Bikes

The result is what Ton-up calls the ‘Pure’, denoting the company’s interpretation of what the bike now represents: purity and simplicity. With its inspiration set firmly in the late Seventies (when it was originally built), the scrambler-style R45 appears exquisitely finished, equipped with nothing more than the absolute essentials. Custom features include the gold headlight grille, a hand-stitched quilted leather seat and chunky off-road tyres. But with a humble 35HP, the striking R45 might be more at home in the urban sprawl than the rugged countryside.

Based on a 1974 Honda CB550 (the company favours Seventies Hondas), the Exec 550 has been stripped of any superfluous or extravagant features, boasting a simple-yet-functional design that is, for want of a better phrase, plain cool.

Little information has been released about the new Ducati Scrambler as of yet, other that it will go on sale next year and take the form of “two wheels, wide handlebars, a simple engine and a lot of fun.” Until its reveal later this year, we’ll have to settle for this teaser video that evokes memories of those wild bikes and their wilderness-seeking riders.

Unlike many other custom motorcycles, the machines of Walt Siegl Motorcycles aren’t meant to be decorative – they are intended as ultra-functional racing equipment. The Ducati Leggero was built for racing, based on a 900cc V-twin engine, with a frame designed on the computer and weighing less than nine kilogrammes. In other words, this Ducati is a pure powerhouse of fun.

As usual, every lot from the Banbury Run Sale can be found in the Classic Driver Market.

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The result is that instead of following a set of basic rules (raked-out forks and ape-hanger 'bars for choppers; aluminium tanks, clip-ons and rear sets for café racers), we’re seeing superb design combined with impeccable engineering to transform standard, often down-at-heel motorcycles into the sort of machines of which the customisers of old could only have dreamed. And, best of all, these bikes are made to be used, not just to be looked at.

On a historic 1970s Mercedes racing transporter, the motorcycle specialist displayed a very special duo: the rare Honda CB 1100R alongside the ultra-rare Egli 1100 R ‘Red Baron’. It was a dramatic statement by premium motorcycle enthusiast Tobias Aichele (pictured right, next to racer Guy Martin). A year later, in 2014, Aichele presented another special pairing in the form of a 1977 BMW R 100/7 and the unique MV Agusta 350 Corsa from 1975.

The fabulous creation – based on a 1969 Suzuki T500 II Titan – was painstakingly built by Norwegian Bård Hansen. With a variety of modifications (which include Ceriani shocks, Mikuni carbs and rare Akront rims), the end product is barely reconisable as a Titan, bar the retention of the Colorado Gold factory paintwork. But, as always, no matter how accomplished the final project is, its true beauty can only be done justice by finding a contrasting backdrop.