Renowned custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has once again stunned enthusiasts with his latest creation: a meticulously customised BMW R 18 Transcontinental that effortlessly blends the timeless allure of classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive essence of BMW.
For over three decades, Paul Yaffe has been a stalwart figure in the world of custom motorcycles. Since the inception of his American Legend Motorcycle Company in 1991, later evolving into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, Yaffe has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation in motorcycle design. His illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, including three “World’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” awards from the prestigious Oakland Roadster Show and induction into the revered Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015.
Before embarking on the customisation journey, Yaffe embarked on a rigorous exploration of the BMW R18 Transcontinental, embarking on an extensive 6115km journey across the United States, followed by an additional 4200km ride to Sturgis and back. Armed with intimate knowledge of the machine, Yaffe set out to craft a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that retained the core elements of BMW while infusing it with the spirit of classic hot rod design.
The heart of Yaffe’s customisation lies in the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. The iconic BMW R 18 Transcontinental underwent a breathtaking transformation, featuring a 26 inch x 5.5 inch front wheel carved from a solid block of aluminum and adorned with a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame had to undergo meticulous stretching and raking to accommodate the new front wheel, while special triple trees are engineered to ensure optimal handling and performance.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1950s Mercury Lead Sled, Yaffe’s team meticulously crafted bespoke components and modified existing R 18 elements. From a custom steel front fender to restructured fairings and exclusive Yaffe Monkey Bars, every aspect of the customisation exudes a timeless allure reminiscent of classic hot rod craftsmanship.
Yaffe’s customisation not only emphasises aesthetic appeal but also prioritises functionality and performance. Integrating sophisticated air suspension systems and side pipes, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental embodies the quintessential Lead Sled aesthetic.
In the realm of aesthetics, Yaffe’s attention to detail shines through. The BMW R 18 Transcontinental boasts a deep gloss black finish, accentuated by ochs blood red accents that add a touch of sophistication and contrast. From flawless upholstery to meticulously applied paintwork, every element of the customisation reflects Yaffe’s unwavering commitment to perfection.
Through a meticulous fusion of classic hot rod aesthetics and BMW essence, Yaffe has crafted a timeless masterpiece that embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. As enthusiasts eagerly await its debut, one thing remains certain: Paul Yaffe’s legacy as a pioneer in custom motorcycle design continues to endure.
The 2018 Art of Speed Malaysia festival recently concluded its seventh show last weekend.
Thousands gathered at MAEPS Serdang for one of Malaysia’s biggest custom bikes and cars gathering.
Here are some of the major highlights revolving around AOS 2018.
Love custom bikes, cars, and everything revolving around the culture plus lifestyle? Did you attend the 2018 Art of Speed Malaysia festival this past weekend? No? Where were you, then?? It was a festival of epic proportions and one that we’ve been anticipating since last year’s extravaganza. (more…)
Pembina motosikal terkenal tempatan, Shawn Seelan dari Shawn Seelan Creations ingin menjual hampir ke semua motosikal buatan khasnya.
Motosikal buatan khas yang terdiri daripada Honda Ruckus yang dikhususkan hinggalah Honda Motocompo dalam keadaan asli dan Suzuki Choi Nori, ke semuanya semestinya adalah motosikal yang teramat unik terutamanya di Malaysia ini.
Untuk mengetahui dengan lebih lanjut mengenai motosikal-motosikal yang dijual, layarilah laman Facebook rasmi Shawn Seelan Creations dan bersedialah untuk berasa kagum.
Local renowned bike builder Shawn Seelan of Shawn Seelan Creations is letting go almost all of his custom bikes.
Custom motorcycles from tricked out Honda Ruckus to original condition Honda Motocompo and Suzuki Choi Nori, these are indeed super unique two-wheelers especially here in Malaysia.
To know more about the bikes that are on sale, head on over to the Shawn Seelan Creations official Facebook page and get ready to be amazed.
Shawn Seelan of Shawn Seelan Creations (part of the Custom Cartel) is letting go some of his prized possessions for those who are interested in owning one (or more) of his custom bikes. According to the Shawn Seelan Creations Official Facebook page, the local renowned bike builder will be letting go all of his beloved bikes except for a couple of special ones. (more…)
Sewaktu festival Art of Speed Malaysia 2017 baru-baru ini, terdapat sebuah Honda Dream Fi buatan khas yang amat istimewa telah diperagakan di ruangan pameran Boon Siew Honda.
Dicipta oleh Shawn Seelan dari Shawn Seelan Creations, Honda EX5 buatan khas yang renek, garang, dan cantik digelar “Raijin” atau “Dewa Halilintar” telah dicipta bersempena dengan ulangtahun ke-30 Honda.
Dilengkapi dengan padat dengan kelengkapan khusus dan juga moden, kapchai buatan khas ini menarik perhatian ramai dengan rupa parasnya yang mengancam yang juga memberi penghormatan kepada motosikal yang hebat, Honda C70 cub.
During the recent Art of Speed Malaysia 2017, there was a very special custom Honda EX5 Dream Fi that was displayed at Boon Siew Honda’s gigantic showcase space.
Created by Shawn Seelan of Shawn Seelan Creations, the low, mean and beautiful custom Honda EX5 dubbed “Raijin” or “God of Thunder” was created in conjunction with the Honda EX5’s 30th anniversary.
Filled to the brim with one-offs and modern parts, the custom cub turned heads with its beautifully menacing facade which also pays homage to the great Honda C70 cub.
During the recent Art of Speed Malaysia 2017 custom gathering, we were blessed to have witnessed so many custom motorcycles built by passionate people hailing from all over Malaysia and even some from overseas. (more…)
Second stop for the MotoNation Motoring Art Festival.
Featured every form of automotive art.
Roadshow builds up to the finale in December 2017.
MotoNation’s Motoring Art Festival made its second roadshow stop at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur on the 26th August 2017, after visiting Kota Bharu, Kelantan on 5th August 2017.
Greeting us at the foyer, in front of the entrance to the gallery was the 1Malaysia Chopper, which was built by the famed Orange County Cycles (OCC) builder, stars of the TV series, American Chopper. Seeing it live outside the confines of the hall at MaTIC (Malaysian Tourism Centre) and in two-dimensional pictures was an entirely different experience.
The bike is fully raked out, with a large-diameter steel tube frame connecting everything.
There are details of Visit Malaysia scattered around it, including a miniature of the Petronas Twin Towers mounted to the lower front frame spars.
The festival seeks to unite petrolheads of every disposition under the banner of automotive creativity. There were customized motorcycles, as one could expect, but the manner of displays made the event ever more impressive.
“There are currently motor shows, auto festivals, auto salons, but these are all individual motoring cultures,” said En. Faisal bin Mohamad Ali, the Executive Director of MotoNation. “What MotoNation is trying to do is to put all these cultures together under one roof.” Similarly, there are well-known players to a small community only, and MotoNation wishes to expose them to a larger segment.
“Different states in Malaysia have different motoring cultures. For example, we found out in Kota Bharu that while there aren’t many high-end cars, they made their vehicles beautiful and dropped in great sound systems. But you won’t get to see these cars in Kuala Lumpur.”
“These enthusiasts have their own clubs and keep it within themselves. So we want to get all the different enthusiast into the main event in December.”
The motorcycles were exhibited in the mail gallery. The large capacity motorcycles occupied the floor area, while the smaller and lighter Street Cubs were placed along the central spiral walkway, which circled the main atrium. The first impression we had was the striking similarity to the Art of the Motorcycle Exhibition in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City, held in 1998.
The big bikes were generally cruisers from Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and an Indian.
A Harley Fat Bob looked fairly stock but the see-through plexiglass wheel hubs gave the impression that the tyres were floating in midair.
Hungryghost Custom Inc.’s Boss, Ahmad Junaidi Abdul Aziz got his hands on a customer-owned Indian Scout and did some impressive work on it.
Junaidi replaced the rear tyre with a 240mm-section rubber, which fitted nicely into the space between the Scout’s swingarm spars. Junaidi pointed out, “That’s the maximum width. You couldn’t fit a pen in the space between the tyre and swingarm.”
A pair of Tommy Gun exhaust pipes swept all the way to rear, and the bike was sprayed with a handsome navy blue paint.
The finishing touch was Junaidi’s trademark ornament – ornately carved metal pieces wrapped around the fork stanchions, between the triple clamps.
A chopped Virago sat a few metres away. It didn’t look like much, initially, until you noticed that a vertical steel bar replaces the foot-operated gear lever. The clutch lever was moved to top of that bar.
There was also a handsome Harley Shovelhead which mimicked the FL of yore.
An extensively custom-painted and pinstriped Evo sat not far away, with the word Bugis proudly emblazoned on the top of the fuel tank.
A chopped and bobbed Evo Softail with Red Garage stickers sat facing the entrance – all stripped down to the bare essentials and nothing more.
Next to the big bikes was a section dedicated to the display of sculptures formed from recycled motorcycle parts, including headlamps, carburetors, sparkplugs, wire wheel spokes, etc.
The Street Cubs came in all sorts of shapes, sizes and creative themes, developed from the Honda Cub, Honda CG125 and MZ Mosquito scooter.
Those based on Honda Cubs were generally fitted with oversized tyres, but retained their unmistakable shapes. A standout the was given the Ironman treatment throughout, complete with an Ironman mask up front.
But the most special has to be a stretched Honda Super Cub, which the owner called the “Super Sub Limousine.” It could carry three adults or six children at one go.
The CG125s were stripped bare then custom finished.
The Mosquitoes on the other hand were stripped of their bodywork, then given even fatter tyres.
In the auditorium meanwhile, the SUPERB TERAJU Walk-In Bizpitch (also known as Jelajah Usahawan – “Entrepreneurs’ Tour”) carried on throughout the day as Bumiputera entrepreneurs pitched their business plans and proposals to the panel of judges. A total of RM3 million will be awarded among six finalists with the best business models in the automotive industry. The finalists will be announced at the finale in December.
Outside, the massive MotoNation “Transformer Truck” (not Optimus Prime, sadly) was converted to perform as the Main Stage for live performances. Indie bands played throughout the day and OAG made their appearance in the late evening.
A quartet of outrigger-forked custom motorcycles caught the attention of the visitors. They looked like those built by Eastern Bobber.
MotoNation also installed four large pieces of plywood to act as blank canvases for graffiti artists. Better to express their talents in a proper setting rather than being viewed as public eyesore, right?
Down the rows of booths, MotoNation organized fun activities for the entire family, such as an inflatable playground, a place for soap bubbles and fun quizzes.
Corporate booths included Petron who displayed their new range of lubricants;
RWB who specializes in widebody kits for air-cooled Porsche 911 models;
and Treeletrik T-90 electric scooters.
There was also an auto salon for owners to show off the results of their creativity.
F&B services included a whole street full of food trucks.
The MotoNation Roadshow will visit Johor Bharu next on the 16th and 17th November, and will finally be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) from 1st to 3rd December 2017.
Surprise, surprise from Indian Motorcycle! They have collaborated again with Jack Daniels and this time, it’s the Chieftain. What’s more enticing is that Indian is just going to build 100 units of these bad boys where most of the European countries will only get ONE EACH. That’s right, one Jack Daniels Chieftain for each country. Better start calling a few people if you want to get your hands on one. (more…)
Bike Festival organised by DBKL and Ministry of Federal Territories
February 24th – 26th @ Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Last weekend from 24 February o 26 February 2017 was the Wilayah International Motorfest 2017 (WIM 2017) that took place at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Thousands of bikers and bike enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the bikers’ festival to celebrate everything two wheels. (more…)
Designed by Ducati’s Pierre Terblanche in tribute of Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man TT race win
Only 2,000 units were ever put into production
It’s not everyday we get see something so beautiful that it can knock us off our feet. In our present modern era, we are showered with technological marvels and innovations but the façade has always been, for a lack of a better word – dull. When we came across this customised 2001 Ducati MH900E, we knew we have stumbled upon a rarity in the motorcycle scene, an angel of two wheels. This is how some motorcycle enthusiasts would describe as a bike built with burning passion and desire. Smokin’. (more…)
