What a busy month this November 2006 is: a second book in which the CBX is covered just got out! It's called 'Die besten Motorrad-umbauten' ('the best customized bikes'), subtitle '1000 spektakuläre Custombikes aus aller Welt' ('1000 spectacular custombikes from all over the world').
339 Fullcolor pages filled with smashing bikes: from easy riders to choppers, bobbers, sportbikes, streetfighters, café racers ending with trikes and sidecars. Onethousand featured bikes covering all diversity of professional and private customizing from the roaring sixties up till today.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the cover.
Half a page is dedicated to the CBX. I'm always curious in what category my bike is classified: streetfighter, custom, special... In this book you can find it in the section 'Radikale & Exoten' ('radicals & exotics') and I can live with that ;-)
Although the pictures aren't too recent (the 'old' 2002 carbon fibre mudguards and rubber grips), the text is very to the point; it clarifies the vision this bike is based upon.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the article.
Just two pages away from the CBX (so a fellow-'radical and exotic') is my favorite 2006-bike: 'Spectacula' from Thunderbike Hamminkeln. Last month I saw it live at Cologne and, although it's a chopper, I think it's sheer beauty.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
In the fighter category Mick Hüby's famous turbo Kawa 'NOSfearatu' is presented. A pity the caption is full of errors.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
Not all the bikes in the book appeal to me; no wonder as 1000 bikes are presented in the book.
Enlarging the picture is at your own risk ;-)
Back to business: look at this futuristic FJ1100. Hard-edge in its purest form.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
Tomahawk, a so called 'concept vehicle', based on a huge 8300 cc Dodge Viper V10 engine. A 525hp hightech powerhouse. Not everyones cup of tea, but certainly mine!
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
This is 'Badland', made by Rumble Customs from Ontario, Canada. And it's a beautiful bike: just a big engine and two wheels. Barely recognizable which tubes are exhaust, swingarm or frame.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
A delicate bike based on a big Guzzi V2 named (very Italian) 'Moto Guzzi Bellerofonte'. 16mm tubed hardtail frame, no front brake and the Guzzi engine turned 180 degrees: suble and radical combined. Rideable? Who cares? ;-)
It strikes me that alle my favorite bikes are monoseats with impressive engines. Their design is slick (like the bike on the left) of just brutal; I suppose my new V8 bike will fit in this list ;-)
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the bike.
The books last presented bike isn't a bike at all: it shows Ludovic Lazareths brand new 'Quadrazuma'. Again a fabulous creation from this versatile designer.
Click the picture for an enlarged view of the trike.
I could go on and on showing beauties. I'd better suggest you buy the book: ISBN 3927896144, EUR 24,95. It'll sure get you through the dark days of december ;-)