As I was browsing through Sabine Welte’s Extreme Bikes, I came across this Honda CBX powered stainless steel custom. The bike has been around for 5 or 6 years already but I can’t remember seeing it before. It looks like the European magazines have covered it quite a bit so this may be old news to you.
Otto Nijs of Holland, decided to design a motorcycle around the CBX engine using angular shapes, like the Stealth fighter and stainless steel like the DeLorean sports car. The finished bike is one that takes a bit of getting used to and doesn’t look like much of a rider, … check the seat. On the other hand, you could take the idea and soften it a bit and build a bike that looks a lot more conventional using the angular frame technique to quickly put something together with a smaller engine.
The bike reminds me of an art project I had in high school (about a hundred years ago) where we had to draw a picture with only straight lines. I figured if you used short lines you could make something pretty close to a curve. In some ways, he did the same thing here but I personally think investing in a tubing bender might have been a good idea. Interesting styling exercise, not very practical, though.
Link CBX INOX
Erik says
That “seat” looks like a laptop stand. Funky looking ride. Reminds me of a couple of homemade bikes I saw when I was over in Africa a long time ago, two guys built bikes from what they had. They weren’t pretty but they ran!
todd says
regardless of what I or anyone else thinks about the bike at least the guy made it. How many ideas have I had that I have yet to build? You got to give credit to Sabine for actually getting off his duff and building it.
todd
GenWaylaid says
The sparse style has some merit, but this guy really made it hard on himself by choosing stainless steel. Difficult to machine, difficult to bend, difficult to weld, it makes you pay for that finish. I’m a fan of the DeLorean’s weird style, but that doesn’t mean I’d make the same poor choice of materials. On the plus side, at least the bike is as tough as commercial silverware.
Bryce says
That’s great to see a CBX engine used in a custom bike.
hoyt says
Isn’t one of the marks of a good design indicative when the beholder fights themselves from admitting they like it?
Aesthetically, excessive angles and straight lines on vehicles do not seem to stand the test of time as well as rounded, curvy shapes. (ex. the edgy, 80’s era Lambourghini vs. Porsche Speedsters from the 50’s)
Interestingly enough, the converse happens with immovable structures…round-ish buildings do not seem to stand the test of time as well as buildings with clean, uncluttered, straight lines. (IMO)
This bike should refute that in its own way.
The ergos and general riding style that comes across is cool. Very similar to the Hellcat and the bitchin’ project done inside this guy’s apartment…
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/03/27/blade-rod-honda-streetfighter/
Otto says
Someone pointed out this thread to me. I like reading your comments and I’m honoured to be mentioned next to the Hellcat (one of my favorites).
Just one thing: yeah, this seat hurts. But it doesn’t stop me to ride it each summer holiday to events and shows in Holland, Germany, England and Belgium.
Kind regards,
Otto.