Giddy Up - Texas

April 4, 2019 Austin Moto Works

Along the quiet Guadalupe River March exited with a bit of a roar collectively created by hundreds of motorcycles and their enthusiastic riders attending the “Giddy Up Vintage Chopper Show.” Custom motorcycles with their creators finger print and a chance to camp in the Texas hill country was more than enough reason to pack up and head out for a weekend with no phone service - getting lost in something you love. Big thanks to all event organizers, sponsors, vendors, bands, builders and riders who make the event a great experience.

Owner- Steve’s custom chopper was an invite for the show and received some great looks throughout the day.

From the bikes in the show to the attendees with their visions on two wheels there was plenty to browse made slowing down to look at all the details and not rushing onto the next a bit difficult. From the wear over the years and miles to the artistic touch - it’s all in the details.

Rick Boline was set up and helped Steve check one off the list. Rick works out of San Antonio if anyone in the area is looking for a guy and also owns the beautiful “Purple Rain” bike in the previous gallery. To see more of Rick’s work visit his Instagram page- @tattoos_by_rickboline

Photos: Jeremie Infelise / jeremieinfelise.com / Instagram @infelise

Pieces of History.

March 14, 2019 Austin Moto Works

The two bikes amongst this conversation are as follows: a 1973 r75/5 and a 1974 r 90/6, both are obviously red and of consecutive years but coincidently as a collective are a milestone for BMW. Our small history lesson begins by explaining the '73 is the last version of the /5 and the '74 is the first version of the /6, two completely different models that in fact shared a lot but also came with some key differences paving a new way for BMW.

The '74 was the first year that the 900cc engine displacement was offered over the '73's 750cc engine, differences in aesthetics, the size of the tanks; the '74 having a smaller tank and differences in the instrument panel. Not much, but enough. Having these bikes in the shop at the same time were great comparison and contrasting visual puzzle pieces - they represent the one of many smooth seams in the evolution and history of BMW Motorcycles.

Intuitive Refinement

February 21, 2019 Austin Moto Works

One’s mastery of a craft could run among the wonders of our world. It’s something once reached becomes an action as unconscious as putting your pants on in the morning. Just as easy a quarterback stepping up in the pocket with a fury of 300 pound beings clashing like a spring breeze as he focuses on his target, the same way a sculpturer connects the dots between mind, hands and clay the motorcycle mechanic can look and listen to a bike setting a sequence of intuition and knowledge to solve problems and work creatively. If you look in a chefs personal kitchen you won’t find a measuring cup.

This cherry 1964 R50/2 equipped with individual driver and passenger saddles was a restoration project 10 years ago focused heavily on the aesthetics with a few mechanical details left to the side. Fast forward to today and it was rolled into the shop for some intuitive refinement for the new road ahead. Jobs like these where a handful of minor mechanical ailments add up interfering with the bikes ability to run smooth are a big portion of our work orders. Adding in factors with classics such as this don't necessarily make diagnostics black and white or as easy as punching in the factory specs or torque readings expecting the problem solved. Our experience enables us to master these kind of projects leaving our customers with the only problem of planning the next destination. If you feel your bike is missing out on some of its performance bring it by and give us a change to tune in and see what we can do.

1974 R90/6 For Sale *SOLD

February 20, 2019 Austin Moto Works

We are helping a client sell this original condition 74’ R90/6 with a low mile count with only 2 different owners and ready to ride. Asking price is $4500. Give us a call if interested (512) 657-2659

All Bikes Matter

January 28, 2019 Austin Moto Works

We may specialize in BMW's but contain a love for all beasts with two wheels and when this 1998 Triumph Thunderbird Sport rolled through looking to acquire some custom modifications we welcomed the opportunity. Our customer had purchased this bike equipped with a few minor things done to it but wanted to dive in and make it a little more of a custom bike. With a plan drafted in hand we got to work on making this Thunderbird more unique. Starting from rear to front we made some struts and mounted a new lower profile fender to the swing arm for phase one of cleaning and simplifying the bikes aesthetic.

With the fender no longer needing to be mounted with the seat and sub frame we continued to scale down the center weight by fabricating a new sub frame attached to new mounts located higher on the frame helping to really open up the space between the seat and tire. This adjustment came with raising the tank in the back, creating a new battery box, new wiring harness with all new wiring and new routes to cleanly stay tucked away, new starter solenoid, new tail light and center of this party of course a new seat.

truimph custom seat rear fender atx moto-3.jpg

truimph custom seat rear fender atx moto-9.jpg

Moving to the front the handlebars were rid of any unnecessary stock controls and we custom fit a new headlight by adapting a fog light bracket to mount completing this killer one off. Another satisfying dynamic project wrapped up with more to look forward to.