Cafe'd Ducati Superbikes, French Style

There's a specialty shop called Antibes Engineering on the Cote d'Azur (France's Mediterranean coast), that's been turning out some incredible transformations the last few years. The bike seen above is a Ducati 749 Caligna that was featured in Desmo magazine here a few years ago to rave reviews. Their newest project is a the 1098 Oté'a.

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The Former Paris Tuning Show

The edition 2010 of PTS is changing its tune. Formerly the Paris Tuning Show, one of the larger and certainly most accessible event in France, has rechristened itself the Salon of Personalization, Technology and Sport. Taking place at Paris Le Bourget Parc des Expos the 19, 20 and 21 of March, the event is being host by a new group, Option Organization. Changes will in include a more innovative formula, a denser schedule (3 days instead of 5) and a higher focus on motorcycles.

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Help the French Motorcycle Industry: Moto Gima

Yesterday was all about an unique design from the past. Today it's about a bike that resembles many of the French motorcycles produced from the 1920-60's, but its design is actually a direct descendant from a manufacturer little known outside the Hexagon. GIMA (Groupement Industriel Métallurgique Automobile) is an acronym that signifies nothing for the majority of bikers; only a few old timers and collectors will remember this marque. But once upon a time, in 1949 to be exact, GIMA was the talk of the town having just won the championship in the celebrated Bol d'Or motorcycle race in the 125 category.

Today GIMA is under threat. This superb project reviving the quality, craftsmanship and legend of a classic marque is threatened by the economic crisis on one hand, but more so by administration on the other. A project has been launched by the Voxan Club of France to defend this personal and industrial venture. The principle: to protect jobs and allow the company to pursue a long-term project. If you care about not losing another motorcycle company to history, sign the online petition which will be sent to the Tribunal of Commerce of Clermont-Ferrand, the Ministry of Industry and René Ricol, the mediator appointed by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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S&S Cycle extends TÜV approved Euro III line

The famed American manufacturer of Harley-Davidson performance parts and engines, S&S Cycle has announced approval of its carbureted V-Series engine to EURO III noise and exhaust emission standards as a part of its on-going program "to offer more Proven Performance products that meet today's increasing emissions standards". The addition to its current list of emissions certified engines is the S&S V113, a carbureted 113 cubic inch V-Series engine "that has been approved by the TÜV to meet the current EURO III noise and exhaust emission standards. Approval of the V113 offers European custom bike builders the opportunity to build custom motorcycles containing a sought after V-Twin power plant while still being able to register their creations."

Director of Business Development Michael Scaletta commented that "we are very pleased about achieving EURO III certification for our engines. Not only does it demonstrate the sophistication of our technology, but also highlights our commitment to protecting the environment by producing emissions-compliant, high performance products - something we have been doing since the first S&S 50-state legal engines appeared in our catalog in 1998." S&S say the V113 will be offered in natural, wrinkle black powder coat and polished finishes, and that each engine will include an S&S IST ignition system, Super G carburetor, Teardrop air cleaner and the necessary TÜV documentation for the engine.

Installation of these engines will require an exhaust system containing catalysts and secondary air injection. A notice is included with the engine with the details of where these components can be sourced.

Ducati Design by Fashion Icon Christian Audigier

A little news from the states that concerns one of Italy's finest. French fashion designer, Christian Audigier, announced plans back in November to create a line of customized vehicles inspired by first-class fashion (Ed Hardy) and jet-set lifestyle under the banner of CA Motoring based in New York. While the flagship of his offerings is a bloated SUV, his latest offering merits space in these pages.

Christian has teamed up with Rever Corsa, a full spectrum motorcycle shop and noteworthy developer of 'advanced motorsport solutions' located in Austin, Texas. The Ducati Monster 1100 they've put together brings the signature Ed Hardy inspired graphics to motorcycle art with its vibrant and colorful tattoo-inspired design. The tattooed art is a mixture of airbrush and vinyl. The gas tank features a detailed gold leaf that has been carefully laid and then brushed to give it a distinctive “fish scale” look. “The Monster platform has been used extensively as a platform for personalization so naturally Ducati was excited to see what a fashion icon like Christian Audigier could do with the bike,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. The limited edition motorcycle retails for $55,000. For more images, check out Rever Corsa.

France 2 host World Championship Affiliate Event

In the past few years, the French market has emerged as a major player on the European custom scene despite the difficulties that the market faces, including some of the most difficult regulations in Europe. Builders such as Nicholas Chauvin, Claude Babot and Bertrand Dubet have been respected for years, but success at the Official European Championship and elsewhere for the likes of Xavier Chante (Riverside Motocyclettes), Cyril Gautier (Art of Racer), Jean-Claude Passetemps (School Bar Atelier), Laurent Dutruel (Zen Motorcycles) and Fred Duban (Dub Performance) have firmly placed French customizing at the top rung in terms innovation and creativity in recent years.

In fact, 2007 saw two French builders in the top three places at the European Championships, with five in the top twenty and top ten placings at both the last World Championships.

American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD) magazine, the promoter of Official World & European Championship of Custom Bike Building is now recognizing the efforts of Wild Magazine, a popular custom motorcycle magazine in France, in forging a relationship with the picturesque town of La Clusaz and getting a new Rally underway this year. AMD will be crowning the 'VIVA LA CLUSAZ!' rally as a World Championship Affiliate event for the French market. Dates are set for June 19th to 21st. For those unfamiliar with La Clusaz, it is located in the popular motorcycle touring area of the French Alps, close to the Swiss border.

The event aims to promote domestic French customizing and attract leading competitors from elsewhere in Europe. Through the International Affiliate program, two full expense paid trips to the Sturgis Bike Rally will be awarded, one for the leading French builder, and one for the leading 'International' entrant.