The mad scientists at ICON Motosports spend their days concocting motorcycle gear that runs the gamut from stealthy to totally outrageous. And when they’re not busy with that, they’re hard at work in their Portland garage building wild custom motorcycles to match.
Meet Quarterflash: an 8-bit dream wrapped in a flurry of neon hues, named after a band that came out of Icon’s hometown in the 80s. A little outlandish and extremely saucy, it’s just the sort of custom build that we’d expect from Portland’s finest.
And if you’re thinking that this machine sits a little low for a full-faired sportbike, you’re not wrong. That’s because Quarterflash didn’t start its life as some four-cylinder screamer, but rather as a mild-mannered Kawasaki Z125.
If you don’t know the Z125, it’s pretty much Kawasaki’s answer to the Honda Grom; pint-sized and ready to play. In stock form, the Z125 cranks out 9.5 hp and weighs just 225 lbs. But Quarterflash has spent an inordinate amount of time in the gym, to help unleash its full potential.
The Tennessee-based small-bore parts specialist, MNNTHBX, had something to do with it. They supplied a 155 cc big-bore kit with an upgraded crank, plus their MTake intake (think of it as a ‘big breather’ for a Grom).
ICON also slapped on a full Yoshimura exhaust system, then installed a Dynojet Power Commander and AutoTune kit. With a little fettling, Quarterflash now scores high on both bark and bite.
ICON holds firm to the mantra that you should never skip leg day, so they went to town on the Kawasaki’s running gear too. There’s a MNNTHBX swingarm extender and lowering link out back, hooked up to a Nitron shock with a remote reservoir. The stock 12” hoops are shod with new Avon rubber, with EBC brake pads adding extra stopping power.
But the job was only half done. Realizing that Quarterflash needed a body kit to match its ferocity, the team sourced a sportbike fairing from Airtech Streamlining.
Modeled on the iconic Yamaha OW-01, which is substantially larger than the Z125, the fairing was gently tailored to fit. ICON sculpted a new one-piece tank cover and tail section from fiberglass, finishing things off with a racing foam seat pad and a host of 3D-printed details.
The new bodywork went a long way to convert Quarterflash from pit-bike to pocket-sized retro superbike. All that was missing was an assortment of appropriate accoutrements.
ICON added new rear-set foot controls lower down, with fresh clip-ons and grips in the cockpit. The Z125 runs with Magura brake and hydraulic clutch master cylinders, with the reservoirs mounted to a CNC-machined bracket that sits where handlebar risers normally would. The OEM Kawasaki dash tucks neatly behind Quarterflash’s tinted windscreen.
And then there’s that retina-searing livery. Slathered in graphics that jumped straight out of an 80s arcade game, Quarterflash unapologetically pays tribute to Icon’s latest helmet and jacket designs.
Just like the music, hairstyles and tracksuits of the 80s, Quarterflash isn’t for everyone. But if it speaks to you, we invite you to comb your mullet, roll up the sleeves of your linen jacket, pop a quarter in the machine and hold on tight.
A Honda CX500 headlines this week, resplendent in classic John Player Special colors. We also cover a 1957 Indian Trailblazer, a Magni MV Agusta, a Super73 e-bike destined for Burning Man, and a look back at this year’s Auerberg Klassik event.
Honda CX500 by Charlie’s Atelier For all of its shortcomings, the Honda CX500 is a very versatile motorcycle. It can make great café racer, scrambler or tracker—and I should know, because my first bike was a CX500.
This stripped-down CX500 café racer comes from Francis Gomez of Charlie’s Atelier in the Dominican Republic. Inspired by the stunning John Player Special liveries of Formula 1, it’s a great example of the CX’s potential.
Francis grafted a Suzuki GSX-R front end to the Honda frame, complete with its forks, wheel and disc brakes. It’s finished off with an LED headlight, with a Motogadget taillight out back. The cockpit sports new clip-ons with Rizoma grips, CNC Racing levers, and Motogadget turn signals and mirrors.
The engine and frame received a healthy dose of black paint, and the stock carbs were taken off in favor of a pair of Mikuni VM34s, complete with velocity stacks. Snaking its way past the new radiator guard is a beautifully made stainless steel exhaust system.
Above the engine you’ll find a carbon fiber tank, modeled after the original. The back end received a whole lot of custom work too, including a short rear subframe and mono-shock conversion. A YSS shock, finished in black and gold, keeps the ride smooth.
The rear wheel cover is made of carbon, and the floating seat is a custom part. Hiding somewhere on the bike is an Antigravity Lithium-ion battery. Michelin Pilot Power 3 tires round out the build, with gold lettering to boot.
In stock form, the CX500 is slightly heavy and underpowered. Francis has done a great job to lighten it up, and the new Mikuni carbs surely work wonders for the engine. As the host of his city’s leg of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, I’m sure he can’t wait to lead the charge next year on this exquisite machine. [Charlie’s Atelier]
1957 Indian Trailblazer If it weren’t for the big red tank with the Indian logo emblazoned upon it, I would have thought this was a Royal Enfield. Turns out, I wasn’t far off.
This is a 1957 Indian Trailblazer, which is essentially a re-badged Royal Enfield Super Meteor. The 100 mph, 700 cc parallel twin is a far cry from the usual Indian V-Twin fare, but gosh it looks good dressed in red with its Indian accoutrements.
In 1953, Indian was in serious trouble and were bought by Brockhouse Engineering, a company based in England. Brockhouse took the Super Meteor and sent it over to the USA to be rebadged as an Indian. The 45 hp parallel twin was originally taken from the Royal Enfield Meteor, which came equipped with a sidecar.
The Trailblazer got red paint, taller handlebars and a single seat setup with a luggage rack. The front and rear guards also got the Indian treatment and a crash bar was fitted to the front of the frame.
The powerful engine, comfortable seating position and luggage options would have made this a rather nice touring bike in its time. One benefit of the Indian-Enfield partnership was that parts were easier to find. Unfortunately, this didn’t surmount to much, as there aren’t many Trailblazer survivors around these days.
If you’re interested in a piece of American and English history, this bike is being offered for sale. The RM Sotheby’s anoraks reckon it will sell for between $5,000 and $10,000, which is fairly reasonable for a bike like this. [Source]
1978 Magni MV Agusta A full fairing, gold wheels, a curvy exhaust and a whole lot of Italian pizzaz. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the physical embodiment of motorcycle heaven.
Originally delivered to its first owner in Germany as an MV Agusta 750S America, this stunning classic was sent to the Magni workshop in the late 80s for some choice performance upgrades. It was then sent back in 2008, for a full conversion by Giovanni Magni himself.
In stock form, the 750S America is a pretty bike, with no bodywork to hide the stunning four-cylinder engine. Sitting beneath a bulbous tank and pushing its power through a shaft drive, you’d be happy to just leave it as is. But with a Magni fairing, extra power and a chain-drive conversion, it goes from pretty to drop dead gorgeous.
The owner of this particular example bought the bike in 2017 and is now offering it for sale through Moto Borgotaro. The current owner is a long-time Ducati and MV Agusta aficionado and as such had the engine checked over by a Magni specialist.
Only riding 3,000 miles since the rebuild, the video above proves it has to go (and soundtrack) to match the show. All I need to figure out is which body part I should sell to buy this. I’m not a big drinker, so maybe a kidney… [More]
‘Mad Max’ Super73 RX Mojave When the Burning Man festival rolls around each year, social media bursts at the seams with all kinds of wild and whacky content. It’s a flurry of giant motorized vehicles of all shapes and sizes, fire twirling, flood lights and red dust. Lots of red dust.
What better way to kick about the desert campsite than on an e-bike? They’re small, easily loaded onto (or into) a vehicle, and you can glide along without disturbing any of your fellow partygoers.
The Super73 RX Mojave ticks all these boxes and more. It has four-piston brakes, fully adjustable suspension, and chunky tires that will get you out of (or into) as much trouble as you like.
This particular RX was headed to Burning Man, for a YouTube star to peruse the desert delights at his leisure. But one does not simply bring an unmodified vehicle to Burning Man, so Super73’s in-house custom team took charge, kitted it out in a Mad Max junkyard-inspired way.
Like any true Mad Max vehicle, this e-bike wears a mix of hand-made and salvaged parts. There’s a custom lighting setup on the front forks, wrapped in para-cord in case of emergency. Just above it is a front fairing that looks like it was made from a car’s exhaust heat shield.
Hand-made fork guards were bolted on too, while an old Nebraska license plate protects the frame from stone chips. The seat was wrapped in brown vinyl and a sissy bar was bent up and bolted on.
Storage space on e-bikes is usually a bit limiting so the team installed a weathered set of Super73 molle racks. A repurposed air box (complete with an air filter) acts as a saddle bag. There’s an additional storage basket in the center of the frame, with a faux exhaust poking out the side.
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what happens in the desert, stays in the desert. At least, that’s how it was before the age of social media. [Super73]
Carbon-neutral fuel at the Auerberg Klassik Once every two years, the town of Bernbeuren, at the foothills of the Alps in southern Germany, explodes in population. With the sound and smell of vintage machinery in the air, the town hosts the Auerberg Klassik—an event that pays tribute to the Auerberg race that was held every year from 1967 to 1987.
The Klassik was started by a bunch of local motorcycle enthusiasts in 2017, 30 years after the last race. The event has something for the whole family, combining historic motorsport vibes with a classic racing lifestyle.
What attracts most people is the historic hill climb. The 3.2 km course wends its way up Mount Auerberg, and hosted 215 motorcycles and sidecars, along with 15 historic racing cars, this year. This included an original 1962 Brabham BT3 Formula 1 car and a 1990 Reynard Opel Spiess—Michael Schumacher’s actual 1990 Formula 3 car.
The hill climb was a timed regularity race with Josef Traubinger crowned “King of the Mountain” on his 1932 Standard. Queen of the Mountain went to Maria Köpf and her Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. The oldest participant was 88 years old and the youngest was 23. There were a variety of prizes to be won, including awards for best dressed and for the people who travelled the furthest to attend the event.
But a big talking point of the weekend, was that over a third of the participants in the hill climb were fueling their bikes with carbon-neutral e-fuel. No, they weren’t running battery-powered vehicles—they were using synthetic petrol.
The fuel was supplied by P1 Performance Fuels in Berlin, who were brought on board to highlight how vintage cars and bikes can be run more sustainably. Interestingly it’s the same fuel that Sebastian Vettel used to power a 100-year-old Aston Martin some months ago.
By all accounts, the 3rd Auerberg Klassik was a great success, hosting 4,500 guests and putting on a great race. It was also announced that the event will run again in two years time. So it looks like I’ll be booking flights to Germany in September 2024. [Images by Sven Wedemeyer]
Bobby Haas left a giant hole in the custom scene when he passed away unexpectedly last year. As the owner and curator of the Haas Moto Museum, he was a bonafide patron of the art of motorcycle customization. And in that role, he formed deep personal relationships with the custom builders that helped to fill his museum’s halls.
With three of his builds already in the Haas Museum, Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom had become a close friend of Bobby’s. So this impossibly elegant BMW R100 is particularly dear to him. Not only is it the longest custom boxer we’ve ever seen, but it was the last Kingston build that Bobby commissioned.
“I discussed a new project with Bobby and Stacey [Mayfield], his life partner and museum director, in July 2021,” Dirk tells us. “At that time, I didn’t know what it would become—all that was clear was that it was going to be the longest BMW R100, and it was going to be Kingston’s fourth motorcycle in the Haas Museum.”
“A Kingston family; related, but each member individualistic. That was my assignment from Bobby and Stacey.”
Dirk started the project the same way he usually does—by furiously sketching out the countless designs that were milling around in his head. Then he stripped the bike down, and set up big cardboard sheets against the chassis, to sketch everything out at a 1:1 scale.
Next, Dirk fleshed out his ideas with construction foam. Inspiration came from the 1930s, “when high speed, aerodynamics and elegance were combined.” By now the project was heading in an art deco streamliner direction, and had earned nickname ‘Eleganza.’
Once Dirk had finalized the BMW’s silhouette, he sent a photo to Bobby, who replied enthusiastically. But four days later, Dirk got a devastating phone call from Stacey informing him of Bobby’s sudden passing.
“I was frozen, shocked,” he says, “I could not and would not believe it. Such a wonderful person is no longer with us? I sank into deep mourning.”
“When Bobby was buried, I was locked down with a video feed from the funeral, and couldn’t say goodbye in person. I covered the project with a cloth and couldn’t work on it for a month, the grief and pain were too much.”
“After a few weeks I received a video call from Stacey—it was an exceptionally emotional conversation from both sides. Stacey told me that the family had decided to let the Eleganza project be completed, as it would have been in Bobby’s best interest.”
Dirk pulled the cloth off the bike, but his connection to the ‘Eleganza’ concept had been severed. He reached out to Stacey and told her that the project needed a new name. That might sound frivolous, but if you know Dirk, you’ll know that he places a lot of value in names.
“Eleganza became ‘Hommage’—a tribute to Bobby Haas,” he says. “It had to be something extraordinary—a work of art, a motorcycle sculpture.”
His passion reignited, Dirk began the arduous task of bringing Bobby’s Hommage to life. We’ve seen the German builder tackle this art deco style before, but we’ve never seen him take the concept to this extreme.
The R100’s elongated full-body fairing was hand-formed out of 2 mm thick aluminum. Divided into four main sections, it’s actually remarkably easy to take apart. Dirk also fabricated a pair of front wheel covers to give the fairing a seamless feel, but designed them to turn with the wheel.
The metalwork is impressive enough, but what really puts this streamliner over the top is the smorgasbord of tasteful details. Up front is a custom-made BMW-style kidney grill, with a headlight hidden behind it. Out back, you’ll find the taillight from a vintage BMW 700 car.
Poking out from the side panels are the boxer’s distinctive cylinder heads, hooked up to custom air intakes that move the carbs to under the bodywork. The customized foot controls, key ignition and choke are all neatly integrated too. And if you take a closer look at the front wheel covers, you’ll notice small cutouts to access the brake calipers, in case you need to bleed the system.
Up top are a set of handmade handlebars, fitted with aftermarket levers and grips. The rider looks down on a vintage-looking speedo bearing Kingston’s logo, and a leather tank belt that matches the seat. The chromed mirror housing comes from a Porsche 356 Speedster.
Other stylish touches include BMW roundels on the sides and front, and a set of chromed fishtail mufflers mounted to handmade exhaust headers.
Most of the donor bike is still intact under the bodywork, with a few notable modifications. The stock fuel tank’s been replaced by a handmade aluminum reservoir, holding three gallons. And the swingarm’s been extended, with a pair of rigid struts replacing the rear suspension.
A swathe of black paint, complemented by gold stripes, takes this graceful BMW over the finish line. And before you ask: yes, it’s rideable.
“The bike runs and is not just a show bike,” Dirk confirms. “I repeat: the bike can be driven and also steered. Of course, it has a large turning circle—but you only need that while maneuvering at low speeds, not while riding.”
Despite this, the Hommage likely won’t rack up too many miles. It’s destined for the Haas Moto Museum, where it’ll take its place as a tribute to a dear friend of the custom motorcycle scene.
If your car in the UK is over three years old, then you, like many people, will need to put your car in for its MOT test. These can be stressful times, even if your vehicle seems to be OK, as there can sometimes be things wrong that you don’t know about until it’s tested.
However, there are some steps that can help you prepare for your annual MOT. So, we have below detailed three things you ought to think about before your vehicle’s next MOT.
Check Your Car Over Before You Go
There are many things that you can do before you take your car for its MOT. Some of these actions you can take yourself, in order to maximise the chances of your vehicle passing its MOT at the first attempt.
Around 20% of cars will fail their MOT because of a blown headlight or indicator. These can be easily replaced, and you should have a manual that will explain how to replace them. Check all of your lights before the MOT Service in Laindon. This includes the number plate lights, fog lights, and rear brake lights.
Your registration plates need to be securely fixed and easy to read. If there are any parts of the number plate that are broken or damaged, then this can result in failure. It can be easy to find replacements, and some stores will fit them for you as well.
Another big reason for cars failing their MOT is because the wheels or tyres are not up to code. You should check your tyres for any wear, bulges, cracks, or other damage. The ‘20p test’ is a well-known way of checking tyre tread depth, so you don’t need to have specialised equipment or tools in order to take responsible steps.
When to Book Your Car For an MOT
It is important that you book your car in for its MOT at the right time. If you are unsure when your car is due, you can check the paperwork you were given on your last MOT. The DVLA will also hold data on your car’s last MOT so that you can check it on their website.
As a rule, you cannot get a new MOT more than one month (minus a day) before your due date. You also must get the car tested by the previous testing date.
Your other alternative if your car isn’t ready to have its MOT is to register it as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). This allows you to keep the car off the road after its MOT has expired. You are not allowed to keep the car on a public road or drive the car until it passes an MOT.
What to do if the Car Fails the MOT
No matter how new or old your car may be, there is a chance that it may fail the MOT. If your car does fail, then you will need to decide what you want to do. The main option is to get the car fixed and get a quote on what it will cost. The other option is to take the car somewhere to get it fixed and then get it retested.
For small problems, you will likely be happy to get them fixed. However, for major issues, this can be a problem, especially if the cost is high. For some cars, the cost of fixing it might be more than the car is worth, so it might not be financially viable.
Other Things to Consider
Because there are many cars that need to have an MOT every year, garages can become booked up as they can only complete so many MOTs per day. Also, not every garage is accredited to be able to carry out MOT testing.
You should contact garages well in advance of your MOT due date so that you can get it booked in time. It is also a good idea to have alternative transport available if possible, in case your car needs to have work carried out on it.
Conclusion
It is always good to be prepared for any eventuality when it comes to your car’s MOT. You should check your car before it goes in to ensure you can fix any minor issues. It is also important to be aware of any possible issues that you know will need addressing.
Nothing beats a quick early morning blast through the hills above my house. The air is fresh, the sun is usually shining and I don’t have to share the road with many other motorized vehicles. I do have to share it with bicycles though—and I’m always amazed by how many people choose pedals over a throttle.
This Honda CB450 café racer, however, was built for someone who likes both. It’s the seventh commissioned bike from Bruno Costa, of Caffeine Custom in Brazil. And it’s affectionately referred to as the ‘White Shark,’ thanks to its slim, pearl-white monocoque.
“The owner is a cycling enthusiast who wanted a low and narrow motorcycle for short, fun rides around the Gaucho Highlands’ curvy roads,” says Bruno. “Mixing a classic café racer with modern touches, we built it narrow to highlight the engine and make it look bigger.”
With the project brief finalized, Bruno selected a 1987-model Honda CB450 TR as the donor bike. A stock CB450 would make for a great commuter, but it doesn’t set the world on fire in terms of styling. Bruno and his customer felt the same way, so very little of the original bike now remains.
The first thing to go were the snowflake-style cast wheels. In their place are the five-spoke alloy units from a later model Honda, which also lent its front fork assembly. Finished in dark grey and wrapped in fresh Pirelli rubber, the new hoops look decidedly more modern.
The custom front fender is made of steel, and does double duty as a fork brace. The striking, almost neo-retro design ties in nicely with the LED headlight, donated by a Harley V-Rod. This is bolted to the front end by way of a custom bracket.
Higher up, Bruno installed a custom top yoke with integrated LED warning lights, and a mount for a Motogadget Motoscope Mini speedometer. Clip-on handlebars, new grips, push button switches and bar-end turn signals and mirrors were also fitted. To keep the cockpit clean, all the wiring was routed internally through the bars.
Next up was the single piece tank, seat and tail unit. Bruno describes it as the most challenging part of the build, and it’s easy to see why. Starting with an aftermarket fuel tank, he fabricated a steel seat pan and tail bump, then seamlessly blended everything together.
The seat is trimmed in Alcantara, and although it looks thin, it’s luxury compared to the bicycle saddles the customer is used to. Out back is an integrated LED tail light, shining out from behind a louvered cover. The custom aluminum gas cap and laser-cut brushed steel logos on the tank are neat touches.
Custom bodywork is difficult to get right but Bruno has nailed it, along with the new rear subframe that supports it. The bike got a full rewire too, but since space was limited, Bruno had to get clever.
Everything is packed into a tray under the seat, which can be accessed without removing the bodywork. A small Lithium-ion battery is stashed under the swingarm.
The Honda’s engine was refreshed and got a new coat of paint to match the wheels. The pod filters and custom two-into-two stainless steel exhaust free a few extra horses from the 450.
Aluminum rear-sets were fitted for a racy foot position, and Bruno made an aluminum license plate holder to round out the bodywork.
The end result is a lean café racer with perfect proportions. The weight reduction and tweaked powertrain surely benefits the torquey twin, but it’s the aesthetics that make this a winner.
If there was a motorcycling equivalent of the yellow jersey, Bruno would be wearing it.
