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Category: Motorcycles

  1. Indian Motorcycle London To Host The Unique ‘Tokyo Connection’ Custom Indian FTR

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    Indian Motorcycle London is delighted to announce the exclusive display of the highly acclaimed custom Indian FTR, ‘Tokyo Connection.’ The result of a unique collaboration between renowned Japanese custom bike builder, Cheetah, and the UK’s Sideburn Magazine. ‘Tokyo Connection’ will be showcased at Indian Motorcycle London in Kensington from July 11th to July 31st, providing a perfect opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to witness this extraordinary masterpiece.

    Originally revealed at the Bike Shed Moto Show earlier this summer, ‘Tokyo Connection’ gained significant attention at the show and on social channels through its combination of Japanese craftsmanship, British ingenuity and American Moto culture. Its design elements reflect the rich heritage of Indian Motorcycle while incorporating a modern and dynamic aesthetic.

    “We are delighted to give everyone in the UK another opportunity to see this remarkable FTR after its recent trip to Wheels & Waves,” said Claire D’auria, marketing manager for Indian Motorcycle UK & Ireland. “This motorcycle represents the true spirit of collaboration and Indian Motorcycle London provides the ideal setting for displaying ‘Tokyo Connection.’ Its modern and stylish dealership environment perfectly complements the artistry and craftsmanship of this exceptional custom bike.”

    Visitors to Indian Motorcycle London during the display period will have the opportunity to explore the unique features and intricacies of the ‘Tokyo Connection.’ The motorcycle showcases striking details and hand-painted graphics that reflect its fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its bespoke exhaust system, custom seat, and expertly fabricated one-piece petrol tank and seat cowl further enhance its overall appeal, making it a truly unique collector’s item.

    In addition, visitors will be able to purchase from a selection of very limited apparel that was released alongside ‘Tokyo Connection’.

    The range includes:

      •  A heavyweight hoodie in light grey with Cheetah brush script Indian Motorcycle logo on the front, Indian Motorcycle company logo on one sleeve, ‘Tokyo Connection’ illustration by Cheetah and script on the back
        Black or White T-shirts with Cheetah brush script Indian Motorcycle logo on the front, company logo on one sleeve, ‘Tokyo Connection’ by Cheetah and script on the back
      • An embroidered Snapback Cap

    For more information on, and how to find, Indian Motorcycle London, please visit their website.

    As part of the build, a series of videos follows the project from the build to its unveiling and beyond.

    To follow all the videos as they are released, bookmark the YouTube Playlist

    ‘Tokyo Connection’ Custom Indian FTR

      • Handmade aluminium tank cover and seat cowl bodywork by Cheetah Custom Cycles (@cheetah_4d.studio)
      • Centre panel on the tank cover fabricated and engraved by Cheetah
      • Air scoop for front disc brake by Cheetah
      • Chromoly subframe designed by Cheetah, fabricated by Garage Ducktail (@ducktail_watanabe)
      • Aluminium petrol tank designed by Cheetah, fabricated by Garage Ducktail
      • Leather seat by Atelier Tee (@ateliertee)
      • Paint by S Paint Works (@spaintworks_aki @spaintworks)
      • Signwriting by Shakin @grindandbrush
      • S&S Grand National exhaust system, Cerakoted Stormtrooper White
      • Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling rearsets
      • Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling brake & clutch levers
      • Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling radiator cap
      • Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling oil cap
      • 19in FTR Rally front wheel, powder-coated black & rebuilt by Hagon
      • 19in rear rim, laced to FTR Rally hub by Hagon
      • Dunlop DT4 dirt track tyres
      • Neken dirt track handlebars
      • Rizoma mini indicators
  2. ‘RAGE’ – Custom Indian Sport Chief By Krazy Horse

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    British interpretation of the Sport Chief using traditional techniques built for Welsh rock star Richard Jones of The Stereophonics
    Richard Jones tattoo designs incorporated into the build   Indian Motorcycle and Krazy Horse reveal RAGE – the custom Indian Sport Chi


    Indian Motorcycle and Krazy Horse reveal ‘RAGE’ – the custom Indian Sport Chief built for Richard Jones, bassist for the Welsh rock band, The Stereophonics. Using design elements from Jones himself, traditional fabrication methods for a more British look and performance modifications suitable for the British roads and riding style, ‘RAGE’ lives up to the name with its aggressive look.

    Krazy Horse, a long-time partner of Indian Motorcycle, has been building custom motorcycles for 28 years, working with trusted collaborators to build some of the finest custom Indian Motorcycles in the world. As part of the concept of the ‘RAGE’ build, the team were keen to use traditional methods where they could, including hand sand-cast detail elements that linked to the personal history of Richard Jones and a nod to the recent ‘Forged’ series of Sport Chief builds in the US.

    Paul Beamish MD of Krazy Horse – “I am blown away by how this bike has come together in such a short time, we could not have done it without our fantastic partners who always manage to pull it out of the bag for us. And as ever the dedication of the Krazy Horse Team has made it possible.”

    Richard Jones, a founding member of The Stereophonics, grew up in a traditional mining village in South Wales and followed his father into the steelworks before hitting the big time in music. Having started riding as early as 11, motorcycles have always been a part of Jones’ life, as have tattoos, a design element that has created a personal link to the build.

    “It’s one of my passions, being on the bike. It takes me to a totally different place,” said Jones. “Paul asked if I had any imagery that they could use in the bike design. And it instantly came to me, I have tattoo designs on my plectrums for every tour we do and I selected an Ace of Spades design death card. It was really great to find out that this design would be traditionally hand sand cast and that I’d get to see this happen. For me, being at the foundry took me way back to when I was a teenager because I used to work in the steelworks in South Wales. It’s quite inspiring knowing that people still have these traditional techniques and working with Paul and his team has been brilliant.”

    Continuing the theme of traditionally handcrafted elements, Adrian Smith of Buckland Automotive Engineering was commissioned to make a one-off belly pan, wrapping around the front tyre in a performance style reminiscent of drag bakes. Hand-beaten and using traditional tooling from another era, the belly pan has three swages that tie into the triple LED lights in the headlight, accents that will be appreciated by those with a good eye for detail.

    OJZ Engineering also brought their traditional specialist tube manipulation and fabrication skills to build a bespoke 2 into 1 performance exhaust that features quality bends, beautiful welds and a traditional megaphone style.

    Finished with a sprinkling of quality control parts from Wunderkind, an elegant paint scheme from Pageant Paint and the Rich Jones Ace of Spades design painted on the saddle by BamBam, ‘RAGE’ stands out as a uniquely British interpretation of the Indian Sport Chief and again highlights the vast customisation possibilities of the new Indian Chief lineup.

    ‘RAGE’ Indian Sport Chief

    • One-off 2 into 1 performance exhaust from OJZ Engineering

    • Billet performance air filter

    • One-off belly pan with hidden cooling louvres by Buckland Automotive Engineering

    • Sand-cast aluminium side covers designed by Krazy Horse

    • One-off Sand cast aluminium derby cover inspired by Rich Jones

    • Sports Paintwork by Pageant Paintwork

    • Hand-painted seat with Rich Jones tattoo design painted by BamBam

    • Indicators relocated into the fairing and rear fender

    • Additional parts from Wunderkind include:

    o Handlebar grips
    o Clutch and brake levers
    o Master cylinder covers
    o Footpegs and shifter

    For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu

  3. Frank Stephenson Design teases its first two-wheel project

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    • Leading design house Frank Stephenson Design teases motorbike at Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, USA
    • New design, currently under development, promises to redefine the boundaries of motorcycle design
    • Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum has an extensive collection of over 1,400 motorcycles and showcases the rich heritage and evolution of bikes in an awe-inspiring arena
    • Full design reveal in the second half of 2023

    Birmingham, USA. – Wednesday 7 June 2023 - Trailblazing design studio Frank Stephenson Design has offered an exciting glimpse into the future of motorcycles during a captivating design talk held at the renowned Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum.

    The event provided attendees with an exclusive "first look" at an innovative motorcycle design currently in development.

    During the engaging presentation, Frank Stephenson, visionary designer, and founder of Frank Stephenson Design, delivered a thought-provoking discussion on the future of design from Birmingham, Alabama. The museum's circuit served as the backdrop for this captivating event, allowing enthusiasts and design aficionados from around the globe to join the excitement virtually.

    With its meticulous curation, interactive exhibits, and stunning architecture made the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum the perfect place to host such an event. As a true gem for motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With an extensive collection of over 1,400 motorcycles, including rare and iconic models, the museum showcases the rich heritage and evolution of these two-wheeled marvels in an awe-inspiring display.

    Frank Stephenson Design recognises the stagnant state of innovation in the motorcycle industry, which has seen little change or radical design advancements in recent decades. Eager to disrupt the status quo, the studio has seized the opportunity to reimagine the concept of motorcycles and has embarked on an ambitious project to create a motorcycle that embodies the future of this dynamic industry, which includes the propulsion method.

    During the presentation, Frank Stephenson Design revealed a design under development that promises to redefine the boundaries of motorcycle design. Incorporating cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking features, this motorcycle for the future is set to revolutionise the industry and captivate the imagination of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

    "Our goal is to challenge the industry's lack of innovation and present a motorcycle that embodies the future," stated Frank Stephenson during his captivating talk. "At Frank Stephenson Design, we see a tremendous opportunity to disrupt the current landscape and introduce a motorcycle that incorporates advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality. As a motorbike enthusiast, it’s fair to say this is also a personal passion project of mine. "

    The design, currently in the developmental phase, promises to incorporate several ground-breaking features that will push the boundaries of traditional motorcycle design. Among the highlights is the potential to incorporate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for cleaner and sustainable motorisation, cross-segment riding capabilities with adjustable ride height and seating style positioning, active aerodynamics, and customizable control ergonomics. This forward-looking motorcycle design is expected to introduce advanced technologies and innovations that could shape the motorcycle industry by 2030.

    Frank Stephenson Design is committed to revealing the final design later in 2023, as the studio is diligently working to refine and perfect every aspect of the design, ensuring a truly exceptional and revolutionary product.

    For more information about Frank Stephenson Design and to stay updated on the latest developments, please visit www.frankstephenson.com

  4. Indian Motorcycle reveals its second ‘Forged’ custom Sport Chief build

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    Indian Motorcycle continues its ‘Forged’ custom Indian Sport Chief video series, releasing the second of its three-bike build series. For this build, Indian Motorcycle tapped Jake Cutler from Barnstorm Cycles to create a one-of-a-kind custom Sport Chief for highly decorated MMA fighter, T.J. Dillashaw.

    When designing the bike, Cutler wanted to create a locked-in riding position. To achieve this, Cutler narrowed the tank and added knee cutouts to allow T.J. to tuck into the bike for a more comfortable and secure riding position. For the seat, Cutler used custom upholstery with gripper fabric. The handlebars are raised two inches with a slight pull back, while the front end was lifted an inch. With colour-matched wheels, the bike’s high-finish paint was completed by Blue Moon Kustoms in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

    “The end result of the bike is pretty much how I mapped it out,” said Cutler. “The colours are where I wanted them to be, the design is what I was hoping it would be.”

    The Indian Motorcycle ‘Forged’ series will conclude with the final build by Carey Hart, set to debut May 18.

    Parts List: 2023 Indian Motorcycle Sport Chief

      • Beringer Brake Master and Clutch Cable Control
      • Barnstorm Hand Control Transition adapters
      • Barnett +2″ Clutch and Brake Cables
      • Barnstorm “Lane Splitter” +2″ Pullback Handlebar Risers for Chief Models
      • Indian Motorcycle Stock Sport Chief Moto style Handlebars
      • Joker Machine Left Side Bar end Mirror
      • Hart Luck ODI Grips
      • Front end lifted 1″ with Bareknuckle Performance Indian Challenger Fork Extension
      • Kuryakn Bullet Atto Amber front turns
      • LED Headlight with custom extension mount.
      • Joker Machine Pegs “Race” Foot Pegs
      • RSD Traction Shift and Brake Pegs
      • Barnstorm Chief/Chieftain Final drive chain conversion
      • Barnstorm + Audette Motorcycles Complete Thunderstroke Engine cover set
      • Revere cam cover
      • Renegade horn cover
      • Revere outer valve covers
      • “BBolt” Sprocket Cover
      • Barnstorm + Audette Motorcycle Moto Hi-Flo air intake
      • Barnstorm signature hand fabricated Stainless Steel 2-1 Exhaust system with custom heat guards. TIG welded with full argon back purge. Finished with an internal ceramic coating and mirror polished.
      • Indian Motorcycle stage tune thanks to the team at Moms of Manchester, NH
      • Barnstorm Chief “Slim Subframe Strut and Fender Conversion”
      • Kuryakn Bullet Atto red rear run/turn/brake lights, laydown license plate mount and LED Plate frame.
      • Barnstorm “BBolt” Primary Cover medallion
      • Barnstorm signature modified gas tank with hand-fabricated “Knee cuts.”
      • Custom seat upholstery stitched by Seamless Custom in Leicester, Massachusetts
      • Custom Powder coating done by C.A.S. Services in Oxford Massachusetts
      • Custom paint-sprayed Blue Moon Kustoms in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

    Video Episode 1

    Video Episode 2

     

  5. Indian Motorcycle reveals its first ‘Forged’ custom Sport Chief build

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    Indian Motorcycle today revealed its first ‘Forged’ custom Sport Chief build. The first of three builds was designed and handcrafted by Powerplant Motorcycles for renowned actor and motorcyclist, Norman Reedus. Known for his star role in ‘The Walking Dead’ and his show ‘Ride with Norman Reedus,’ Norman has a deep passion for motorcycles and lives life on two wheels.

    The custom Indian Sport Chief by Powerplant features a range of unique modifications specifically designed for Norman. To achieve a sleeker and more streamlined look, Powerplant repositioned the rear shock mounts and relocated the swingarm mounts. Powerplant also lifted and narrowed the fuel tank, and outfitted the tank and the side covers with three-inch louvers. A custom-made rear fender fits the narrower seven-spoke Morris Mag replica wheels, while custom eight-inch risers complement the Sport Chief’s four-inch round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND. A complete list of modifications can be found below.

    Parts List: 2023 Indian Motorcycle Sport Chief

    • Repositioned the rear shock mounts and relocated swingarm mounts to reduce the rear section’s width.
    • Narrowed and lifted the fuel tank, outfitted it and the side covers with 3-inch louvers, and custom-made a fender inspired by old-school Indian style to fit the narrower wheels.
    • Modified seven-spoke Morris Mag replica wheels to fit Indian Motorcycle axles, brakes, rotors, sensors, and bearings. Lyndall Brakes made matching chrome rotors and a sprocket to complement the wheels.
    • Narrowed down the front fork system to accommodate an 11.5-inch rotor instead of a 13-inch rotor, due to the narrow wheel used.
    • Designed custom 8-inch risers to imitate the Indian Motorcycle display gauge engagement system and created handlebars that were narrow with lots of pull back to suit the bike’s needs.
    • Fabricated a one-off stainless steel exhaust pipe with a RedThunder cone from the bike’s Italian partners.
    • Crafted a fully custom cobra-style gunslinger seat with a stainless steel seat pan and upholstered it.
    • Applied a custom paint job with a mix of root beer colors that was darkened to fit the Indian Motorcycle style.
    • Paint and bodywork were done by Walt at WW Cycles, while Pacman added custom pinstripes.
    • Conducted all work in-house except for the bodywork and chrome/powder coating, which were done by Garett GAS Powder in Simi Valley

    Next in the Forged series, Barnstorm Cycles unveils its custom Sport Chief on May 10 with Carey Hart unveiling his build on May 18.