If you are a fans of classic ships, this custom Harley-Davidson Sportster should feel familiar to you. That’s because it’s modeled after one of the most unique and refined boats ever built: the Lamborghini Riva Aquarama.
Renowned Italian boat manufacturer Riva started building ferries, and has since evolved into superyachts. But they are best known for their vintage wooden boats, namely the iconic Aquarama, which was produced between 1962 and 1996. One of the most notable Aquarama boats is one that Riva built in 1968 for Ferruccio Lamborghini.
Legend has it that Sig. Lamborghini ordered an Aquarama of its own, but wasn’t overly concerned with the American-made V8 powering it. So he supplied Riva with a pair of Lamborghini V12 engines, as used in the Lamborghini 350 GT. Thus, the fastest Aquarama ever built.
That’s a story Matteo Fustinoni at Hazard Motorcycles knows all too well. He grew up in Lago d’Iseo—home of the Riva boatyard—and recalls a family friend’s own time with Aquarama as a child. So he built this Sportster to honor Ferruccio Lamborghini’s special order Riva.
The homage goes much deeper than just the paint and trim of the bike. Matteo has shown his respect for the Lamborghini Aquarama in countless ways, with many details that are easy to miss the first time you pass by.
For starters, he had trouble turning iron head The front cylinder of the engine is equal to 180 degrees. Why? So he could install two Weber carburetors—like the carburetor on the Lamborghini Aquarama.
The engine also has hot cams, S&S Cycle pistons and modified Morris magnets. And it is equipped with Pingel electric shifter; Gearshift is now handled by a pair of buttons on the steering wheel. Exhaust gas escapes through a pair of terrifyingly short tubes.
The overall layout of the Harley recalls that particular boat’s most distinguishing feature: its speed. Matteo went for a towing a bicycle silhouette, starting with a hand-crafted elongated rigid frame. A shortened aftermarket fork takes care of the front, gripping the 18-inch front wheels (and drum brakes) from the Laverda 750.
At the rear, an MH Racemaster drag ball wraps around sturdy 16-inch wheels. Sharp eyes will also spot the disc brake calipers here, along with the car’s footrest.
On the opposite side, the classic Tomaselli Matador shifter is fitted to the clamps, with single Jaeger tachos front and center. But what riders are more likely to stare at while riding in this amazing machine, is the alluring fuel tank design.
It was the work of Andrea Pozzoli, who was sent to handle all the metal forming work on the project. Andrea built the split fuel and oil tank, and the generous front apron of the Harley. Then, the master cabinetmaker, Davide Aresi, added a large amount of luxurious mahogany to the construction.
But it is the overall color scheme that really attracts the attention. Ivan Motta has treated the paint, delicately balancing Riva’s original white and blue tones. The engine is finished in the same blue color as the Lamborghini Aquarama engine, while Luca Ronzoni covers the seats in original Riva materials.
Marvel at the finer details—such as the polished drill bits, the contrasting fins on the outside of the engine, and the small carved wings that emerge in various places. It’s a clear sign that this project is very close to Matteo’s heart.
Considering that Aquarama is considered by many to be the best running track ever created, building a motorcycle to pay tribute to it was a bold move—but it was one that certainly paid off.
acclaimMatteo!
dangerous motorcycle | Instagram | Picture of Daniele Grassi
