When you are getting bored with modern motorcycle design, head for the pages of Bike Exif and discover a whole new world of vision and craftsmanship.

Ducati Bobber By Machine 1867

Whenever I get depressed about the lack of imagination in production motorcycles, I head straight for www.bikeexif.com and, suddenly, my faith in motorcycle design vision and invention is restored.

What gems are to be found within those digital pages. It would surprise me if no motorcycle designers from the big factories don't occasionally browse the incredible machines therein for inspiration although, judging by the new bikes that are emerging from the manufacturers, the designers don't take much notice of what's happening in the custom scene.

Of course, all of them are too frightened to do anything that deviates from the status quo too much, for fear of alienating their hardcore followers. Such caution does not apply to the custom builder, of course, and thank goodness for that. Because, judging by this fantastic Ducati-engined bobber, how poor would the world be if we were denied builds like this?

I urge you to go to look at this build from Machine 1867 on Bike Exif to get all the details of this bike as there are so many (Follow this link): it really is a case of the more you look, the more you see. Quite obviously, the only Ducati left in the build is the engine and whether you agree that it is the right engine for the job or not, you can't deny the results are incredible.

I love the idea that someone, somewhere, takes an engine, sits it on a bench and can imagine something like this. It's a skill that not many people have but, thanks to Bike Exif, the word gets out there and maybe, just maybe, will inspire someone out there to stop talking and do their own thing.

Images are by Ana Martini Photography and I thank him and Bike Exif for bringing the bike to the world's attention.