Many of the incredible custom motorcycles we feature on these pages were years in the making, dreamt up in youth, and often decades before they finally rolled out of a shed ready for the road. And then there’s Eak from K-Speed, the Bangkok king of murdered-out machines, a man who seems to channel bike ideas the same way thunderstorms roll in over the tropics: suddenly, violently, and without warning. He's Picasso-like in his prolific nature, and his latest creation, the 'Shadow Racer', takes Triumph’s classic 2008 Thruxton and distils it into something leaner, darker, and far more dangerous than Hinckley ever dared.

If you’ve followed K-Speed for any length of time, you’ll know the rhythm: bikes arrive, ideas explode, and within days another black-clad custom is rolling out the door with that unmistakable Tanadit Sarawek 'Eak' DNA. Last year alone, he built forty different machines, a pace that would vaporise most ordinary humans. The team jokes that even Eak himself can’t explain why one model suddenly grabs him by the collar and demands reinvention. He simply knows, instinctively, that the picture in his head will morph into something beautiful.

There’s something undeniably electric about the Barber Vintage Festival. The air is thick with burnt fuel, fried Southern food and more motorcycle legends than you could ever shake a torque wrench at. But in the fall of 2024, tucked inside the Isle of Triumph, a different kind of spark caught fire. Both Cigars.com and New York's own A&J Cycles had booths within the British manufacturers' enclosure, and the company was keen to get the two brands working together, so an introduction was made. And somewhere between the smell of race fuel and premium tobacco, a brilliant idea was struck: let’s build a Triumph motorcycle worth giving away.

Cigars.com wanted a bike that didn’t just look the part; they wanted something that felt like lighting up a perfect cigar. Strong. Refined. Classic, but unapologetically bold. Brad from Cigars.com knew this wasn’t going to be a slap-on-some-bolt-ons-and-take-a-photo kind of project. They needed someone who could see beyond the catalogue, someone who speaks Triumph fluently. And Brian and the team at A&J Cycles have been building killer, clean, custom Triumphs for years now. Antonio Caruso was tasked with taking care of the design, and with everyone on board, all could work towards a cohesive finish.

When it comes to the modern Bobber, Triumph set the bar high. But somehow, FCR Original has managed to clear it, and then some. The French atelier’s latest creation is more than a custom build; it’s an effort to improve the original product in every single way, while enriching the classic elements that have made the new Bobber such a hit. A stripped-back, perfectly balanced machine designed not for posing, but for the true joy of solo riding. This is British engineering, reimagined through a French lens of restraint, precision, and soul.

The story starts with a client who knew exactly what he wanted: a motorcycle that embodied elegance, spirit, and a complete lack of compromise. He didn’t ask for a louder engine or a wild paint job. He asked for clarity. He wanted a return to the essence of riding: just man, machine, and the open road. And FCR Original, based in the quiet town of Chauvigny, delivered exactly that, a Triumph Bonneville 1200 Bobber reborn as a minimalist masterpiece.

Rome isn’t exactly short on history, but for one weekend each year, the past and future of motorcycling collide beneath the sinuous steel and glass curves of Massimiliano Fuksas’ “La Nuvola.” Now in its ninth edition, the Eternal City Motorcycle Show has cemented itself as one of Europe’s essential two-wheeled gatherings, and to their credit, the organisers clearly understand just how vital custom creations have become to the motorcycle world. This year, they dedicated an entire level of the venue to that culture: a space where Italian craftsmanship, international innovation, and pure mechanical art all share the same stage.

The show is a mega event, with every major manufacturer worth their salt in attendance, eighteen of whom offer free demo rides of their latest machinery. In total, there are 300 different models you can ride, adding a proper try-before-you-buy experience. There are also the usual displays, great food and drink, live music and talks. And for those in the game, the business-to-business day allows small shops the chance to rub shoulders with the big brass of leading aftermarket suppliers, a vital networking opportunity to help the entire industry thrive.

On any given Sunday, motorcyclists across the globe are kicking up dirt, carving corners, and racing everything from mini bikes to monsters. But not every ride has to be full throttle. Sometimes, the perfect day on two wheels is as simple as bar-hopping and café-cruising with your mates. Sure, you could ride anything for that, but something loud, fun, and easy on the eyes makes the experience all the better, especially if it's your second bike, built purely for good times. Enter the modern Triumph Bonneville: now surprisingly affordable and begging to be customised. Japan’s legendary Heiwa Motorcycles clearly got the memo, and their latest creation, a slick black Bonneville T100 dubbed No. 007, looks ready for a stylish spin. Honestly, Bond himself wouldn’t look out of place riding it to grab a midday Martini.

Heiwa Motorcycles and its enigmatic leader, Kengo Kimura, need no introduction to anyone who has even a passing interest in custom motorcycles. He's arguably one of the best builders on the planet, but when he's not building incredible show bikes to take out all of the top trophies, he does a roaring trade in custom cool bikes, designed to be ridden every single day. His Grass Tracker and FTR range are extremely popular for those who want a small scrambler, with a unique touch. But for those who want a more tarmac-focused terror, the all-conquering Yamaha SR and the Triumph Bonneville are proving to be the fan favourites.

The Trident name has been a part of the Triumph family for six decades and many expected that when it was finally revived it would naturally take its place in the company's all-conquering Modern Classic range. But when Triumph unveiled the new Trident at the London Design Museum, it was anything but a retro-remake, and frankly, it was the right move. The model has always bridged the gap between old and new, a triple designed to bring usable performance to the street. But as yet, the Hinckley manufacturer has yet to offer a high-spec version and it was an opportunity one custom workshop felt they couldn't miss out on exploring. Enter the Triumph Trident RS by FCR Original, and they've created all the parts you need to create your very own.

Many have speculated about the use of the RS designation on the top-spec Triumph machines, like the Thruxton and Speed Triple. Some believe it means 'Race Sport' and a few have dreamed up 'Rocket Ship', but officially, Triumph say RS is not an abbreviation but signifies an even higher level of specification. And to date, Triumph are yet to release an RS version of the Trident, which got the team at FCR thinking. “When the Triumph Trident 660 was first released, it was praised for exactly what it is: a well-balanced, well-built, approachable motorcycle — perfectly suited to a new generation of riders. But at FCR Original, that “well-behaved” nature stirred a restlessness in us. Because beyond its technical harmony, we saw a base full of promise.”

A decade is a long time in the motorcycle industry, but that's how long it's been since Triumph first announced the Bonneville Bobber and Brogue Motorcycles launched in a two-car garage in Tuscon, Arizona. It's fair to say that both have come a hell of a long way, with the Bob now a staple of the British manufacturer's line-up and Brogue having moved across the country and expanded into one hell of a serious operation. So, it makes perfect sense then that the company which has always supported other Triumph products, has created a catalogue of kick-ass parts to transform your Bobber from factory fresh into a proper show-stopper for the street. Meet the Brogue Motorcycles 2024 Triumph Bobber, dripping with their own parts of pure perfection, all crafted at their facility in New York state.

Having started Brogue Motorcycles in a small garage, it really was only a matter of time before Mike Schartz took the company from strength to strength. Previously employed in aviation maintenance by some of the biggest manufacturers in the world, he transferred those skills over to custom bike building. But it's in parts development and manufacturing that his skill set really shines, and it all started when he found a busted CNC machine in the desert and got it up and running. Years later, Brogue is now located in the beautiful Hudson Valley and the talented team of seven, designs and manufactures premium parts for Yamaha, Ducati, Harley, KTM, Triumph, and more.

When it comes to events that truly capture what the custom motorcycle culture is all about, few do it better than the folks behind The One Motorcycle Show. Spearheaded by local legend Thor Drake, the four-day extravaganza takes place at the incredible Zidell Yards on Portland's waterfront. The old abandoned facility sets the stage for a gritty, down-to-earth vibe, where 'built not bought' and bikers with grease under their fingernails are all just part of the atmosphere. This year was the 16th edition of the show and featured 300 custom bikes on display, as well as a host of kick-ass bands, tasty beer to drink as well as group rides and after-parties to enjoy. So, sit back, relax and take in these stunning shots of all of our favourites from what Thor calls 'The Best Show on Earth'.

The One Show just seems to get bigger and better each year, and a huge part of that can be put down to the community-like vibe that washes over Portland for the event. Thousands make the pilgrimage on two wheels from near and far, and instantly it's time to catch up with old friends and see who is riding what. The first day is made up of the Thursday Night MX at the nearby Portland International Raceway and then it's off to a local cinema for the opening of the VAHNA Film Festival, a film competition and festival tour dedicated to the art of motorcycle cinematography.

It was only last weekend that we were proud to announce that The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) had been officially launched for 2025, with the event to take place in over 1,000 cities around the world on Sunday, May 18. And already social media is awash with champion chaps and legendary ladies fundraising for the cause, and showing off the steeds they'll ride on the day. But if you don't have a marvellous motorcycle for the event, then we think we've found the perfect last minute pick for any dapper don. It's a modern classic from key sponsor of the event, Triumph, and this Bonneville T120 has been hit with all of the good bits by the fine folks at Tamarit Motorcycles, right down to some terrific tweed. 

The Spanish based titans of the Triumph product are having another massive year, as we featured just a month ago, they've entered the American market with a bang and they show no sign of slowing down. In addition to the hundreds of custom bikes they've built, and the huge range of parts they have on offer, Tamarit has also created a production run of 'series' motorcycles, all based on various new bikes from Triumph and each in a limited run. And that's where this machine fits in their arsenal, known as 'Londres' (London), only five will be offered for sale.

Well, I say old chap, did you have your King Leers tuned into the wireless just now? Because the news is out and it's time to dust off the dapper, give the riding boots a jolly good polish and prepare your classic chariot for a day of delights. Yes, it's that time of year again when we are proud to announce that The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is set to take place, this time in over 1,000 cities around the world, on Sunday, May 18 2025. The facts of the event to date tell an incredible tale; since 2012, there have been 934 rides in 104 countries, which have raised over US$56.7 million for men's health. But DGR is much more than the numbers, it's about what really matters: mates, motorcycles and a massive global community, getting together to have fun, form friendships and make this crazy world of ours a truly better place.

“10 years ago we knew we needed to do more for men’s health,” says Mark Hawwa, Founder of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. “That’s why we partnered with the world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember. In the last 10 years, we have been proud to support men’s health on a global scale, in supporting the critical causes of prostate cancer and men’s mental health. Together with our community, we are proud to continue riding dapper for men’s health.”