It’s always agas to see how the custom motorcycle scene is developing in faraway locations. The individual approaches to creating unique two-wheelers varies from country to country and seldom do trends from one nation translate to another. Each year. we’re pleased to have freelancers send us images from the wide world of International custom motorcycle shows like Italy’s 37th annual Bikerfest, a massive meeting of Mediterranean gearheads of all stripes. In addition to a weekend-long celebration of hot rod cars, choppers, bobbers and yes, even souped-up farming equipment (honestly, we couldn’t make this stuff up!) the event always draws in some of Italy’s top bike designers to show off their wares.
Naturally, the chopper is highly popular in Italy as it is throughout Western Europe, remaining basically unchanged in form since the stretched-out, rigid rides first became big after locals took in American biker movies in the 1960s. With some comparatively stringent vehicle modification laws facing European bike builders, creating a wild, illegal machine only adds to the allure. Still, Europe and the Uk are where cafe racers were developed and honed, so the ton-up machines on display each year at Bikerfest tend to be outstanding examples of the genre.
The bike so on offer tend to be a blend of classic British and European iron as well as some homegrown wheels from the lines of Moto Guzzi which tends to be the favorite donor bike for Italian customizers. BMW’s Boxer twins are aways well represented at the show that draws some 200,000 spectators each summer. For years, there was little or no access to the vast parts aftermarket we enjoy here ein the States, so many Italian builders had to make do hand-crafting custom parts one piece at a time. This strong DIY ethic still shows today with many custom motorcycle designers preferring to fabricate rather than purchase parts off the shelf.
Check out this sampling of the stripped-down speed machines that took home trophies at last weekend’s event and what your appetites for more coverage coming up in a future issue of Cafe Racer magazine. Viva Italia!