Vagabund V07 BMW R100R Motorcycle

Austrian designer Paul Brauchart and mechanical engineer Philipp Rabl founded Vagabund two years ago and immediately started putting out some great bikes. The Vagabund V07, nicknamed "The Whale", began life as a 1993 BMW R100R. The smooth aluminum bodywork incorporates the tank and seat as a single piece, with an innovative catch: The entire assembly is hinged at the front of the bike, and swings upward via a small gas shock. Underneath is a small tool storage. An inset Motogadget digital gauge cluster sits on top of the tank, underneath an acrylic cover. The headlight fairing and front fender are both hand-formed aluminum as well. Although it's a minimalist bike, there's no shortage of well-executed design details on Vagabund's latest creation.

Krautmotors BMW C Evolution E-LisaBad Scooter

No, this isn't some new piece of military hardware or a new gadget for an upcoming James Bond film. Despite the looks, the inspiration for this custom BMW C-Evolution electric scooter was a tea set — specifically, builder Rolf Reick's grandmother's 1920s cubic service by Eric Magnussen. Ideas really do come from the most unexpected of places. Rolf began by removing the plastic body panels, lowering the scooter, and adding rigid struts at the rear. The origami-like front fairing purposely covers only half the frame, leaving the rest of the mechanicals exposed for a raw, industrial look befitting the much-lauded German engineering.

Deus Ex Machina Triumph C-Seven Motorcycle

KISS — keep it simple, stupid. When you start with a source like the nearly-perfect Triumph TR6, there's no need to overcomplicate things. Deus Ex took the bike in as a basket case, which then spent years collecting dust in the back of the shop before working its way to the front of the line. When it finally got there, it was reincarnated as a retro Triumph chopper — devoid of any frills or unnecessary accessories. The Triumph C-Seven is a bike that strips riding down to isn't most bare essentials.

CrossHelmet X1 HUD Motorcycle Helmet

The filter-down effect of tech in the motorcycle world has introduced fly-by-wire throttles, traction control, anti-wheelie systems, and ABS to bikes. But some of the most promising developments are in the most important piece of motorcycling gear — the helmet. Startup CrossHelmet's X1 HUD is one of the most promising designs so far, with a built-in HUD display and rearview camera, along with a striking Stormtrooper-esque look. With the companion smartphone app, you get voice commands, CrossSound control for dampening environmental sounds, and GroupTalk for communication with other riders. CrossHelmet's Kickstarter launches September 13, 2017.

Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber Motorcycle

This is the last of them — the last bike manufactured under the Confederate brand. The Alabama-based company is changing its name to Curtiss Motorcycles — after motorcycle land speed pioneer Glenn Curtiss — and Confederate is making sure they go out with a bang. The FA-13 Combat Bomber is the most powerful bike ever offered by Confederate. A 150 hp v-twin powers the striking billet-alloy monocoque frame, and cantilever forks and rear monoshock keep both wheels firmly planted on the ground. After the name change, Confederate with change over to making only electric motorcycles, ensuring that FA-13 is an instantly collectible piece of motorcycling history.

Bandit9 Dark Side Motorcycle

Saigon-based bike builder Bandit9 has crafted custom bikes worthy of being museum pieces — their work can be found in collections around the world. Bandit9's latest offering is the Dark Side, a wild custom built on the Harley-Davidson Street 750 platform. The aero-inspired faring and one-piece tank and rear cowling make for a sweeping, dramatic appearance, along with the blacked-out motor, exhaust, and handmade radiator shroud. An extended rake, inverted front forks, and 16-inch spoked wheels offer substantially increased handling befitting of the bike's overall theme. Potential buyers should act now: Only nine are scheduled for production and worldwide delivery.

2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

The Dyna is dead. Harley-Davidson has scrapped the familiar twin-shock chassis, moving all models for 2018 over to the softail design. The 2018 Fat Bob gains the most from the change, getting powerful dual disc brakes, a more sporty 28° rake, adjustable rear monoshock, and USD Showa forks — a nod from Harley that the times have changed, and they aren't afraid to change with them. Engine choices are the torquey 107 and 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee Eights that move a lighter 650-pound bike. Change used to come slowly at Harley-Davidson, but the most traditional motorcycle manufacturer in the world isn't resting on its name any longer.

Monday Motorbikes M1 E-Bike

The electric transportation revolution is well under way. Monday Motorbikes is a California-based company whose first entry into the zero-emissions arena is the M1. The M1 moped features full front and rear suspension, regenerative disc brakes, and proprietary, quick-change battery packs with 40 miles of range. If the batteries are drained, the M1 also has a completely separate pedal drive. An intuitive digital dash and minimalist modern-meets-retro design make for a ride that is as stylish as it is environmentally friendly.

1929 BMW R62

The reliability of BMW motorcycles is the stuff of legend. From safaris to rallies and thousands of miles on everyday pavement, a BMW with likely outlast its owner. But not even the engineers behind them could have imagined that 88 years later, their bikes would not only be running but able to keep up with modern traffic. Five years after BMW started making motorcycles, they introduced the 750cc-engined R62 in 1928. Unusual at the time, the R62 has all the things that are hallmarks of BMW motorcycles — horizontal twin engine, shaft drive and a cantilever front suspension. The R62 is a perfect example of BMW's form-follows-function philosophy.

1979 BMW R80 Skyway Boardracer

Traditionally, bicycles have taken tech and styling cues from motorcycles — not the other way around. But this custom BMW R80 flips that convention on its head. Inspired by 80s BMX bikes with Skyway Tuff Mag wheels, it perfectly captures the aesthetic. The art of any custom bike is in the details, and the Skyway Boardracer is loaded with them. Internal throttle and clutch cables along with Motogadget instruments and switches keep the appearance exceptionally clean. A custom one-foot braking system eliminates the brake lever, and handmade pieces like the battery cover and CNC'd exhaust tips and the finishing touch. More than just a styling exercise, the updated suspension pieces also make this R80 a joy on the road.

Photos: Devin Paisley

Classified Moto x Rebel Yell Frank Motorcycle

No one ever called Frankenstein pretty — and it's doubtful you'd say that about Classified Moto's Frank, which is the point of the build. The second collaboration between Classified Moto and Rebel Yell bourbon, Frank seems to be a total abomination at first glance. Starting with a sporty Triumph Speed Triple donor, a totally custom-made single sided swingarm was fabbed up and mated to a massive ATV tire. A shortened subframe carries a hand-stitched seat, with the original front forks carrying a knobby Kenda front tire. In another tribute to Mary Shelley's monster, the tank is overlaid with text from the novel. The beast will be up for auction in September 2017. Find out more on Rebel Yell's website.

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.