We all have that ‘something’ that makes our heart race, and you feel giddy, and cannot get enough. For me it is motorcycles - more precisely, it’s vintage motorcycles. Since moving from Seattle, I have been searching for that special event, or gathering that is the vintage motorcycle culture. Think Ace Cafe or Mods versus Rockers, and you know what I am seeking. Well, I found it. The weekend of April 11th through the 13th marked the return of Moto GP to the Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas. It was also the place to see the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show. While I was excited about Moto GP, I was really intrigued by the Handbuilt show.
The setting for the show was in an up and coming neighborhood in Austin, where new hip restaurants and the planned light rail converge. Driving up to the location, my excitement increased, as vintage motorcycles lined the street in front of the event center. I was immediately drawn to the Japanese bikes, spotting Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis and Kawasakis. The street was a show in itself, with classic daily commuters, barn finds left as original but running, and modern machinery all mixed in. The show setting was perfect - the building looked like an old quanset hut times three from the outside, with large open air windows, featuring an inviting outdoor area. A DJ spun vintage rockabilly to really set the mood. Vintage leather jackets were hung over hand crafted two wheel rolling iron. Motorcycles fanned out from every support beam in the building creating an ever interesting vision as your eyes scanned the room. The Vintage Motorbike Oil & Ink print exposition lined the east wall, and Moto TinType was on hand to create wet plate photographs. Many other artisans displayed their motorcycle art throughout the show as well.
Yamaha XS 650’s were well represented. Hondas came in many varieties from classic racers to ‘70s CB’s. A very unique 2003 Kawasaki W650 from Revival drew attention to it’s unusual tank and classic look. You could loose yourself in it’s soothing blue and white lacquered paint and voluptuous shape. I became enamored with the eclectic seats fabricated from wood, suede coverings, woven leather, hand formed from aluminum and reimagined. A new Bonneville was transformed to it’s classic origins with a leather covered tank and hand stitched logo. At first glance, you thought it was a resurrected classic instead of a new model.
Ideas for my own motorcycle collection started forming as I took in all the artistic imaginations of the show participants. I wanted to hear the hand crafted pipes on the Hondas and Yamahas, try out the custom seats and various handle bars. It was difficult to take it all in, so I wildly snapped photos of everything that caught my eye.
Famous and unknown builders were equally represented through out, covering both US coasts. Deus brought gorgeous pieces of rolling art as did Rolland Sands. My favorite was a 1976 Honda CB750 fabricated from brushed aluminum, riveted and featured the leather tank strap - raw and very industrial. Surprises were a 1940 Indian, 1938 Vincent Rabide TTR named ‘Satan’ and a 1933 Brough Superior 1150. The Vincent was masterfully restored and you just wanted to hear her purr. It is one of 3 in existence, took seven years to restore and the builder, when asked what was the hardest thing, his reply was “every single thing”. The Brough Superior was in original condition with beautiful petina. Did you know you can buy a new one? Google it - you will drool!
No show is complete without fabulous food, libations, an art show and the Wall of Death - a motorcycle thrill show in the motor drome. The Handbuilt show was free and ran Friday and Saturday. I talked to builders, artists, AMA mechanics and racers and met many new people. I must say, it was the best free event I have ever attended and cannot wait for next year!
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