Custom Rides

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Honda CB750 Starrider

If you think about it, the Honda CB750 ranks as one of the most customized bikes of the last few decades. So by now you’ve probably seen every variant there is to be made from this ride. But not so fast.

Pictured above is the Honda CB750 Starrider, from brothers Lion and Ben Ott of Munich-based shop Motoism. The Honda Starrider is a mix of retro and modern; it’s classic but upgraded with high-tech innards plus heavy heapings of carbon fiber.

We’re not kidding when we say the result looks sick. The Ott brothers approached it wanting to create a ride mixed with elements of a flat track, speedway racers, and cafe racers. They put a full rear-wheel disc, carbon fiber parts including a lightweight tank, and enduro handlebars.

“It’s probably the lightest CB750 tank in the world!” says Ben. “It’s entirely made from carbon fiber, and we developed a clean shape following the characteristic lines of the original tank.”

At the heart of this precious two-wheeler is a fully refurbished engine. Which comes, by the way, with a four-into-one stainless exhaust system and matching silence. In all, you get 77 horsepower.

With nitrous injection system, the Honda Starrider gains an additional 7.7 horsepower. That’s small enough to remain within TÜV regulations. The bike also boasts a carbon fiber headlight nacelle with an LED lamp. But actually, you can crank that up to 23 horsepower. The bottle hides underneath, as do much of the electrics. There’s a Bluetooth-powered Motogadget module to control the electronics, as well.

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Photos courtesy of Motoism

July 4, 2019 / Comments Off

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Ducati Alaskan Junior

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is one of the company’s most formidable off-road-ready bicycles. And it’s also beloved by the moto community thanks to its sheer beastliness. After the iconic Alaskan build, which pushed the envelope even further, Alex Earle, based in Los Angeles, has decided to come out with a worthy sequel. Meet the Ducati Alaskan Junior.

The Alaskan Junior, as the name implies, hews from the base inspiration and plays off the bike’s many merits. Suffice it to say that it’s not a better bike by any stretch of the imagination. However, it does have the same design principle, silhouette, and powertrain as its father. That means it’s every bit as powerful and off-road-ready.

The reason why the Alaskan Junior exists is that Alex and his team at Earle Motors wanted to make a bicycle that’s not as intimidating as their most recent ride. So they went back to the drawing board. They reinvented the platform and made a stripped-down version that’s just as brawl-ready when put on the desert.

The main highlight of this custom job is the set of swingarm extenders. This enables the implementation of true off-road wheels and tires. That means riders get to enjoy Pirelli Scorpion XC rubber and performance-oriented Ducati hubs.

If you have a Desert Sled and this looks scrumptious, hit the link below to know how to dress your ride with Earle’s refined parts. We imagine it’s not going to be cheap, but do inquire to get a full list of options and pricing.

Photos courtesy of Earle Motors

July 3, 2019 / Comments Off

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Custom Mercedes-AMG GT R By G-Power

Any gearhead will tell you that anything that flaunts the badge Mercedes-AMG holds some serious firepower. To be specific the GT R is a flagship high-performance coupe that will blow you away with its impressive specs. The stock trim already touts an exceptional spec sheet. We’re looking at 577 horsepower thanks to its 4.0-liter AMG twin-turbo V8 engine with 516 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. If you think that this is as good as it gets, we can’t wait to change your mind when you meet the Mercedes-AMG GT R by G-Power.

This German tuning shop shows us that they can still work their magic to improve the GT R. Hence, what happens next is a slew of upgrades that will unlock the potential of this sleek machine. The stock engine is getting significant tweaks to unleash the beast within. G-Power is optimizing its the forged pistons, housings, the turbochargers, as well as the electronics. All of these changes push the 4.0-liter AMG V8 all the way up to 789 horsepower along with 627 lb-ft of torque.

Increasing power means that its 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission needs some reinforcement. Owners can even opt to slap on a set of Hurricane RR wheels wrapped with Michelin tires. The Mercedes-AMG GT R by G-Power tuning package offers multiple tiers for its customers. If the 789-horsepower option is too much for you, there are three other levels you can go for. However, we believe that owners will likely go for the full-course instead.

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Images courtesy of G-Power

June 13, 2019 / Comments Off

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Japanese Classics Nissan 180SX

At least in the 1980s up to the 1990s, when you were looking for cheap performance cars, anything made by Japan was always the correct answer. The Nissan 180SX is proof of that early sensibility when it came out in 1989.

Today, the car feels a bit dated, unsurprisingly. However, Japanese Classics put in the work to make it a modern coupe competitor fitting for today’s standards.

At 2,700 pounds, the Nissan 180SX isn’t exactly what you’d consider a lightweight car. But that’s a minor quip on this lovely entry-level ride. Especially once you learn it’s got a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that boasts 167 ponies at the rear. That means zero to 60 in just 7.5 seconds, mind you. Certainly no Ferrari, but very passable. Back then, users could opt for rear-wheel steering, which made it move from side to side just as smoothly as it would zoom past straight lines.

The Nissan 180SX featured above retains the original look, but everything’s different inside. For starters, there’s a new Apexi intake, a Blitz Super Sound blow-off valve, and a Kakimoto Catback exhaust. Going all the way to the wheel wells, you’ll find suspension upgrades care of Tein coilovers. And then there are Cusco strut tower braces plus an EDFC from Tein.

Decades ago, the Nissan 180SX served as the sterling blank canvas perfect for enthusiasts who preferred to tune their rides. The mods released since then have been a diverse mix, ranging from downright impressive to crapshoots, of which there are plenty. This belongs to the former group. And there’s another thing it’s retained other than just the engine — affordable pricing. This thing’s just $12,995.

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Photos courtesy of Japanese Classics

June 5, 2019 / Comments Off

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AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ By Brabus

Anything Brabus touches turns to gold, which is why you should be grateful it touched Mercedes’ AMG GT 63 S. The shop has now unveiled its latest handiwork ahead of the Top Marques Monaco exhibit.

It’s a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ on the base, but completely reworked and overhauled. The four-door gets 800 input brake horsepower plus 1,000 newton meters of torque. It’s an astounding modification to what’s already an impressive car to begin with. The ride goes zero to 60 in just 2.9 seconds. By contrast, the standard comes in at 3.2 seconds. A hair of difference, if we’re being honest, but purists will love the extra milliseconds shaved off.

The tuning company has also given the car a bulbous body kit that features a wider profile, and as a result looks even more intimidating than the base car. Brabus put in Monoblock Z “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels, at 21 inches and 22 inches front to rear, respectively. It also got a reworked suspension, now down to just 25mm.

Let’s not forget the new stainless steel exhaust system, which comes paired with the four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine of the GT 63 S. There are two settings, called Coming Home and Sport, topped off in aa new rear carbon diffuser.

The car also features a completely redesigned interior complete with a ton of Brabus badges here and there. You can order it custom-built or send in your existing GT 63 S for conversion. No price yet for this formidable AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ modification, though. But expect it to run way past the base car’s $159,000 price tag.

2020 Hennessey Performance Maximum 1000

The best way to bloat your anilla Jeep Gladiator? Put a V8 in it. That’s exactly what Hennessey Performance has done, turning the 2020 Jeep Gladiator into a beastly Hellcat.

That’s right — underneath this formidable road killer is a modest Jeep Gladiator. Hennessey Performance cobbled together a hell of a kit for this ride. Including, most notably, a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat crate motor. Upgraded, no less, with HP’s own HPE1000 setup. That means 1,000 horsepower and 933 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Aside from those, there’s also a new ECU, fuel system, and a stainless exhaust just to accommodate the intimidating new engine. The truck retains its four-wheel-drive but gets a six-inch suspension lift and 20-inch Hennessey wheels with BF Goodrich tires. Beefy off-road bumpers cover the front and rear, complete with auxiliary LED light bars.

Inside, there’s a custom leather interior with embroidered Maximus logos. The stock aesthetic elements are gone, though, so if you’re a fan of the Jeep Gladiator’s inner comforts, this’ll disappoint you. A minor blemish, for sure.

So how much for this whole package? Got $200,000 on you? If not, look away. No surprise on that price, though. HP rarely makes anything cheap, so this is expected. That price already comes with a donor Jeep Gladiator, which is nice. HP is taking orders as we speak. Just 24 units will be made, by the way, so act fast if you want to secure one.

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Photos courtesy of Hennessey Performance

May 30, 2019 / Comments Off

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Bentley Bentayga Bengala Custom SUV

A few weeks ago, we featured an insane custom ride straight out of Russia. Although the project is still ongoing, it’s up to a point where they can drive it around. What makes it so outrageous is the fact that it’s a Bentley Continental GT running on tank treads. They’re calling it the Ultratank and we can’t wait to see the complete build. What we have next is the Bentley Bentayga Bengala, that takes an elegant luxury SUV and turns it into a menacing monster.

Owners of a stock Bentley Bentayga can call upon the talents of Bengala Automotive Design SL to give it a facelift. The Spanish shop will convert your luxurious ride into a fearsome machine that elevates its off-road prowess. Akin to the above-mentioned Russian chimera, the finished product deserves to be called a tank as well. Basically, you’re trading in the elegance of the vehicle in order to intimidate those around you. If you ask us, we’ll gladly make the trade in a heartbeat.

The front bumper and grille get a massive makeover, with a strip of LED lights up front. You’ll also notice the additional fender flare to accommodate the new wide-track tires on Dillinger wheels. Most of the changes you see here are purely cosmetic. Nonetheless, the Bentley Bentayga Bengala already sports a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 capable of producing up to 540 horsepower. Hence, this beast can zoom from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Only 15 examples will be available for purchase, which makes it an ultra-limited exclusive.

Exclusively from Bengala Automotive Design

Images courtesy of Bengala Automotive Design

May 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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Bentley Continental GT Ultratank Goes Off-Road

If you ask us to choose between a luxury car and tank, we gladly ditch luxury for the latter in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, it will be a big loss on our part to ignore the comfort and style of the former. It seems that we’re not the only ones facing the same dilemma as illustrated by one unique ride. A bunch of crazy Russians apparently think that the solution to the problem would be to create a one-of-a-kind hybrid. Thanks to their initiative the world now has its first ever Bentley Continental GT Ultratank.

To be honest, this mechanical beast is still a work in progress. However, seeing what it can do already gives us a preview of what’s to come. The Ultratank completely changes the game and allows its owners to take their Continental GT almost anywhere. In other words, this is one fearsome ride that you don’t want to bump into. Despite its current performance, the team reportedly encountered several problems along the way. For example, the tracks were constantly rolling off during hard cornering maneuvers.

In its current condition, the Bentley Continental GT Ultratank is not fitted with any braking mechanism. In order to slow down, the operator needs to perform a sawing motion with the steering wheel to reduce speed. Additionally, the vehicle does not have doors, so dust and debris floating inside the cabin is a problem. According to people handling the build, their goal is to reach speeds of up to 62 mph. As it stands right now, the powertrain can only push it up to 31 mph. We hope to see major progress on this project soon.

Learn more about it here

May 13, 2019 / Comments Off

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Ferrari Portofino By Novitec Rosso

The thing is, when it comes to automobiles, the stock trim is often serviceable enough for your daily needs. On the other hand, aftermarket upgrades are always available when the ride gets boring. Meanwhile, exotic supercars and hypercars are supposedly best enjoyed in their default configuration, but some owners apparently want even more. Novitec Rosso, a popular German tuning shop shows us just how far they can take a beautiful Ferrari Portofino.

As long as the owner puts in a request, the shop will explore every nuance and unleash the beast within. Collectors and purists would consider it a form of blasphemy to mess around with an automotive masterpiece, but others think otherwise. After all, the Portofino is already a remarkable grand tourer on its own, yet the allure of tweaking it further is indeed tempting.

The original specifications list the engine output at 600 horsepower with 561 lb-ft of torque. After Novitec messes around with it, this Italian supercar now boasts 674 horsepower with 642 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, tests show that it can manage to get from 0 to 62 miles per hour within 3.2 seconds. Even its top speed goes up all the way to 202 mph, which hovers just above the 199 mph of the default model.

Novitec Rosso is not only making changes to its performance. The addition of carbon fiber replacements does wonders for the weight as well, which is now 24.3 lbs lighter. This Ferrari Portofino sits on top of four bespoke NF8 wheels from Vossen, which are supposedly more aerodynamic.

Check it out here

Images courtesy of Novitec Rosso

May 10, 2019 / Comments Off

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Hummer H1 Launch Edition By Mil-Spec

Mil-Spec doesn’t settle for just “good.” Which is exactly what the Hummer H1 already was — perhaps even great. Screw that, says Mil-Spec Automotive. We can make it more beastly. And thus comes this Hummer H1 Launch Edition, born out of a relentless quest to make the off-roader meaner, bigger, and more formidable.

The Hummer H1 Launch Edition, more specifically #006, outdoes all models before it. It’s the most ambitious project Mil-Spec has ever put its hands on. It starts with the sinister-looking blacked-out overcoat that dresses up the ride in a sheen of brutalist flair. Not only that, but it’s also decked in a polyurethane spray infused with Kevlar for the utmost durability.

On the front you’ll find an equally sinister-looking cage, and further below is a Air-Ride adjustable suspension system. At the heart of this killer vehicle is a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine pushing 500 ponies and a whopping 1,000 feet-pound of torque.

Why stop there? Mil-Spec upgraded the drivetrain with a bunch of new options, too. And it put a 12,000-pound Warn winch, threw a chock-full of LED lights, and wrapped the wheels with beefy all-terrain tires.

Don’t be surprised if this costs a lot. To be precise, you have to shell out up to $295,000. The starting price is a bit lower, though. At $218,499 you’ll lose some of the extras that take the car a notch further. But it’s still a Mil-Spec job, so suffice it to say you’ll get your money’s worth.

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Photos courtesy of Mil-Spec

April 25, 2019 / Comments Off

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2013 Land Rover D90 By COOLNVINTAGE

We’ve feature aplenty from Cool & Vintage, stylized as COOLNVINTAGE, and for good reason. First of all, their custom jobs are pretty sick, and if you ever end up in Lisbon, it’d be a sin not to least stop by their workshop.

Cool & Vintage’s latest handiwork puts a 2013 Land Rover D90 on the chopping block, where it loses its signature rear shell. Don’t worry, though. When Cool & Vintage taketh away, it also giveth. The D90 in question sports Marshall wireless speakers and an updated A/C unit, just two creature comforts that make this ride a modern-day pleasure. And since it’s still a Land Rover D90 at its core, you’ll find the well-designed principles still intact.

We’re talking Bespoke Cognac Connolly leather trim alongside a Keswick Green colorway that pairs “rugged” with “utilitarian” perfectly. Off-road ready, too, so you can be sure it’ll come out alive even if you put it through the wringer. Needless to say that this is one of the most notable custom rides we’ve ever seen. It’s got no fancy bells and whistles like this Mad Max-inspired 1973 Plymouth ‘Kuda’ Barracuda By Aaron Beck, sure. But you know what? Simplicity is still key, and that’s what Cool & Vintage nails, always.

The Land Rover D90 in question is currently listed for sale on Cool & Vintage website. We have no doubt Land Rover fans will quickly scoop this one up and chuck it in their garage. There’s no exact price, though. If you want a quote, you’re going to have to inquire ask Cool & Vintage directly.

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Photos courtesy of COOLNVINTAGE

March 17, 2019 / Comments Off

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1973 Plymouth ‘Kuda’ Barracuda By Aaron Beck

Aaron Beck hasn’t made a name for himself in the custom sphere yet, but with this, it’s clear that’s exactly what he’s doing. The 1973 Plymouth Kuda Barracuda will certainly put Beck on the map of customizing wunderkinds. And you’ll be hearing a lot from him moving forward.

Beck’s artful approach to the 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is multi-dimensional, and that’s no surprise. Beck’s been spending time at the top brass. He previously worked at the iconic prop and VFX house Weta Workshop. And his name appears on films like Mad Max: Fury Road.

Suffice it to say that this custom ride is a fine example of Beck’s skills and showmanship. He stripped it down to the very bare essentials, resulting in a largely matt coating that evokes a certain visceral feeling of minimalism, but with an edge. He also custom-braced the chassis from top to bottom. Not satisfied, he took things further by adding a full interior roll rage for extra safety and reinforcement.

The V8 engine is just as impressive as the ridiculously inspired finishing touches outside. You’re talking 500 ponies on this bad boy. No doubt Beck took one or two cues (or maybe several) from the franchises he’s been in, as the car looks straight out of George Miller’s desert dystopia. It’s like a steampunk vehicle that was cobbled from decaying parts hauled right out of a futuristic junk shop. Then, in a fit of creative genius, repurposed into a minimalist, semi-symmetrical beast that menacingly redefines the word “intimidating.” Beck isn’t messing around.

SEE IT HERE

Photos courtesy of Aaron Beck

March 5, 2019 / Comments Off

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1968 Ford Bronco By Velocity Restorations

What we have right here is a very thinly veiled declaration that Velocity Restorations has had it with these custom shops that think they can skimp on any meaningful under-the-hood revamps if they work in enough visual oomph.

Here at Men’s Gear, we write a lot about custom jobs, and while most of them look impressive, looks don’t power a car. Facelifts are insufficient, and what makes a modification a true whiz-bang are the touch-ups underneath.

That isn’t lost on Velocity Restorations, and proof of that is its latest 1968 Ford Bronco project. The decked-out ride boasts improvements in terms of both appearance and performance, giving the classic SUV the supercharge it deserves.

Thanks to the shop, this 1968 Ford Bronco now has the power of a 5.0-liter Coyote engine. That’s comes with a beastly 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger. Velocity Restoration didn’t exactly share specific performance figures, but a standard Coyote tops up at 435 horsepower.

But it should perhaps come as no surprise that this ride possibly eclipses that and reaches north of 700. Especially with a brand-new exhaust system baked in. That and a six-speed 6R80 transmission, an Atlas Transfer Case, and a Velocity Exclusive Serpentine System.

It’s got sweet upgrades to match what’s under the hood, too. We’re talking a new sound system, LED lights, and tires made for off-roading adventures. Also included is a six-point roll cage plus sleek premium leather upholstery. That’s on top of a Dakota Digital gauge, a Pioneer digital head unit, a Vintage Air A/C system, and a Ididit tilt steering column.

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Photos courtesy of Velocity Restorations

February 9, 2019 / Comments Off

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Plow Through Snow With The Nissan Altima-te AWD

Once in a while, it’s nice to see something out-of-this-world outside of movies, books, or comics. Well, if you’re one of us who’s hoping to actually see one in real life, then the Nissan Altima-te AWD just might that thing. Here you have an imposing machine that’s ready to tackle whatever colder climates throw at it. We understand that when it snows, overall driving conditions become a little difficult. That’s why snow tires are crucial if you want to get anywhere safely. On the other hand, this unique vehicle takes it one level higher with caterpillar treads.

That’s right, its something straight out of science fiction except that it’s an actual custom ride. We understand that there are people other than us who would love to own this snow-shredding contraption. Unfortunately, it’s just an amusing publicity stunt from Nissan for those anyone living in Canada. Yet, we would sure love to see it becomes a limited-edition upgrade for the Altima.

According to a statement from the Japanese carmaker, it wants to raise awareness regarding what the sedan has to offer differently. It looks like the Nissan Altima-te AWD wants Canadians to know that stock model comes with all-wheel-drive as standard. It’s not a common feature to expect, especially from a sedan. Knowing that our northern neighbors normally experience extreme weather, it’s an interesting way to advertise a car. Moreover, the manufacturer also highlights its Nissan intelligent Mobility system that adds another layer of protection for owners. We really hope that an option to have tank treads instead of tires will be available in the future.

Images courtesy of Nissan

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January 24, 2019 / Comments Off

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Custom Suzuki DR-Z400SM By Jane Motorcycles

New York is one of those cities where owning a car won’t do you much good. It’ll still get you to where you need to go, to be sure. But probably two hours late and with plenty of road rage fiascoes peppered along the ride.

If you really want to get around the city, nothing beats walking, or catching the subways. However, if you’re not in the mood to walk or are in a hurry, motorcycles are your best bet. Just like this custom Suzuki DR-Z400SM from Jane Motorcycles, which can handle the urban jungle that is New York.

Jane Motorcycles worked with Brooklyn Moto on this project, both sharing labor on fabrication, mechanical, and assembly work. You get 17-inch Excel supermoto rims and adjustable suspension out of the crate, but if you seek more robust revamps, you’ll be glad to know that suspension and brake upgrades are planned in the future. They hand-shaped a foam buck for the new tank, then built the final form out of aluminum on top of that.

The seat is new, custom-made by Jane Motorcycles, but placed further back compared to the stock Suzuki. It’s made of waxed cowhide upholstery, which was done in-house, and everything sits on top custom-built subframe.

Other changes include the airbox, replaced with a K&N filter, and the tail end of the exhaust, replaced with a custom-built, stainless steel muffler. Risers, handlebars, bar-end turn signals, brake fluid reservoirs, and even the rear lights come from Rizoma, and Jane Motorcycles swapped out the MX-style front fender for a more sleek aluminum part.

No details yet on pricing or whether this custom Suzuki DR-Z400SM is up for sale or merely a side project. It looks badass, nevertheless.

LEARN MORE HERE

November 14, 2018 / Comments Off

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1970 Plymouth Barracuda Terracuda By Chip Foose Design

Car geeks will often debate regarding what specific brands and variants qualify as an epitome of a pony car. Most will suggest that the Ford Mustang is the quintessential icon that represents its genre. However, experts will argue that the title does not belong to one particular model. Yet, it includes all other entries from other American manufacturers. Take for example this majestic custom build from Chip Foose Design called the “Terracuda.”

Just like us, you might wonder where the name came from. Therefore, we scrutinized this splendid specimen up and down to figure out how it earned its moniker. It started out from a stock 1970 Plymouth Barracuda—already a masterpiece of Americana—that was given a fresh coat inspired by a timepiece. The story goes that Darren Metropoulos, the current owner of the vehicle, wanted the design studio to build an automobile that matched the colors of his Breitling watch.

What followed was a fresh coat of elegant browns and golds. Its purpose is to match the lush interior that’s in various shades of brown. The opulent cabin and seats showcase lavish leather from Ferrari’s factories. The heavy use of earthy tones probably resulted in the portmanteau “Terracuda,” which takes “terra” (meaning earth) and “cuda” (the last half of the car’s name). Now that we got that out of the way, the muscle within the hood is a 6.4-liter Mopar Hemi Crate engine alongside a 5-speed Tremec transmission.

Terracuda

Photos courtesy of Chip Foose Design

November 1, 2018 / Comments Off

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