Motoism Honda GL500-JPN Motorcycle

In the annals of performance motorcycles, the Honda GL500 Silverwing wouldn't make the cut — and that was part of the inspiration the Motoism GL500-JPN. A massive overhaul takes the formerly sedate little cruiser to modern bike more capable than even Honda could have imagined. USD forks and brakes from a Honda CBR600RR shore up the front end, while the rear has been converted to a mono-shock setup from the original dual. Custom spoked alloy wheels wear aggressive enduro tires, while a hand-laid fiberglass fascia houses two HID lamps and LED running light. The bike is finished with a complete motor tear down and rebuild for another few decades of riding. Production is limited to just 16 units.

1967 BSA Enduro 441 Race Replica

Triumph, Norton, and the British Small Arms company — better known as BSA — were the triumvirate of British motorcycle manufacturers. BSA, together with sister company Triumph, was once the largest maker of bikes in the world, but the marquee has been dormant since the late 1970s. The brand remains popular with enthusiasts, and Steve Bright is no exception. Steve took a 1967 BSA B441 Victor Enduro and turned it into a replica of the extremely rare factory racer, meaning it can be ridden without fear of ruining a piece of history. In his spare time, Steve has a private shop, and much of what you see here was handmade. Even though it's not a factory original, Steve's work would be right at home in the pits of a late-60s track.

BMW Motorrad Spezial

Customization is at the heart of motorcycling. Not limited to the yards of chrome and block-long stretched American bikes, making a motorcycle your own unique statement is part and parcel of the experience. BMW Motorrad launched the R nineT with the goal of making an easily-customizable standard bike — and it's been so successful that BMW is launching an in-house line of custom parts. Called BMW Motorrad Spezial, it offers factory-installed parts like hand-painted tanks, valve covers, rearsets, seats, wheels, and levers. Starting in Fall 2017, you'll be able to configure the R nineT of your dreams online and have it delivered to your local dealership, ready-to-ride without having to turn a wrench.

Capelo's Garage x Elemental Rides Yamaha SR400 Motorcycle

It's nearly the end for Yamaha's little single-lunger, the SR400. Emissions regulations are going to put the 400cc standard out of production, and the writing is on the wall for the reliable air-cooled single. But before that happens, Portuguese bike builders Nuno Capêlo and Ricardo Santos took to the bike before it rides off into the sunset. What they came up with is a modern cafe-styled SR400 that harks back to some of the great Yamahas of the past. A completely revised suspension with USD forks makes the bike very corner friendly, and hand-laid fiberglass front and rear fairings give it a nouveau retro look. Wider rubber and a conversion to front drum brakes speak to racers of the past, and the cork seating surface and grips are a nod to one of Portugal's chief exports. The SR400 may be going, but this example won't be forgotten.

Ducati Xdiavel Thiverval

For 67 years, Ducati has garnered a reputation for high-performance motorcycles. From the 750 SuperSport to the Monster and the Panigale, Ducati has produced bleeding-edge bikes with their famous L-twin engines. It was quite a departure when the Italian manufacturer introduced the Diavel, a bike aimed squarely at a uniquely American segment: The long-wheelbase cruiser. If there is one thing Americans love to do to their cruisers, it's customize them. Ducati put an XDiavel in the hands of Belgian customizer Fred Krugger, and the result is the Thiverval. Named for a small race track outside of Paris, the bike's design puts a futuristic spin on the classic cafe racer concept while staying true to the underlying Ducati heritage, turning the idea of a power cruiser on its head — much like the Diavel itself.

Ironwood Custom BMW R80 Motorcycle

Amsterdam-based Ironwood Motorcycles has been cranking out custom bikes since 2012. A BMW specialist, Ironwood's take on the BMW R80 is an excellent example of their craft. The bike features a massive list of customizations, with a unique rear subframe and leather seat, a wild stainless steel exhaust, and Hyperpro rear shock. Brembo-sourced brakes provide the stopping power, and a custom LED taillight, Fehling clipons, and rearset foot controls round out the package. For more of Ironwood's work, check out their Instagram page.

Lee Munro's Indian Scout

Burt Munro might be one the all-time greatest do-it-yourselfers in the history of motorsport. In 1920, he purchased a new Indian Scout, and over the course of nearly 50 years, built it into a land speed record holder, one of wich still stands today. To memorialize the occasion, engineers at Indian Motorcycles have been working with Burt's great nephew, motorcycle racer Lee Munro, to build the modern incarnation of the Scout into a top speed contender at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Called "the Spirit of Munro," Indian has punched out the stock 69 cubic-inch v-twin to 79 cubic inches, bringing horsepower up to 165 with 110 lb. ft. of torque, far above the standard 100 hp and 72.2 lb. ft. Lightweight aluminum wheels from Roland Sands Design and a streamlined fairing that mimics the original complete the package. Lee makes his own attempt at the record books on August 13, 2017.

Photos: Indian Motorcycle

Yamaha TW200 Motorcycle

A good bike for beginners doesn't mean it has to feel like a toy for more experienced riders. Yamaha's TW200 perfectly fills that niche in a dual-sport, good for the street or the trail. The 200cc single-lunger is exceptionally light, meaning the accidental drop — admit it, we've all done it — doesn't have to turn into a nightmare at an intersection. Those very noticeable fat tires provide a good ride, and the suspension is capable whether on- or off-road. Just don't expect to keep up with highway traffic — you'll need all 200ccs to make around 55 mph. An unexpectedly good-looking bike, the TW200 is ideal for new riders and veterans looking for something cheap and extremely whippable on tarmac or dirt.

Deus Ex Machina D-Side Motorcycle

If you need to take a friend with you on your next bike trip, there's no better way to go than with a sidecar. Credited to Mr. M. Bertoux, a French army officer, in 1893, the hack has become an iconic part motorcycling, from WWII to the present day. Deux ex Machina couldn't resist the urge to partner with Yamaha and turn this XV960 into the ultimate beach machine, with a ground-up custom sidecar and surfboard rack. The torquey v-twin Yamaha packs plenty of low-end to carry the added weight of a board and passenger, and the modern styling with retro touches are perfect for a European coastal retreat. Deus ex's customary attention to detail is available everywhere you look, with Alcantara seating, Motogadget instrumentation, and raw aluminum tank and fenders. Now bringing your bike, board, and a friend to the ocean in style is in the realm of reality.

MV Agusta RVS #1

Founded in 1945 near Milan, Italy, Meccanica Verghera Agusta is one of the most storied motorcycle manufacturers in history. Similar to Enzo Ferrari, MV Agusta made motorcycles almost exclusively to fund their racing efforts, and their production bikes had a sporting pedigree that few could match. MV Agusta's current lineup embraces the company's founding philosophy, and the RVS #1 is a perfect example. Starting with the Brutale Dragster 800, MV Agusta has shaved 18 pounds from the already svelte trellis frame thanks to a liberal use of titanium and added ten bhp to the three-cylinder powerplant for a total of 150 bhp. The RSV #1 makes a visual statement as powerful as its performance. Brutal front wave rotors, low-profile bar-end mirrors, and flat black paint make sure that there's no mistaking what this bike is capable of.

Gasoline Motor Co. Harley-Davidson Scrambler

There are few friendships as close as that between a man and his dog. Franky and Angel spent 15 years together, and when Angel passed, Franky wanted an appropriate memorial — and found that with the help of Gasoline Motor Co. Starting with a stock 1200cc Harley-Davidson Sportster, Gasoline performed some pretty radical surgery. A shortened rear subframe, increased ground clearance, and aggressive all-terrain tires on front and rear spoked rims erase the bike's street cruiser origins, turning it into something more along the lines of a massively overpowered dirt bike. The hand-stitched leather brat seat and hand grips keep things comfortable no matter the road, with hand-painted stencil lettering and camo pattern on the tank and side covers completing the rugged, off-road theme. Franky and his new best friend Cheif now have a fitting way to remember Angel anywhere they go.

Hookie Black Mamba Motorcycle

Dresden, Germany-based motorcycle builder Hookie Co. has been churning out sleek cafe racers and street trackers since 2011. Started as a getaway from the 9-to-5, Hookie Co. treats each build like a vacation — slow, steady, and with an eye for detail. The Black Mamba, a 1973 Honda CB550, showcases their philosophy in spades. The minimal look in black includes a custom fairing, clip-on handlebars, shortened frame, and Motogadget electronics. Lowered suspension front and rear complete the stance while a ground-up motor and carb rebuild supply plenty of grin-inducing go, making the bike perfect for winding roads or city streets.

Moto-Mucci Husqvarna TE570 Motorcycle

Picking a motorcycle depends on what type of riding you do — standard city commuting, street bikes for track day weekends and carving canyons, motocross for trails — and supermotos for any of the above. This 2001 Husqvarna TE570 supermoto by Moto-Mucci is a perfect example of a bike that's as at home in tight tarmac corners as it is off the beaten path. Starting with the TE570 single-lunger, Moto-Mucci took away everything you don't need and reinforced what you do. Custom valved suspension, bigger brakes, and a stainless exhaust have been added, along with a relocated radiator that also houses the headlights. The finishing touch is a well-patinaed tank from a 1973 Husqvarna CR360 that adds a bit of history to this modern motorcycle.

Deus Ex Machina Sea Sider Motorcycle

Motorcycles are like tools — you wouldn't want a screwdriver to pound a nail, and you don't need low-slung cafe racer to get you and your board to the beach. Deus Ex Machina's philosophy — building bikes for a purpose — is on full display with "The Seasider" by their Indonesian shop. Starting with a 1974 Honda C70 scooter, Deus Ex threw out the 70cc motor for a more modern and reliable unit from a 1995 Honda Astra. Some choice bicycle styling touches round out the retro look, and the custom-made surfboard carrier makes it obvious what this machine is all about.

BMW Motorrad Concept Link

Inspired by the Vision Next 100, the BMW Motorrad Concept Link is a complete rethink of two-wheeled urban mobility. At its core is an E-drive system, with flat battery packs in the floor and a compact motor on the rear wheel that make the rest of the design possible. The bike is low and flat, making it easy to get on and off while improving handling, and the lack of a traditional engine creates room for a luggage compartment underneath the length-adjustable seat. Truly a concept, it also packs in some futuristic features, like a head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and battery info on the windscreen. It integrates with your calendar, so it can automatically pick the best route with music to match, and a companion riding jacket that lets you open and close the storage compartment with a swipe on your sleeve.

Honda FX650 Fusqvarna Motorcycle

The centerpiece of any motorcycle is the engine. Even if it's hidden under aerodynamic bodywork, it's still in the name — CB750, GSX-R1100, 900SS — which makes the Honda FX650 "Fusqvarna" unusual. The focus on this custom machine by French builder Le Garage de Félix is the tank — a late 70s/early 80s model plucked from a Husqvarna dirt bike. The Husqvarna "H" has been replaced with Félix's "F" and sits atop a 2001 Honda FX650 chassis and motor painted black to highlight the searing red and chrome. The rear subframe has been eliminated and features a custom-made seat, exhaust, and Motogadget electronics, making for a minimalist scrambler with an interesting focal point.

1928 Brough Superior SS100 Motorcycle

In 1919, George Brough founded Brough Superior in Nottingham, England. While Brough Superior also produced motor cars, their motorcycles are the stuff of legend. Lawerence of Arabia owned seven Brough Superiors, with an eighth on order when he died on the seventh. Brough Superior's top model was the SS100, and the 100 in the name wasn't just for show — every SS100 was guaranteed to reach 100 MPH or more. Customization encouraged by the factory, making each SS100 a one-off model. This SS100 came equipped with a larger displacement 1140cc motor putting out 65 horsepower and a top speed of over 115 mph, making it one of the fastest vehicles on the planet in the late 1920s and milestone of motorcycling history.

Titan BMW K100 Xaver Motorcycle

Titan Motorcycles had a customer who wanted a new bike. His then-current ride, a 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King, wasn't cut out for narrow European city streets and steep climbs to getaway cabins in the Alps. Titan was sure they could do something for him, on one condition — that he sell his hog. The replacement is this Titan BMW K100 Xaver Motorcycle, perfectly suited to the demands of European riding. Titan took the 30-year-old motorcycle and updated the styling and mechanicals, fabricating a custom subframe and headlight assembly and fitting new shocks and fork internals. Finishing touches include minimal electronics, wiring, micro switches, and an all-digital Motogadget instrument display.

1954 BMW RS 54 Motorcycle

Leave the flashy colors and sleek forms to the Italians — the history of BMW Motorrad has been one of form following function. This fully restored 1954 BMW RS 54 factory racer in the company's classic black is a perfect example of that philosophy. With its 45 hp, DOHC 500cc boxer two-cylinder engine, gear-driven solid-shaft final drive — no chains — and Earles-type front fork, the RS 54 sported some of the most advanced technology of the era. And all that engineering showed on the racetrack, with BMW factory riders winning multiple Tourist Trophies and sidecar world championships. Only 24 examples were produced in the 1954 model year, making the RS 54 a rare milestone in the history of motorcycling.

Steve McQueen's 1972 Honda CB450 Motorcycle

Gifted to his production company following his appearance in a Japanese commercial for the 1973 CR250, Steve McQueen's 1972 Honda CB450 Motorcycle is an interesting motoring relic. The bike currently sports a "McQueen" vanity plate and an odometer that reads 19,417 miles. Powered by a double overhead cam engine that was quite advanced for its time, the bike also has a black seat, a green metallic flake tank, and a plate cover from the dealership of legendary stuntman Bud Ekins.

Barbara Motorcycle Concepts

It's easy to look at a custom bike and want something similar for your ride. It's hard to visualize it in a way that a fabricator can understand. That's where Barbara Motorcycle Concepts come into play. They'll take a photo of your current bike and let you test out everything from a simple saddle change to a full-on rebuild, all through the magic of Photoshop, then work with the shop of your choosing to make your dream a reality.

Essence E-Raw Electric Motorcycle

Mixing exposed raw materials with state-of-the-art technology, the Essence E-Raw Electric Motorcycle is an intriguing two-seater concept. Originally debuted a couple of years ago, it's since been improved with a more refined cover for the battery pack, yet still retains its signature seat made from laminated layers of wood. The exposed tubular steel frame also remains visible and sits atop an Ohlins suspension. An electric propulsion system provides over 100hp, enough to move the 370-pound bike from 0-62 in just 3.5 seconds, and provide over 100 miles of range.

Deus Ex Machina South Paw Motorcycle

Based on a Honda VTR250 and inspired by flat track racers, the Deus Ex Machina South Paw Motorcycle makes the most of its donor bike's limitations. Thanks to the trellis frame and oversized airbox, the modification was more complicated than is typical, with the front end being left mostly intact. The back half of the bike was replaced with a distinctive cantilevered fuel cell, shaped by hand, formed from a mix of carbon fiber, woven glass, and epoxy, and also serving as the seat and subframe. It sits on 17-inch Excel alloy racing rims, with upgraded brakes and a combination LED headlight/number board up front serving notice as to the bike's true intentions.

Husqvarna 256 Thage Motorcycle

Named after the creator's father, who had one when he served in the military in the early 1970s, the Husqvarna 256 Thage Motorcycle is a modern take on a rare service bike. Developed for the Swedish defense force in the 1960s, only 1,000 were ever made. The bike is notable for its pair of skis that stick off the sides when not pushed down, making it necessary to have a hand-lever for shifting. This mod has retained much of the original front end's charm while adding a more compact seat, longer shocks, new handlebars, new exhaust, and a new black paint job to replace the traditional green. The result is a modern tribute that's truly one-of-a-kind.

Photos: Johannes Helje / 654 Motors

Italian Volt Electric Motorcycle

With a powerful electric motor and a design from a veteran of Lamborghini and Bertone, the Italian Volt Electric Motorcycle offers an enticing mix of style and performance. The bodywork, frame, and swingarm are all 3D-printed, letting you choose between cafe racer, roaster, and scrambler configurations in various shapes and colors. Brembo brakes and an Ohlins suspension provide excellent stopping power and handling, and the powertrain outputs 94 hp, good for a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.

Indian Scout FTR750 Motorcycle

As America's oldest motorcycle manufacturer, Indian has a long racing history. It draws from it for the Indian Scout FTR750 Motorcycle. The same model that's currently running in the American Flat Track series, it's now available for purchase. A custom-built 750cc V-Twin engine sits in its ultra-light steel frame, along with a centrally-located airbox. The body is made from carbon fiber and harkens back to designs of the past, but while its looks might be vintage-inspired, its performance is most assuredly cutting-edge.

BMW R Nine T Racer Motorcycle

Inspired by motorsport design of the 1970s, the BMW R Nine T Racer Motorcycle blends retro looks with modern performance. Behind its signature half-shell fairing sits a 1,170cc two-cylinder boxer engine producing 110 hp, hooked to a constant mesh six-speed gearbox. A long wheelbase and low handlebars help give it a sporty look, as do the side stripes and comfortable solo seat.

BMW K75 Alpha Motorcycle

Rarely do unofficial concept designs become a reality. The BMW K75 Alpha Motorcycle is a happy exception. Originally conceived by as a Salt Flats racer by designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem, it became a reality when Erdem teamed with builder Mark "Makr" Atkinson. In the process, the donor bike gained a turbo, reworked shifter, new brakes, steering components, and an entirely new frame and fairing to realize Erdem's original design.