For a few people, it’s about building the fastest machine possible. For others, it’s all about style. For almost every bike we feature here, it’s a combination that falls somewhere in between.
This week’s Speed Read introduces three wildly different motorcycles, all of which traverse different boundaries between style and speed. We have a Honda Ruckus stretched from Australia, a Suzuki cafe racer from Portugal, the absolute weapon of a vintage Baja desert racer from Italy, and finally, a new documentary focusing on the lovely thing at the heart of it all—speed .
Ellaspede’s Honda Ruckus Not all scooters are created equal. The Honda Ruckus continues to prove this with every incredible customization built on the platform; Tubular steel frame just begs for change.
Ellaspede, based in Queensland, Australia, is not known for its Ruckus custom—far from it. If you look at the massive list of custom builds on the brand’s website, you won’t see a single scooter. Obviously this one is special.
Honda’s original engine was replaced by a 171 cc GY6 engine, reaching a maximum speed of 100 km / h. [62 mph]. That new engine is equipped with a pod filter and a high-grade Yoshimura carbon exhaust.
The 12-inch billet motor mount helps the bike last. Additional billet parts mount a collapsible rear suspension, with a lowered fork and a fitted front gripper to match.
The 12-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels are wrapped in Michelin Power Pure tyres. The Brembo brake calipers take 220 mm discs at both ends, operating through the CNC master cylinder and teflon coated lines. Because anyway, when you need to redo all the original length cables, why not switch to the number 9 cable?
A full aftermarket wire loom has been installed and a new Koso measuring system is connected, providing all the information needed with an added dose of technology and style. The rest of the luminaire is minimalist with Koso and Motogadget parts, as well as new LED headlights and custom license plate mounts.
Smashed and stretched, Ellaspede’s custom Ruckus is a reminder not to oversleep on this lucky car motorbike. Who else is itching to give it a spin? [Via]
Rusty Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki GSX750 Rusty Wrench is a motorcycle mecca in Loulé, Portugal. In the middle of an area known for its mild weather and great motorcycling trails, Rusty Wrench serves up hot coffee, the latest motorcycle accessories and gear, new hairstyles and tattoos, and yes, beautiful custom motorcycles—like this 1987 Suzuki GSX750.
The donor bike is just that – a sponsor. It has a rough shape. It’s so bad that Francisco and Vera Correia, the team behind Rusty Wrench, have named the construction ‘Fenix’, like a brand new and fresh bird will rise from this ashes.
The entire original bodywork of the GSX had to be replaced. The new fuel tank is taken from a Honda CB750, the composite tailgate is attached to a custom subframe, and a reworked vintage-style apron with custom mounts.
The front fork and brake are taken from Yamaha R1, while the entire rear gripper, rear shock absorber and rear brake system are taken from Honda CB600. A set of spoked aftermarket wheels completes the running gear, adding a classic touch.
Despite the shape of the rest of the original car, the engine still performs amazingly well. After a bit of cleanup, a pod filter and a more free-flowing four-in-one exhaust system were fitted. The entire wiring has been reworked with the help of a Motogadget mo-unit, with LED lighting throughout.
Now the bike balances performance and reliability with modern components added, with a killer classic style. [Via]
Honda XR600R by GPgarage Moto In 1991, Honda developed a single-stroke four-stroke bike to beat smokers who won the Baja 1000. The factory-built racing bike was called ‘The Monster’, or more formally, the XR667. As you’d expect from a Honda’s expansively-resourced bike, the XR667 has it all.
The cooling fins on the top are extended and fitted with a quick oil feeder from an RC30 endurance race car. It has a new oil cooler, higher power output, a large aluminum fuel tank, and a removable subframe with integrated airbox and small door for filter swapping. Big forks, high-performance brakes—this is completely faultless.
But this bike is not that bike. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted replica, based on the 1991 Honda XR600R.
It’s the work of Matteo Gualandi of Italy’s GPgarage Moto. He’s been building custom replica desert racing bikes for years. To him, Monster 667 is “Sacro Graal [Holy Grail]the most complex Baja clone.”
To be as close to the original as possible, a one-off custom crank had to be made. Next, an aluminum fuel tank, oil cooler, custom exhaust system were born. At the rear, a custom detachable subframe, aluminum airbox and new aluminum swingarm have been fitted.
A 660 cc kit was also installed with a large fin head to match the OG Monster. Even the blue aluminum details are anodized or ordered to match.
This new bike won’t be raced or pushed to the limit like the original factory race bike, but it will live and be celebrated equally—bringing joy and sweet memories to Matteo every time. he sees it or can share his feelings. vision. [Via]
Rapid space movement: An incomplete history of speed Finally, we have a new movie that’s not just about motorcycles—but about motorbikes as well. Made by Cosmic Chaos Networkand titled “Fast Motion in Space: An Incomplete History of Speed”, the documentary focuses on MotoGP, interviewing world champion riders, journalists and team members.
The second half of the document focuses on something completely different: how drivers and their haste can help transport medical samples and supplies across Africa faster than most travel. on another mainland. Riders For Life and Two Wheels for Life provide lifesaving services in these areas.
I won’t divulge any details, but the movie offers new and interesting ways of thinking about speed, motorcycles, and how we all use these two-wheel mechanics. It’s free to watch now—just hit play below. [Via | Image source: MotoGP.com]
