Bullitt CB :: DIY Pin Striping

Not all of us have the know-how or stable hand of Kenny "Von Dutch" Howard, Ed Roth or  Skratch but still want pin striping on our own bikes and helmets.  I didn't want to pay anyone and just thought I'd mask off the area with pin striping tape and give it a go myself. 

Cafe Conversions :: What Would You Convert?

Here at The Bullitt we've posted a handful of dirtbikes that have been converted into cafe racers or trackers.  Take Drake McElroy'sCR250 cafe, Nigel Petrie's cafe'd KTM and a RSD KTM 530 cafe and another clean RSD KTM 525. 

Biltwell Gringo Helmets :: Almost Here

There has lots of excitement over the upcoming release of Biltwell's Gringo full face, DOT approved helmet. Today, Biltwell satisfies us with images of them with various bubble shields, goggles, etc. This DOT-approved lid meets or exceeds all specs for eye port size, peripheral vision, goggle fitment, etc. so you know it's ready to roll.  Which is your favorite Gringo set-up?

Tour Deus Temple of Enthusiasm in Bali :: Video

I have been to the 'Temple' and seen its majesty with my own two eyes but never got the tour like the video below shows.  These guys are building an empire right before our eyes, and I'm dying that it's not all mine.  I can't tell if I should love 'em or hate 'em.  For now, I'll continue to love 'em. [expand the post for the video]

Ducati Sport Classic :: Retro Before It's Time?

Here at The Bullitt we love café racers, both modern and classic.  Seems like lately every manufacturer is jumping on the cafe bandwagon...that is, except for one.  Ducati unquestionably makes some amazing bikes, both in beauty and brawn.  They had an answer to the café craze but discontinued their Sport Classic in 2010.  But why??

Bonneville Salt Flats Video :: Out of Nothing

Saw the video below about a team of dudes, giving up practically everything in the name of speed, via the lovely MotoLady site.  Makes me really want to get out there this year, if only just to watch.

Django Django :: Indian Silodrome

I first saw this video on Abandon Pier and then again on Silodrome.  I had bookmarked it and found myself going back again and again to watch it.  The video below focuses on a modern-day Indian Silodrome crew.  As James McBride of Silodrome reminds us, a silodrome is "a Wall of Death, a huge silo shaped chamber in which stuntmen (and women) ride around the walls at speeds high enough to create G-forces higher than gravity. This allows them to ride at a 90 degree angle to the ground whilst generally goofing around almost never dying."

Iron and Resin's Hooligan Hoedown :: April 20th

Here at The Bullitt we love Iron and Resin's surf and moto inspired vibe.  The whole I&R crew is a bunch of cool cats yet there's no "I'm too cool for you" type of vibe.  Their designs are always on point and they're constantly coming up with the next big idea...like the Hooligan Hoedown.  The Hoedown will be a moto camp-out with live music, all you can eat BBQ and a guaranteed good time. Here's the event info straight from the Iron and Resin site:

The Build Film

I've seen this video pop up all over lately.  It's an interactive film exploring the world of custom motorcycle making through the stories of three independent builders (Thor Drake, James Crowe and Casey Him) in Portland, OR.  Couldn't agree more with these guys... motorcycle building or just motorcycling in general can be more addictive than just about anything out there.  Great video, great guys and a worthy watch.

Southsiders and Paul d'Orléans on the Velocette Thruxton

Though Velocette was much smaller than the other British manufacturers of its time - BSA, Triumph and Norton - it was constantly a racing contender that brought in two World Championship titles (1949–1950 350 cc) and its still-unbeaten (for single-cylinder, 500cc machines) 24 hours at 100 mph (161 km/h) record. The Southsiders had Benoit Guerry shoot this stunning Velocette Thruxton at their studio earlier this year and had the Paul d'Orléans provide some insight on the beautiful bike, included below.

Isle of Man TT :: Zero Fu$ks Given

Dropped this photo on Instagram...and the crowd goes wild!  Thought I'd share it here too.  There's nothing quite like the Isle of Man is there?

Canyon Motorcycles

I met Adrian Packett years ago when he had a little shop in Venice, CA.  Turns out he's been a busy boy and has opened a full-fledged custom shop.  He still stresses his bread and butter is maintenance and performance upgrades but if you check his site you'll see he's turning out some pretty cool custom bikes as well.  I bumped into him at the British Custom's bike show recently and saw a few of his bikes and his cheeky products.  He's the self-proclaimed "first motorcycle company to sell a leather strap-on".  And he's not lying!

BC Bike Show :: Favorite Shot

I snagged this shot of Tommy's (of Iron and Resin) BSA.  Such a stunning bike in black and white...

Tellason Stories: Meet Todd Blubaugh

Tellason Stories: Meet Todd from Vertical Online on Vimeo.
In a very clever marketing campaign, Tellason Denim reached out to some of their wearers to get a look inside their daily lives and show the versatility of their denim. The first Tellason Story is about Todd Blubaugh, a photographer and vintage bike builder. What a creative way to build brand legitimacy.  Rather than pushing their products on you, they let legitimate 'dudes' like Todd, tell the story for them.  Well done Tellason!
via Cool Material

British Customs & Cafe Racer Magazine Bike Show

British Customs pulled together a great event earlier this month, hopefully the first of many.  There was a handful of cool vendors/builders like Lossa Enigneering, Kott Motorcycles, The Speed Merchant, Iron and Resin and BA Moto that all had a few bikes on hand.  There was a solid taco truck, cool tunes playing and free PBR!  I don't know about you, but that's a pretty good combo for a 2-wheeled good time if you ask me. 

2013 Thruxton Cup Starts Today!

Race 1 of the 2013 Thruxton Cup starts today at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, LA.  After seeing the races at Barber Motorsports last year, I'm hooked!  It's tons of fun.  The racers and whole crew are totally supportive and just out there for a competitive, but good ol' time on two wheels.  Check out the video below to see what its all about.

Triumph Tiger 1050 vs. Triumph Scrambler

Though it's not much of a comparison, it's still fun to see Nick 'Apex' Brocha and Ernie Vigil tearing around the desert on some Triumphs.  Enjoy!

Daily Inspiration :: CRD's Triumph Scrambler

I've been struggling to decide on keeping the Bullitt OG a cafe racer or to convert in into more of an urban styled tracker/scrambler.  I'm due for new tires and was drooling over the Avon Distanzias.  When I saw Cafe Racer Dream's newly completed Triumph it just made the decision harder. 

What do you think out there in the interweb, cafe or scrambler?
[more pics of this beauty below]

New Ducati Hypermotard - License to Thrill :: Video

Nicky Hayden takes on the role of James Bond and introduces us to the new Ducati Hypermotard.  The bike looks like tons of fun on the track and in the streets.  Can't wait to throw a leg over one and take it for a run myself!  Video below.  Are you looking forward to riding one?

2013 Triumph Bonneville SE

Triumph recently released its special edition Bonneville and it's definitely not the worst SE ever.  The new Bonnie differentiates itself from the pack with a Thruxton headlight bracket and turn signals, with the most obvious changes being the "cranberry" red frame, fenders and a thick racing stripe running down the bike.  A matte-black tank, blacked out engine cases, skid plate and a black passenger grab rail complete the look.  The bike comes with Triumph’s standard 865cc parallel-twin and should be in dealers in early May, starting at $7999.

‘Take None Give None’ – The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club

I recently stumbled on a trailer for an upcoming film on ‘The Chosen Few’ Motorcycle club that looks really interesting. The club is one of the original Black Outlaw Biker gangs, thought they we're exclusively black.  Founded in 1959, these guys keep the name alive to this day, still doing as they please on the back of some heavyweight motorcycles. SY describes, “Take None Give None evolved from a long-term relationship between the photographer Gusmano Cesaretti and the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club. In 2010, he teamed up with photographer Kurt Mangum, and a team of talented professional cinematographers to capture in light, motion and sound what it feels like to ride with the oldest integrated outlaw motorcycle club in the United States.”

Shop Time :: Bullitt CB

Been working on the Bullitt CB - getting closer every day.  Still need to tackle the wiring, loop the tail and get the custom seat finished up.  We swapped out all the hardware for black hex bolts, wrapped the headers, powder coated the springs and blacked out the shocks with epoxy paint.  Can't wait to get this thing on the road!

Don't Forget :: So Cal Bike Show March 2nd @ BC

Have a bike you think is worthy of recognition? It’s time to see if you have what it takes to win the Café Racer Magazine Reader Ride In Bike Show presented by British Customs.  This event will be held on March 2nd and is open to all motorcycle makes and models. Bike show registration will begin at 9am PST.

Bullitt OG - Side Cover Hack

The Bullitt OG hasn't had side covers for a number of years.  I like the look of the pod filters but haven't yet taken the time to tidy up the tail, get an Li battery and make it look the way it should.  They were just sitting on the shelf collecting dust  and one afternoon I decided to pull 'em out and started hacking.  Swing and a miss or base run?  I'm still not sure...

Harlem Shake

Gotta give props to the guys at Motorcycle Superstore for getting in on the viral Harlem Shake.  If this is new to you, just search 'harlem shake' in youtube and you'll see...

Biltwell Fullface "Gringo" Update 2

Judging by the number of hits we're getting on the Gringo posts, I'm guessing a lot of you are as excited as we are for these babies to come out.  And being that not everyone is on Facebook out there - and that's the only place Biltwell is updating - I thought I'd share with the rest of you.

(expand for update)

Waiting Out Winter :: Video

WAITING OUT WINTER from Andrew David Watson on Vimeo.
Feels a bit unfair - being that we have 360 days of good riding per yer our here in So Cal - posting a video about being shed-bound all winter but this video speaks to the soul of any backyard builder out there.  Great cinematography, great content, and worth of a watch.

If you're anywhere near Philly, definitely look up the boys at Cast and Salvage.

Icon's 'Quarter Master' Ural Solo sT

URAL x ICON teamed up to build a more off-road capable version of the URAL Solo.  The list of mods is extensive to say the least - frame mods, reinforced swingarm, long-travel suspension, knobbies, over-sized tank, custom skid plate, crash hoops and high-mount fenders - sure to get the QM through anything this world can throw at it.  It looks like a beast, and one hell of a good time! More pics and video below.

DC Shoes and Robbie Maddison go big with AIR.CRAFT

DC's just released an insane video: Robbie Maddison's AIR.CRAFT.  It's filmed in a military service airplane graveyard in Tucson, Arizona and not only has some amazing cinematography, the riding is insane!  This is definitely worth a watch. (video below)

Opinions Needed

I've been having some difficulity getting used to the new forks on the Bullitt OG.  Not sure if the forks are just too gold.  Not sure if I want to go back to a black tank.  I made a couple of quick mock-ups in Photoshop last night.

What's your vote, top middle or bottom?

BCR's Monster Tracker

Benji’s Café Racer is most likely best known for their café racer parts and accessories.  They've built a handful of custom bikes along the way, with my favorite being their 'El Poquito'.  That is...until now.  Their recently completed urban scrambler/tracker is stunning.  Based on a, '07 Ducati Monster S2R 80, this thing looks equally ready to party it up in the city or to stretch its legs on some trails.

Janus Motorcycles :: Halcyon 50

There's no question that we've reached a point where we can make bikes with more horsepower and torque than needed.  Not everyone wants a 2300cc beast between their legs.  Smaller displacement bikes haven't lost their appeal to some.  In fact, there seems to be a resurgence of smaller bikes all around. 

Cafe Racer Reader's West Coast Bike Show

British Customs is hosting Cafe Racer Magazine's West Coast Readers Ride Bike Show.  The new date is Saturday, March 2nd.  The event is open to all builders and bikes.  Stay tuned for more details or check out the Cafe Racer Website.

El Solitario MC's 'El Chupito'

There are a few brands out there in the newly emerging DIY, garage/hand-built custom motorcycle scene that really have something special.  There’s the Wrenchmonkees from Denmark, Spirit of the Seventies in the UK, Classified Moto here in the US and of course Deus Ex Machina, now seemingly everywhere.  I think what really separates them is the way they tell their story.  It seems just about anyone can build a nice looking bike these days but it takes a keen eye and overall vision to evoke the soul the way the companies above can do.

Cycle World Loves on Bonneville :: "Best Used Bikes"

Who can forget Sy Sperling's tv commercials confessing: "I'm not only the Hair Club president, I'm also a client!"  That's exactly how I feel when reading through Cycle World's recent article on how the Hinkley Triumph Bonneville is a great value when considering a used motorcycle.  Well, "Not only am I an advocate of the Triumph Bonneville, I'm also an owner".  I have convinced countless friends to purchase a Bonnie, Thrux or Scrambler.  Hell, I've even pulled a handful of my sport bike riding friends to make the switch to a modern classic.  Cycle World made the case for why these bikes are so great, and I have to agree.  Here is what they said:

That's a Man's Corner!

That's A Man's Corner【HD】SpecTTacular . . 320kph/200mph 'Isle of Man' TT from Locck9 on Vimeo.

Here's a cool little video of the TT to get you through your Monday.  I've got to get here some day...

Biltwell Fullface "Gringo" Update

I have been in constant contact with Biltwell seeing if I can get any sort of update on their upcoming Gringo fullface helmet.  "Watch Facebook" is about the best I can get out of them for now but they did tease us with another photo via Instagram a few weeks ago.  Apparently this color won't make production and there will be snaps for visors, bubble shields, etc.  That's about all we can get for now but stayed tuned here for updates!  Also, Biltwell is having a garage sale this weekend.  Don't expect to grab a Gringo but check the flyer below for details.

2011 Triumph Thruxton 'Sucker Punch II'

Nam Chantepie from San Diego sent me some great shots of his stunning 2011 Triumph Thruxton.  His carbon fiber hydrographic (water transfer paint) really give his bike a unique look and has quite a list of specs (listed below) to follow.

Suede Seat for Triumph Thruxton

Meatball from Hell on Wheels made a suede seat cover for one of his builds and is now offering them to everyone. The seat he is using appears to be off a Thruxton but would easily fit on the Bonneville or Scrambler as well.

Is a new Yamaha SR400 headed to the US?

Recently, I saw Cycle World had a teaser of a potentially exciting addition to the American tarmac; they had spied a SR400 - a 400cc single in the Southern California hills.  This is a relatively lacking category here in the US but I feel has great potential.  Lighter, smaller displacement bikes with retro styling and smaller price tags are sure to attract first time riders, cafe racer enthusiasts as well as riders who maybe had one in the past.  I feel there is room in US showrooms for this bike.  What do you think?

Here is what Cycle World had to say: