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In a groundbreaking development, the world’s first titanium-built motorcycle is nearing completion, leaving motorcycle enthusiasts in awe.

  • This remarkable project features a Suzuki Hayabusa engine encased in a breathtaking titanium frame, swingarm, exhaust, subframe, and bodywork.
  • the project is spearheaded by New Jersey custom builder W. Robert Ransom,

Titanium, known for its lightweight and robust properties, makes it an ideal material for various applications. Its strength surpasses that of aluminum while weighing only 60% more. Additionally, when exposed to high temperatures, titanium oxidises into captivating, permanent colors, making it highly desirable for motorcycle exhausts.

However, the adoption of titanium in motorcycle construction has been limited due to its high cost and challenging workability. The metal’s reactivity at elevated temperatures poses difficulties during welding, as it readily forms brittle compounds when exposed to ambient air. Moreover, titanium’s natural springiness in sheet form requires extra effort to shape it into intricate designs necessary for motorcycle bodywork.

Despite these challenges, New Jersey custom builder W. Robert Ransom, commissioned by a customer named Mohammed, undertook the ambitious task of creating an all-titanium motorcycle. Ransom aimed to showcase unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship in the motorcycle industry.

The heart of this groundbreaking motorcycle is a modified second-generation Suzuki Hayabusa engine, boasting around 200 horsepower. Nearly all components, including the stunningly curved tubular frame and rigid swingarm inspired by MotoGP designs, are meticulously crafted from titanium. The swingarm, slightly extended and designed for optimum cornering performance, is also constructed with curvaceous titanium tubing.

Among the remarkable features of this motorcycle is the custom 4-into-2-into-1-into-2 titanium exhaust system. With over 130 sections on the header pipes alone, this exhaust setup, along with its ram’s horn headers and teardrop-shaped under-seat cans, is an undeniable standout element.

Indian Motorcycle’s latest giveaway for riders living in Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa has generated quite the buzz.

  • one of the custom built FTR is up for a special giveaway. 
  • the custom built FTR is purely aesthetic. 

The prize includes one of two FTRs designed by custom shop Tank Machine and nine-time World Rally Championship champion Sébastien Loeb, with the matching bike remaining in Loeb’s possession.

At the time of the announcement, only renders of the FTR Loeb design were available. But as of April 27, 2023, Indian Motorcycle has officially released photos of the completed FTR Loeb design, which are now available for viewing.

The changes in this design are purely aesthetic, with the custom saddle featuring contrasting red stitching and a discreet French flag, along with the stylized numeral ‘9’ on the front headlight cowl and the tail cowl at the rear. The two fenders have Tank Machine’s name under the Indian Motorcycle logo against a chunky carbon fiber background, with a bold blue Loeb logo that darts from the middle to the tip of each fender.

If you’re eligible and interested in entering the contest, there’s still time. The drawing is currently open and will remain so until May 15, 2023. Eligible riders from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom can visit the official Indian Motorcycle webpage in their country and fill out the FTR Loeb contest form.

To enter, riders must also head to their nearest Indian Motorcycle dealer and take a test ride on an FTR, with no purchase necessary.

One lucky winner will be chosen at the end of May 2023 to win their own FTR Loeb and receive a VIP trip to Wheels and Waves 2023 in Biarritz, France. There, they will meet both Tank Machine and Sébastien Loeb, who will present the FTR Loeb to them in person.

Don’t miss your chance to enter this exclusive contest and possibly win the ride of a lifetime.

Kodlin Bikes, a German company that specializes in motorcycle customization, has unveiled a customized BMW R 18 B at the Daytona Bike Week in Florida. 

  • Kodlin Bikes is a German company that specializes in motorcycle customization.
  • The R 18 B Heavy Duty model, designed by Fred Kodlin and his son Len, features an air suspension system and a completely remanufactured upper frame.

Fred Kodlin and his son Len have completed their first collaboration on a BMW model. 

The R 18 B Heavy Duty, a bike in typical Kodlin style, features an air suspension system at the front and rear, a completely remanufactured upper frame to lower the seat height, and a sheet metal tank that is longer than the original, among other features. 

The design also includes a front spoiler and a 3-colour underfloor lighting system, pinstripes, and an airbrushed pattern on the rear mudguard that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad.” 

The Kodlin team spent three months on the project, with particular attention to detail on the sheet metalwork, including new side covers and custom-made aluminium milled hinge panels. 

The R 18 B Heavy Duty was a real father-son project, and the bike’s bolts were all made of stainless steel, with a nice Torx head. The R 18 B loudspeakers by Marshall and an amplifier are also fitted inside the side cases.

GALLERY: BMW R 18 “HEAVY DUTY”

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S takes the bar-and-shield brand to new heights, but it’s not the Harley powercruiser for everyone…

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Japanese moto accessories brand Kijima kits out the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub perfectly for camping adventures off the trail.

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Renowned Japanese custom builder Katsu Motorworks has built this stunningly gorgeous Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 café racer.

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The Puig Diablo is in in fact a custom Yamaha MT-09 SP hypernaked that’s both futuristic and extreme enough to be in Cyberpunk 2077.

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Wunderlich releases ape-hanger, drag and beach style custom bars for you to transform your BMW R18 with.

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QJMotor has a pair of 700cc cruisers in the pipelines, and they might one day become rebadged Harley-Davidson models.

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Royal Enfield Continental GT650 gets reimagined as a modern-day race bike in this custom-built No. 55 GT 650 Production Racer.

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Honda Dax ‘Ramone’ is an Indonesian-built baby custom chopper named after a character from Pixar’s ‘Cars‘.

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‘Design & Buy’ feature by Helmade lets buyers create their own unique helmet style.

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