High-quality bespoke motorcycles – and custom bikes generally – can be scarce. However, you can find dazzling diamonds in the rough if you know where to look. This trio of custom Duc’s from Maria Riding Company represent unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
At the start of the decade, a small group of friends with shared perspectives on surfing, riding, and savoring life’s pleasures came together to form MRC. Rui Alexandre said the initial goal was to start a bespoke motorcycle gang until co-founder Luís Correia discovered a Yamaha XS 650 in Northern Portugal.
The scarce 1980s bike was unhurriedly transformed piece by piece by piece and accordingly baptized Eva. “We took good pictures [of Eva] and shared Eva to the specialty magazines worldwide,” says Luis. “We got media coverage we never expected, and the orders started coming in from then on.”
In Lisbon’s Alcântara neighborhood, Maria’s office is a mix of an atelier, showroom, and workshop. There, the motorcycles created by Luís and Rui come together. “To ride an original motorcycle is a shame,” Rui defends. “It’s like a woman arriving at a party and finding another woman wearing the same dress.”
Bespoke motorcycles get a new name from the moment the process starts, which can take from two months to two years to complete with a costs between ten thousand to 30,000 euros.
Road Runner (Ducati Pantah 500)
The donner bike, a Ducati Pantah 500, was initially purchased in the UK and had seen better days – most of the original parts were missing.
MRC embraced this complex project with enthusiasm by initiating the remake with the heart of the bike, the engine. After discussions with the owner, the decision was made to ship the motor to Ducati engine expert and D. T. S – Ducati Technical Services owner Paul Klatkiewicz in Wakefield, UK.
With the engine in the capable hands of Klatkiewicz, MRC determined the rebuild should be exclusive and edgy, so they suggested a gold, white, and petro blue paint scheme to the client. An idea the client approved, and so the project began.
The Road Runner restoration included:
- A new, custom fiberglass tail and fairing,
- New lights
- Leather seat,
- An Imola aluminum tank,
- Speedo from Motogadget,
- Custom exhaust with a Spark muffler,
- Posh grips,
- Hel brake lines,
- Lithium battery,
- Conic air filter,
- Brake and clutch levers,
- Bridgestone tires,
- Custom paint.
Bloody Fang (GT1000)
This spectacular project was built from a GT1000 originally purchased in Italy. The client in question wasn’t keen on showy front lighting, so the guys at MRC had to get creative. They installed a subtle fog-light system to keep the bike road-legal.
Clever tweaks like this are great to see – they’re the perfect example of why so many people opt to customize their bikes.
According to the bespoke shop, the bike specifications include a new custom made leather seat; Shortened back frame; New tires from Metzeler Tourance; New handlebar by LSL; New small headlight; New aluminum front and back mudguard; New backlight from posch; New sprocket cover; New aluminum Renthal sprocket and chain; New Exhaust system from Zard; Ignition relocation by LSL; New turn lights and hand made aluminum supports; New speedo and an aluminum support plate; New aluminum skid plate; New grips from Posh; Custom side plates; New small mirrors; Paintjob: Original tank, rims, hubs, valve cover, carbs cover, mudguards, engine covers.
Italian Snipper (SS750)
This modern custom bike is packed full to the brim with power and soul. As a more recent model, it’s not the kind of project that MRC usually deals with. Nonetheless, the workshop is known for demonstrating flexibility with each project that comes its way. And after plenty of hard work and dedication, the build was completed on time and to the customer’s satisfaction.
Work included an engine upgrade from an SS900 giving the Snipper more power and personality while maintaining a small slick appearance. The rear frame was shortened, and despite the single-seat, it’s possible to transport a second passenger when removing the rear fibreglass monocoque.
The Italian Snipper maintained the standard Engine, confirmed MRC. The project included a Customized paint, Standard Carbs, Customized frame by Maria, Original rims with Firestone Deluxe Tires, Original suspensions: both original but revised, Original tank, Headlights customized by Maria, Customized battery box by Maria, Customized Seat, Original brake system, Electric system customized by Maria.
Final Thoughts
The examples listed on this page really are the tip of the iceberg. If they’ve whet your appetite for the world of custom projects, it’s worth researching workshops in your area or Luis at Maria Motorcycle Company. Custom Ducati bikes, incredible personalized projects, and much more are often just a phone call away!
Images are courtesy of @mariaridingcompany
