Keira Knigntly Chanel Ducati

Back in September last year I posted a series of Paparzzi photos of Keira Knightly atop this customised Ducati 750SS Cafe Racer in a shoot for Chanel. Well Chanel have just released a teaser of an upcoming short featuring the pair. Unfortunately there's not a lot of action but there's plenty to look at. Keira looks stunning and the Cafe Racer style Ducati doesn't look half bad either.

Chanel says:

"A special treat for you. Chanel has shared with us a 'teaser' of the new Coco Mademoiselle film 'Gabrielle' starring Keira Knightley and directed by Joe Wright.

The full length version will debut on the 21st or March on the Chanel website. Come back to Glass on the 21st to see sketches of the film with inside information on the project itself."

Air Research Suzuki GTP 550

Turbine powered vehicles are usually restricted to the skies but there's always someone willing to break the mold...unfortunately it doesn't always result in a practical vehicle, and this Cafe Racer styled Suzuki GT550 application is no exception.

And I quote (direct Google translation):

"Emile van Essen is from North Holland and was of the opinion that one could replace the original two-stroke three-cylinder of a 1976 Suzuki GT550 against a turbine. Thus found a Airesearch GTP 30 turbine built in 1967 make their way in the Suzuki context. Since the turbine works in addition to kerosene and diesel Emile also belongs in the elite circle of diesel bikers. The turbine provides about 90 hp at 58 000 rpm. The idle speed is about 18,000 trips. If you drive turbine needs a slightly different relationship to the speed. Power transmission, the original Suzuki transmission is re-used. The tank was borrowed from a Ducati and the start of the turbine was a 24-volt electrical needs. Nevertheless, the machine weighs only a little over 160."

While the Airtech powered GTP 550 may result in you having a huge grin from ear to ear there is no way this use of a turbine powered motorcycle could ever reach mainstream production. Why? Well the wind up time is certainly not desirable and when you switch her off she winds down just as slowly and of course there's the ear piercing scream of the turbine, shattering windows and setting of car alarms as you cruise down to the local shops. Styling however is spot on, Cafe Racer all the way. I take my hat off to Mr Essen and any like him. They keep us smiling and certainly make life a tad more interesting.

If you liked this you'll probably also get a kick out of this Pulse Jet Bicycle built by Rob Maddox

Harley Davidson VTM Spacester

Although the Spacester's name may have been pulled straight out of a cheesy 50's Sci-fi flick it's styling is nothing short of space aged. Labels like Bobber, Cafe Racer and Chopper certainly don't spring to mind but unique certainly does.

Based around on a Harley Davidson Sporster V Twin the Spacester has no visible wires, cables or pretty much anything. A custom frame houses the lubrication fluid, forks are inverted Yamaha R1 units, bodywork is (believe it or not) all made by hand and it looks like a cross between a Giger sketch and I don't know what!

Custom workshop VTM in France created this truly original custom motorcycle that has made serious waves on the web and will be appearing in this years AMD World Championship of custom bike building. I'd put my money on it being in the top 5 of the freestyle class.

We R Winning

Doing what you love inspires. A simple statement that stands true in every walk of life. We R Winning is a film produced by Todd Blubaugh in conjunction with TwinLine motorcycles which screened earlier this year at The One Motorcycle Show in Portland Oregon. Through a series of interviews we are introduced to a group of guys who took a chance by following a dream to do what they love and thankfully all succeeding in doing so...and what makes the stories so good is that they all make a living from building motorcycles. The film is packed with loads of great footage and good people who want to share their passion with the hope that perhaps they will inspire others to follow their own dreams.

Check out the trailers and hopefully you get a chance to view the entire film soon.

"Taking risks is important. Without risk life drags on into a mindless web of routines where the vitality of hope is slowly sucked from our memory. It's not long before we are deceived into settling for less of a life than what is actually achievable. I'm always grateful to hear a tale of ordinary people freeing themselves from these illusions. We should all make an effort to have a story like this someday. We R Winning is proud to present an inspiring film about a group of friends overcoming the uncertainties that keeps people from doing what they love."

The One Motorcycle Show

On Feb 5th more than 50 vintage and modern custom motorcycles gathered together for 8 hours in Portland, Oregon. The One Motorcycle Show was the first of what is gearing up to be an annual event organised by custom workshop, See See Motorcycles. The One Motorcycle Show was built around a realisation that many motorcycle lovers and builders have had at some stage in their lives.

Laverda Lady

I hope she tied that hair up!

Ottocilindri Moto Guzzi

Ottocilindri DOHC V8 Grand Prix Moto Guzzi - This beast of a motorcycle was good for 270 km/h which would had caused quite a stir back in 1957. I'm loving the rusty looking seat, multiple exhausts and that great big speed fairing.

1953 4 cylinder Guzzi

Bling Bike

Honda CB750 Dick Mann replica

This Honda CB750, Dick Mann replica has been built by a chap by the name of Mick in Sydney. Mick has recently moved the bike in to the Deus Camperdown store where some lucky fellow will be able to purchase the stunning CB. The bike is immaculate and as you can see from the photos and would not let down any potential buyers expectations. prices are on application but at a guess I would think you'd be lucky to get it for less than $25-$30k.

Earl Grey BMW R 100 Cafe Racer

This lovely BMW R 100 named the "Earl Grey" is currently up for sale through Urban Moto in Germany for 25,000 EUR.

"Clean lines and fine proportions, refined aesthetics - all attributes that can not be associated with current BMW models. But influenced by Café Racer design styles, URBAN MOTOR from Berlin has created a minimalist looking Boxer"

Earl Grey took over 400 hours to build and was completed in December 2010. The frame was cleaned and  blasted and powder coated black, it's engine was overhauled and breathing was free'd up with the aid of 40mm carbs, K&N filters and a Hoskins 2 into 2 exhaust. A custom tail section was built and BMW R 100 RS progressive forks were added. Braided lines and a new lighting system added to the bikes good looks.

Since completion The BMW has only done 50kms and has appeared in several European mmotorcycle magazines.

If you want a custom BMW or Italian motorcycle and live in Berlin look up the guys at www.urban-motor.de

Cafe Racer artwork

Nice series of motorcycling inspired water colour paintings. A Honda RC166 even made it in to the series.

Artwork by Kyle at zenangel13

Sweet sounding Honda Six

In 1966 Honda produced a 250cc race bike for the Isle of Mann TT titled the Honda RC166. 250cc isn't the type of engine capacity that gets many riders excited but when you start listing some of the RC166's specs such as its six cylinder engine, 6 independent carbs, 64hp and 7 speed gearbox that is capable of 18,000 RPM, things get a little more interesting. And then of course you hear it running...

Falcon Kestrel video

The guys at Falcon have released some beautiful video footage of their re-engineered, 1970 Triumph Bonneville, board tracker/bobber styled Kestrel. The Kestrel footage was taken during the motorcycles build and out on the roads (and mud flats). The videos feature snippets of audio of the bikes exhaust note which is always a nice bonus. Enjoy.

Follow the link to see many more shots of the Falcon Kestrel.