Revealed: The highest 10 {custom} bikes of 2022

The numbers have been crunched, and the outcomes are in. And as normal, our annual roundup of the most well-liked {custom} bikes on Bike EXIF is each enlightening and eclectic.

The ten machines listed below are people who made our servers work the toughest in 2022. This ranked choice is only data-based. We take our web site stats and take a look at social media engagement, add the whole lot up and voila!

By its very nature, our high 10 additionally acts as a litmus check of kinds for the {custom} scene. It tells us that the café racer development remains to be alive and properly, and that over-the-top customs have a spot too, in the event that they’re executed properly. (Curiously, this yr’s listing can also be devoid of any electrical customs.)

Scroll by our choice under, tell us the way it makes you’re feeling, and blissful holidays.

10. Renard Bikes BMW R100 The truth that this listing kicks off with a BMW R-series café racer, speaks volumes of the longevity of each the donor bike and construct type. BMW stays one of the crucial well-liked marques on Bike EXIF, and half of the bikes in our high 10 this yr are café racers.

The BMW café racer you’re taking a look at right here comes from Renard Bikes. No stranger to those pages, the Estonian outfit constructed it (and three others prefer it) to kick off a sequence of BMW R100-based builds. Renard designed these prototypes to their very own spec, however every instance they construct transferring ahead will likely be tailor-made to its proprietor.

The bikes function rebuilt motors, with sensible upgrades like twin-spark heads, and lightened cranks and flywheels. Every one additionally will get a custom-built exhaust with Hattech silencers, a full rewire with a Lithium-ion battery, and LED lighting. Ceriani duplicate forks, adjustable shocks, Borrani rims and Beringer brakes maintain the operating gear.

All of the bodywork is {custom}—from the reimagined tackle the basic BMW R100 gasoline tank, to the tidy café-style tail part with its built-in taillight. Completed with luxurious paint and fabric (and fenders), it’s one of many nicest made-to-order customs we’ve seen. [More]

9. MB Cycles Sportster hardtail Harley-Davidson manufactured their last-ever Evo Sportster this yr. And but, a rigid-frame Sportster has defiantly made our listing, to remind us that the perennial Sporty has a lot fuel nonetheless left within the tank.

The story of this hardtail goes again twenty years, when MB Cycles founder Martin Becker constructed it up for his brother. It was ridden for some time, then parked for years earlier than Martin purchased it again, cleaned it up and caught a 1996 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster engine into it. Fairly quickly a brand new buyer snapped it up and commissioned a {custom} construct.

The precise inflexible body initially got here from the Dutch body fabricators, VG Bikes. It’s matched to a reproduction springer entrance finish, and rolls on 16F/15R wheels with late-80s Sportster hubs. The engine isn’t inventory anymore both—it’s been jacked up with a 1,200 cc equipment from S&S Cycle.

A Nineteen Thirties gasoline tank is matched to an aftermarket oil tank, a modified Penz fender and a custom-made sprung saddle. Sneaky fashionable touches embody a Motogadget speedo, Kustom Tech controls and fashionable push button-style switches. A number of the patina on the bike is actual, and a few of it’s been painted on—however you’ll have a tough time determining which is which. [More]

8. Vtopia Vyrus From its aggressive silhouette to its hub-centered steering, the Vyrus appears fairly wild straight out the field. However then Milan-based {custom} store Vtopia discovered a option to make it even wilder, by designing a equipment that’ll match the Vyrus 984, 985 and 987 fashions.

The most important eye catcher is the brand new bodywork. Vtopia used a minimalistic type often known as ‘low poly design,’ which is usually present in online game design and animation. The physique is a single piece, created from carbon fiber and supported by CNC-machined subframes entrance and rear. Hiding beneath is a custom-built gasoline cell, and the seat pan is a 3D laser-printed nylon-carbon fiber half.

The equipment additionally features a new exhaust, with two routing choices. It’s fabricated (in titanium) by Spark, primarily based on Vtopia’s design. No expense is spared, with carbon fiber handlebars, LED lighting and a Motogadget speedo all added.

Vtopia constructed two prototypes to develop their equipment, however we choose the one with the uncooked solid carbon finishes. As a result of when you’re going to purchase a Vyrus and match this equipment, chances are you’ll as properly go all out. [More]

7. Yamaha GTS1000 by Aki Suokas The {custom} Vyrus isn’t the one oddity on this listing. Finnish interest builder Aki Suokas did the unimaginable this yr, by turning the weird Yamaha GTS1000 right into a café racer. With its uncommon entrance swingarm setup it’s an unlikely donor—however someway, he made it work.

Regardless of the complexity of the GTS1000’s chassis, Aki tore into it to tweak the general look and journey top. The front-end was rebuilt with a set of custom-made linkages and joints, and upgraded with a modified Suzuki shock. The rear wears the single-sided swingarm and rear shock from a Honda VFR800.

The wheels had been masterfully pieced collectively utilizing aftermarket automotive rims and some scalped bike components. The setup nonetheless makes use of the Yamaha’s inventory brakes, upgraded with stainless-steel hoses. The exhaust muffler is one other borrowed half—it comes from Kawasaki Z1000.

For the bodywork, Aki purchased an aftermarket fairing and tail part, then modified them to swimsuit his construct. The gasoline tank was cut-and-shut to shrink it, then coated with a shell created from a 1984 Suzuki GSX1100’s tank. Resplendent in blue, Aki’s GTS is someway futuristic and basic . [More]

6. BobC Customized Bikes Harley-Davidson Flathead It’s not usually that we function a motorbike that’s as universally beloved as this fetching Harley Flathead bobber. Constructed by Croatian ex-pat Slobodan Cirkovic, it garnered not solely the admiration of our readers, but additionally everybody who noticed it within the metallic at this yr’s Malle Mile even. It was a part of our Artwork of Machine exhibition on the Mile, and appeared simply pretty much as good parked in our tent because it did tearing down the drag strip in entrance of Grimsthorpe Fort.

A part of why it appears so good, is as a result of it was fourteen years within the making, and underwent two full rebuilds earlier than it reached this level. The chassis is a {custom} affair, pieced collectively utilizing leftover tubing from Slobodan’s ex-job, the place he helped fabricate Vary Rover subframes. The engine is a forty five.12 ci flathead, with a Linkert M88 carb and a four-speed shovelhead transmission.

An extensively refurbished springer entrance finish gives the one little bit of suspension, with disc brakes (sure, you learn proper) stopping the 16” hoops.

The bike can also be impossibly svelte—nevertheless it’s actually the little particulars that push this one excessive. From the gorgeous blue paint job, to the Brooks saddle and picket inlays on the floorboards, it’s clear that each final alternative was agonized over.

That is additionally the construct that marks Slobodan’s transition from tinkerer to skilled bike builder. Due to the encouragement of his buddies, he formally launched his workshop, BobC Customized Bikes, this yr. What a debut. [More]

5. Honda CB750 Nighthawk by Colin Darling The 90s-model CB750 Nighthawk is hardly the {custom} builder’s favourite Honda CB—however that didn’t cease Colin Darling from turning one right into a modernized café racer. The Oregon-based mechanical engineer went to city on the four-cylinder Honda, radically remodeling each its aesthetic and its operating gear.

Many of the Nighthawk’s new chassis elements come from a Triumph Daytona 675. Colin tailored the Daytona yokes to suit the Honda steering neck, then put in its forks, wheels and brakes. Out again, he fabricated all of the components crucial for a mono-shock conversion, then fitted the Daytona swingarm with a Suzuki GSX-R750 shock.

The subframe is new, as is the premium European cowhide saddle. Lighting is by the use of a basic Bates-style headlight (retrofitted with LEDs), with an LED taillight built-in into the rear. All of the controls are new, fashionable components, as is the digital Koso speedo.

Colin nailed the ‘appears quick standing nonetheless vibe’ right here—which is spectacular, contemplating the tasteless nature of the donor bike. Additional type factors come from the deep black paint job, executed by layering a shiny clear-coat over a non-metallic black base coat. 3D-printed tank badges drive the purpose dwelling. [More]

4. ShifCustom BMW R18 trike It appears acceptable that the one BMW R18 to make this yr’s minimize is a three-wheeler. The sheer measurement of the BMW’s 1,802 cc boxer engine has made it a difficult bike for customizers to work with—and for followers of extra svelte cruisers to heat as much as.

ShifCustom’s resolution? Lean into it, by making the R18 even larger than earlier than. It seems like a goofy idea, however in follow, it really works remarkably properly—primarily due to the basic car vibe that it exudes.

ShifCustom’s buyer on this challenge was an enormous fan of BMW’s bikes and vehicles, therefore the apparent throwback to the enduring BMW 328. The handmade aluminum nostril cone sports activities a pair of kidney grills up entrance, louvered air vents, and leather-based straps excessive. It opens to disclose a completely bespoke entrance subframe and double-wishbone suspension system.

The rear wheel is a one-off, however the entrance wheels are modded Audi A3 objects, fitted with Rudge Whitworth center-lock nuts (identical to these on the 328). Different additions embody a pair of Harley V-Rod headlights and a {custom} windscreen. Wrapped in blue and silver paint, it’s undeniably probably the most head-turning R18 of the yr. [More]

3. Sym Wolf 125 by Charlie Huang From the most important {custom} bike on this listing, to the smallest; a humble commuter turned café racer. It’s the work of Charlie Huang—a scholar from Taichung who attends the ArtCenter School of Design in California. The donor bike was handed all the way down to him from his uncle, and Charlie determined to provide it a makeover moderately than merely restore it.

Many of the work went into rebuilding the engine and transmission. Charlie bumped the capability as much as 164 cc, and added a six-speed transmission. The Wolf 125’s powertrain advanced from the Honda CB/CG sequence, so some Honda CB125S components had been used contained in the engine.

Charlie shortened and refurbished the entrance forks, then designed a brand new high yoke and had it CNC-machined. The swingarm was pieced collectively from Kymco KTR components, and is linked to a pair of adjustable RPM RR shocks. 18F/17R assist get the stance excellent, whereas a Brembo disc on the entrance provides additional stopping energy.

For the bodywork, Charlie tailored an previous Honda CB100 K3 gasoline tank to suit the Sym’s body. The subframe and tail part fabrication was outsourced, as was the paint and fabric—however Charlie dyed the seat’s leather-based himself. Completely judged and tastefully constructed, this café racer punches far above its weight. [More]

2. Lys Bikes Honda CBX 1000 That is the third yr in a row {that a} Honda CBX 1000 has made our hit listing, and we’re right here for it. Honda’s potent six-cylinder muscle bike is radical sufficient in inventory type, however the world’s finest {custom} builders have proven that it may be made even wilder. You simply should know when to zig, and when to zag.

Lys Bikes has found out the method. The primary time Lys’ founder, Dimitri, personalized a CBX 1000, it was a success—and he shortly had orders for extra. This specific CBX was a type of orders, and it’s an absolute showstopper.

Transferring from entrance to again, Lys’ CBX wears the forks, brakes and entrance wheel from a Triumph Pace Triple R, and the single-sided swingarm, shock and rear wheel from a Ducati 848. As you’d think about, there was greater than a bit fettling concerned to make the whole lot match—however the setup works so properly, visually, that it feels manufacturing unit.

A brand new subframe helps a two-up seat, with a detachable cowl for solo rides. Fashionable components from Koso, Motone and Motogadget add to the performance, whereas a very bonkers six-into-one exhaust system provides to the soundtrack. Wrapped in a livery that’s as radical as its stance, this CBX is pretty much as good because it will get. [More]

1. Retrorides BMW K100 If you happen to had instructed us a decade in the past {that a} Ok-series BMW would high our annual high 10, we wouldn’t have believed it. However right here we’re—the ‘flying brick’ has develop into one of many darlings of the {custom} scene. And this good-looking BMW K100 RS café racer from Brazil’s Retrorides by Lourenço is a lesson in learn how to deal with it proper.

Based by brothers Gustavo and Rodrigo Lourenço, and their father José, who sadly handed away a yr in the past, Retrorides makes a speciality of Ok-series builds. They even manufacture bolt-on components for the Ok—just like the horizontal rear suspension system on this one. Simply above it’s a CNC-machined subframe, supporting a sharply tapered tail part.

The upside-down forks from a Honda Hornet sit up entrance, together with a 3D-printed headlight nacelle. Distinctive forward-facing handlebar clamps place common road bars low down, the place you’d discover clip-ons. A smattering of Motogadget components adorns the cockpit.

However the true trick is how clear this Ok’s silhouette is—no imply feat given the gawky strains of the inventory bike. It’s made even slicker with components just like the 3D-printed carbon tank facet panels, and the BMW’s brooding paint scheme. The one pop of colour are the refined bronze highlights… ironic, on condition that this Ok has simply taken gold. [More]

EDITOR’S NOTE Ranked lists are bittersweet affairs, and a lot of worthy machines inevitably simply miss the minimize annually. Simply exterior the highest 10 had been Function Constructed Moto’s super-sano Triumph Bonneville T140 [above], Kingston Customized’s Hagon Yamaha restomod [below], CNCPT Moto’s futuristic BMW R nineT, and MotoRelic’s Schwinn-inspired Yamaha XS650.

As all the time, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the builders who create these machines, the photographers who seize them, our group of writers, and the advertisers who maintain the lights on round right here. Test again in a number of days after we current our private favorites from the yr (information be damned).