspired by the #2 Audi R18 TDI that took home this year's Le Mans, the DP Customs Naked Cafe Motorcycle ($TBA) is a terrific custom bike. Powered by a 1000cc motor, it features a custom seat and upholstery, a DP Quantum-port symmetrical exhaust, Pirelli tires, a clean title, and a unique look that's unlike anything you'll pass on the street.
(Photo: Jed Strahm)
Embrace the night aboard the dark-as-can-be Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special Motorcycle ($15,300 and up). This special edition sport bike features a blacked-out 1250cc V-Twin Revolution engine good for 125 hp, blacked-out cast aluminum wheels, a double-barrel exhaust with brushed-finish dual mufflers, blacked-out end caps and exhaust shields, Brembo brakes, a blacked-out low-rise handlebar, an ultra-fat 240mm rear tire, a slimmed down fastback tail section with LED tail lamp, a — what else — matte black paint finish, and blacked out forks, triple clamps, and swingarm. Great for discrete cruising after dark, not so great for avoiding attention at the beach.
With a name like that, you wouldn't expect the 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine Racing Motorcycle ($750,000-$950,000; Auction) to be very comfortable. And maybe you'd be right — but the Porcupine wasn't built for comfort. It was built for speed. Described as the "Holy Grail of British motorcycles," the Porcupine is the only twin-cylinder motorcycle ever to have won the 500cc World Championship. This particular specimen was one of only four E95s to be built, and features a spectacular exposed clutch, an AC fuel pump that humorously requires the bike to be stood on its rear wheel for priming, a full 54bhp or power, and a streamlined design, and underwent a complete mechanical restoration in the early '00s, meaning that it should run as well as it did more than half a century ago.
Draw the ire and envy of your Harley-riding buddies aboard the Deus Odd Job SR542 Motorcycle ($TBA). With a purposefully pared down look, the Odd Job looks cobbled together from random parts, but is in fact a fully custom ride, featuring a 542 engine from CafeCarl, Brembo brakes, Daytona gauges, a custom GF seat and tank, Yamaha factory Mags, and Dunlop K180 dirt track tires. [Thanks, Evan]
Melding classic cruiser feel with sharp, fighter-jet looks, the 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ($16,500) looks like a fine summertime ride. Powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1,700cc V-twin engine, it's got plenty of oomph to get you around, and also boasts a six-speed transmission, a fully electronic throttle actuation system, a steel frame, air-adjustable shocks, 9-spoke cast aluminum wheels, a LED taillight, cruise control, and killer custom-style bodywork that will draw just as much attention as its rumbling exhaust note.
Just getting started in the motorcycle scene? As tempting as they might be, you — and your brains, bones, and organs — are better off skipping the superbike scene and hopping aboard something a little more tame, like the Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle ($4,000). Sporting a stylish retro design, the TU250X features a 249cc four-stroke SOHC engine, a five-speed transmission, a diamond-shaped steel tube frame, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a low 30.3-inch seat height that's great for beginners.