SpaceSter Sportster

Tired of Old School and of New Old School style custom motorcycles? If it’s possible to classify it, should I place SpaceSter in a new category to be called “Tomorrow’s School?” First, let me say that this “from another planet” creation is born in the Southwest of France and during the winter European show tour already won a flight to Sturgis to compete in the 2011 AMD World Championship Of Bike Building.

Custom builder Buck (a.k.a. Bernard Massart) from a shop called VTM (V-Twin Mechanic) is unable to sketch, doesn’t know how to draw with a computer, but must have a CAD program buried in his brain. Is there another way to explain such perfection in aerodynamics? Would be curious to know the results of a wind tunnel study of SpaceSter versus a stock Harley Sportster. Yes, this machine where everything flows perfectly with absolutely nothing sticking out, is or was a Sportster. And the first reason why it’s quite difficult to find out its pedigree is because the engine is wrapped in a cover mimicking the Harley engine fins, making it look like one solid block motor. Exhaust looks like it belong to the engine and disappears in a custom under-frame cache where the 2 pipes join with a discreet exit on the bottom left of the bike.

What looks like an oil tank with fins matching perfectly those of the engine, gives access to the battery and electricals. So, where is the oil circulating? In the top right an left members of the custom tubular frame with no oil lines fittings to be seen. To add to the confusion, the front oil filter and bracket have been removed. A louvered chin ensures that engine receive enough cooling air. Identity of SpaceSter front end is also difficult to detect, most of the tubes disappearing under covers. Suspension comes front a set of Yamaha R1 inverted forks. No master cylinders on the bars.

They have been relocated inside the body, Front brake and hydraulic clutch are actioned by small levers on the bars. Body work is as fluid as it can be, from front to rear where the frenched taillight and the license tag look like they are belonging to the fender. The best custom Sportster I have seen in a very, very long time. It’s Buck second ptoject in the style “Tomorrow School”, (he calls his approah “Bio Design”), the first one being born in 1996 and called Aquamarine. Will this style stick and inspire other builders? I let you judge. See it in August 2011 in Sturgis where it’s already a favorite. VTM V-Twin Mechanic.

Source Cyril Huze blog.