Few may have heard of the Tarantulas, a motorcycle custom garage based in the Portland, Oregon that specializes in bike restorations and custom builds. But with their skill and talent in building some pretty slick machines, due props have to be given out.
One of their creations that sparked some interest is called the Natural, a restored and modified 1976 Honda CB750F SS that drives home the classic touches mixed in with modern modifications.
According to the Tarantulas, the bike took a couple of years to make and started off as an abandoned bike that was eventually turned into a classic piece of steel and muscle. To give the bike the look of a neo-retro cruiser, the Tarantulas decided to give it a brushed metal treatment complemented by leather-looking vinyl, gum rubber, and Tarozzi rear seats that will be stripped down and powder-coated.
Other design details about the Natural include custom clip-ons, a new rear cowel with an oil tank and battery box, new headlight ears, levers and hard lines, all of which were built by James Crowe and his boys over at Crowe Customs.
Honda’s VT1300 line is fixing to get three new variations that are sure to drum up a significant level of interest from riders everywhere. For this particular page, the focus is on the "muscle bike" of the three, the Honda Stateline.
The Stateline has a unique design and, when mixed with modern technology, offers what Honda has described as “traditional looks meets progressive elements.” The tried-and-tested formula of combining retro looks with modern technology never gets old, and true to form, that’s the Honda Stateline’s calling card.
The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the bike. Some design features on the Stateline also pay homage to the bike’s classic styling, particularly the swept-back bars atop raked-out forks and full-size fenders spooning fat front and rear tires. Even the lights set-up was designed to provide elegance to the Stateline’s profile. The front headlamp is the picture of strength while the taillight, combined with a unique rear signlamp, provides stylish looks to the bike’s rear end.
In terms of the bike’s engine set-up, the Stateline is the epitome of cruiser power, thanks to a powerful 1,312 cc liquid-cooled 52 V-twin engine that’s mated to a five-speed transmission, producing insane amounts of power at all ranges. The bike’s PGM-FI system with automatic enrichment circuit makes for an ideal induction set-up. Suffice to say, this cruiser provides perfect acceleration on the street while also boasting of a sturdy chassis and suspension set-up.
At some point, the choice really does become clear. The Honda Stateline is a cruiser that can cater to a wide variety of clients. Whether they’re looking for classic looks, modern technology, or a combination of both, the Stateline has everything you want in a cruiser.
Find out more about the Honda Stateline after the jump.
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The 2012 Honda Sabre blends a distinctive cruiser style with muscular performance numbers that are just too impressive to ignore. It’s no wonder that of the three new bikes Honda is releasing based on the VT1300, the Sabre is arguably the most versatile.
The bike’s pro-street styling is as sleek and aggressive as any that we’ve seen recently. The distinct open, minimalist frame and long, lean and low-slung design of the Sabre begins with a narrow 21" front tire and an aggressively raked front fork, before continuing with a lightweight steering head that belies its sturdiness. The back of the Sabre also features a hidden shock that exudes a sleek hard-tail look without giving up rider comfort and handling control.
At the heart of the Sabre is an advanced 1,312 cc V-twin engine that comes with Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). Combine that with other sophisticated technology, including a Combined Braking System with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and you have a bike that takes cruiser performance to a whole new level.
Despite sharing some of the same DNA as the other new custom 1300s, the Sabre stands head and shoulders above its competitors before its versatility and muscular style is only the beginning of the impressive overall package it has. Whether you’re looking for a bike that comes with outstanding power, comfortable handling, and an aggressive and eye-catching style, it’s best to understand that the package you’re looking for can all be had with the Honda Sabre.
Find out more about the Honda Sabre after the jump.
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’Interstate’ might not be the first word that comes to mind when you’re thinking about an all-world cruiser bike, but don’t let the name fool you; the 2012 Honda Interstate is the perfect mix of style and performance wrapped in one awesome package.
Featuring long, low lines that embody all the characteristics of a cruiser bike, the Honda Interstate blends two worlds of motorcycling style: traditional looks plus progressive elements. The deeply balanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. The Interstate also has stylish hard leather bags that offer ample storage space, as well as an enormous windscreen that allows you enjoy the spoils of riding one of the best cruisers on the market today. The Honda Interstate was designed to capture the imagination - and bank accounts - of riders who want their motorcycle to not only travel long distances, but also look stylish while doing it.
Meanwhile, the Honda Interstate is powered by a mighty 1,312 cc V-twin engine that lets out a deep throaty rumble that only a big V-twin engine can have.
We know what it feels like to look at a dealership and see a glistening custom cruiser bike staring at you, begging to be plucked. That’s the emotion the Honda Interstate gives you. It’s a cruiser that not only merges style with performance, but it also belongs in the hands of a man that can make the most out of it.
Find out more about the Honda Interstate after the jump.
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Classic cruising has never been a problem for the Honda Rebel. When you boast of a retro design that’s complimented by a fuel efficient commuter engine, then you can ride around town with the kind of confidence befitting the name of your bike.
The Rebel is not all about power, although it offers plenty of that in its own regard. The bike also features a design that a lot of riders can be proud of. The low-lying stance greatly accentuates the classic styling cues, including the prevalent use of chrome on the make-up of the bike. The low seat height of the Rebel is both comfortable and confidence inspiring, exuding a no-frills, all-business look that’s just right for the taste of a wide range of consumers.
Then there’s the engine. For the 2012 Rebel, Honda fitted the bike with a proven 234cc twin-cylinder SOHC four-stroke engine that’s smooth, quiet, and relatively easy to maintain. The engine is also mated to a five-speed transmission while an electric starter allows you be on your way at just a push of a button. Plus, you get the kind of reliability and low maintenance Honda is known for – all at a shockingly low price.
There is also a semi-double-cradle frame with a hydraulic front fork with dual Syntallic bushings and dual rear shocks that feature five-position spring preload adjustment, bringing together a bike that has taken the long and rich history of the Rebel name to a whole new level.
You don’t expect anything less from Honda.
Find out more about the 2012 Honda Rebel after the jump.
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