www.custommotorcycleart.com

The Phantom rides again?

2012-01-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Phantom is the 21^st in a line of crimefighters that originated in 1536, when the father of British sailor Christopher Walker was killed during a pirate attack. Swearing an oath to fight evil on the skull of his father's murderer, Christopher started the legacy of the Phantom that would be passed from father to son, leaving people to give the mysterious figure nicknames such as "The Ghost Who Walks", The Man Who Cannot Die and Guardian of the Eastern Dark, believing him to be immortal. His motorcycle was recently spotted at the 2012 Island Classic. Motorcycle prints - HERE

It's been a pleasure..

2012-01-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

... to illustrate Gerry's new pride and joy. The rumble of the Rocket 3 is one of the great pleasures of life. His poster gets the once over just before delivery. To see more classic motorcycle prints click - HERE.

Flying Doctor Service flys high.

2011-12-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Classics on Cowes collected more than $7800 for the Flying Doctor Service. Double last years efforts. Some great bikes and good people. Major thanks go to Ray Pobjoy and his tribe. We are all looking forward to next year. Cam Donald was also there to lend a hand.

Look for the Flying Doctor

2011-08-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

There is only four weeks to the Phillip Island Grand Prix and the Classics on Cowes charity display. Last year was a great success and this year will be bigger and better. More unusual and rare bikes will be started and ridden. Get in close to some special machines that not often see the light of day. All proceeds will go to the Flying Doctor. Many motorcyclists owe this service in one way or another.

If you are cool, you will be there.

2011-07-08T02:08:00.001-07:00

Long lost painting.

2011-07-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Where have you been? You have been gone for 15 years. It is like an old friend has at last returned.
If you would like to see more of my work click - HERE.

Project Yamaha XS650

2011-06-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

From a few boxes of bits a 1972 Yamaha XS650B will arise. It should not be too hard to get this dream machine from my past back on the road. There seems to be many places to get those inevitable little missing parts. Now just to find the time to get into the shed and make some progress. To see my gallery of paintings of classic bikes click - HERE.

The Triumph Adventurer

2011-05-03T01:16:00.001-07:00

The TR5T Triumph Adventurer was perhaps one of the finest 500 twins ever built. It was a wonderful trail bike with a light weight oil-bearing frame from the BSA singles. With long travel suspension, conical hubs and a polished tank this is a cool looking machine. To see more of my work go to the gallery - HERE.

Velocette VIPER

2011-04-20T00:18:00.001-07:00

A magazine of the time commented that the Velocette Viper was good for sustained tireless performance while achieving 85-90 m.p.g. Also the Viper was good for a man who investing in a machine of near-Clubman's T.T. standard, seeks to use it for everyday purposes. To see more of my work or buy a poster please go to the gallery , click HERE.

Popular Norton Commando

2011-04-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

Recently some enthusiasts have ordered A1 size posters, they have a turned a treat and a great size for capturing the detail in the artwork. To see more of my work go the gallery, click HERE.

Road to Ruin

2011-03-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

My Goldie is a 1962 500 DBD34 Clubmans. The colour is Nutely Blue which was used on the New Jersey bikes such as the Cataliner scramblers.
All BSA Gold Star motorcycles were hand built and legend has it that this expense was a primary factor in the demise of BSA. Ray puts his "Goldie" through its paces at the Phillip Island Classic.
To see more of my work or buy a poster check out the gallery on my website, click HERE.

The World's Finest Motorcycle

2011-02-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

The 101 Scout was produced between 1928 and 1932, it was noted for its handling and was popular with racers, hill-climbers, and trick riders. It is still used in wall of death stunt exhibitions. Enthusiasts have differing views on the replacement of the 101 Scout. Fans of Indian's technical achievements acclaim the 101 Scout as the pinnacle of Indian technology, while fans of classic Indian styling hail its replacement for bringing classic Chief styling to the Scout line. This Indian Scout was widely regarded as the best motorcycle Indian ever made. Wiki.
To see more of my work or purchase a poster click - HERE.

1966 Triumph Thunderbird 6T - Final

2011-01-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have just added the Triumph Thunderbird logo and English flag to finish of my painting. This adds a bit of bling and info to set the bike off a bit better. To see more of my work click - HERE.

Triumph Thunderbird update - design.

2011-01-16T00:43:00.000-08:00

The Triumph Thunderbird is now complete so it time to add some design, starting with the Triumph logo and the shadow under the bike; both these elements make the Triumph stand out from the white background.
To see more of my work click - HERE.

Triumph Thunderbird 6T update - Tone.

2011-01-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have added highlights and shadows to the colour of the Triumph Thunderbird. It is becoming a 3D object now. It looks too dark but when the background scene is created it will be OK.
I find the next crucial stage very difficult. What to put in the background? Definitely something that reflects the attitude of the Thunderbird 6T. Atmosphere and mystery are important to me so it will take some experimenting. To see some more finished works click - HERE.

Triumph Thunderbird art update 2

2011-01-09T13:27:00.001-08:00

I have added a bit of colour behind the black line work. That was the easy bit and now comes the difficult and time consuming but fun stage of painting some life into this dead Triumph. I will create highlights and shadows that will transform this dull image into a living breathing
Triumph Thunderbird worth riding.
If only.
To see some completed works click - HERE.

Triumph on the drawing board.

2011-01-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here is the first stage of a illustration of a 1966 Triumph Thunderbird 6T, the last with the headlamp nacelle. The Triumph Thunderbird name was dropped in 1966, reappearing briefly in the 80s and later in the 90s with the 900cc Triumph triple. I will post further stages of the illustration as they are completed.
To see some more completed work click HERE

Honda CBX1000

2010-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

Is this it? Have I finally completed it ..I am not sure. I have struggled for months with the background for this bastard illustration, it has been a labour of love but at the same time very frustrating. Mitsubishi Zeros, rising sun flag, Mt Fuji have all been the suggestions but I have settled for a Phoenix from the flames theme for now. This motorcycle never ceases to impress, with that awesome looking motor dominating the bike it always turns heads. I hope I have done it justice.
To see more of my work click - HERE.

Mini Mouse

2010-12-27T22:31:00.001-08:00

This machine was built by the creator of the Mad Max Goose bike...he lives just down the road from me. He has many exotic bikes to his credit. All of them very unusual. Have a close look at the middle of the handle bars.

In the beginning...there was...

2010-12-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

The passion started very early. We where only 14 when we found our first motorcycle...in the creek with only the back wheel sticking out of the water. I think it was a stolen Jawa 250 that had been dumped once the motor had been taken. We pushed it to the top of the hill and took it in turns to pilot it down the hill...the thrill of it all. Safety came second. Life was simpler then.

Harley Davidson WLA - Extra.

2010-09-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Thompson gun (Tommy gun) was popular in WW2 because of its high rate of fire, very effective in close combat. Mostly used by scouts, non commissioned officers, despatch riders, commandos and patrol leaders. In the Pacific theatre however it was considered too heavy and its low velocity .45 bullet could not penetrate small jungle trees.
to see more of my work click - HERE.

Hesketh the gentlemans tourer.

2010-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

There where high hopes for the first British motorcycle in a long time but only about 250 Hesketh V1000 where ever built. The engine alone weighed in at 220lbs (100kgs) and unreliability plagued the first batch, however it remains a beautiful looking machine. Being so rare I always wondered if I would ever see a Hesketh in the flesh and low and behold a mate of a mate has one. He bought it from a museum and it is a very impressive machine.

To bad it was not a success and good on Lord Hesketh for having a go. In the end he just ran out of money. The rooster is the Hesketh logo.
Maybe the name or the concept of a British V twin will surface again one day. I hope so.
To see more of my work click HERE.

CBX1000, but something is missing...help please.

2010-08-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

What a machine. Even now it looks amazing...but I am stuck for a background. Let me know what I should use as a background that will reflect the impact the CBX1000 Super Sport made on the motorcycle industry. It has taken about 3 weeks to get this far and I would like to get it finished soon. Should it be a tornado or an explosion or maybe Godzilla? What do you think? Please leave a suggestion.
To see more of my work click HERE.Sir Alan Cathcart wrestling the mighty CBX1000 at this years Motorcycle Bonanza at Broadford racetrack. I had a chat with Alan, nice bloke.

Santa Catalina Grand Prix

2010-06-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Inspirerd by the Isle of Man TT, the Catalina Grand Prix was very popular but only lasted between 1951 and 1958. More than 300 racers and 7000 fans came to Santa Catalina by barge doubling the islands population. It was not a popular event with locals as facilities on the island could not cope with the invasion. It was the first race in which a piano manufacturer Yamaha, entered a motorcycle. In most years of the Catalina Grand Prix BSA motorcycles where in the top five.
Ten laps of varying road conditions on the dangerous ten mile course put the emphasis on handling, therefore most of the bikes where scramblers. Currently most of Catalina is a nature reserve but there are plans to run the event again in 2010. It would be the coolest grand prix. Good luck.
To see more of my work please go to the gallery, click - HERE.

A FEW YEARS FROM NOW...

2010-06-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

When the gangs take over the highways...we hope he is still out there. One of my favourite movies. It was such a thrill to find and meet the owner of the Goose's motorcycle at the Phillip Island Classic.
Goose contact me, I have finally finished your poster.
To see more of my work go to my gallery - click - HERE.

Norton Atlas Manx 750

2010-05-29T15:54:00.001-07:00

To be in the presence of this machine when it is running is an awesome experience, one that leaves you wanting more. Thanks Ray for the lend of your bike for this project.
To see more of my work go to the gallery - HERE.

Triumph Trident

2010-05-13T19:18:00.001-07:00

In 1968 the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 where the first modern era mass produced multi cylinder production motorcycles. In1975 and last version of the T160 sold 7,000 units. As attractive as the Triumph/BSA where and even with hurried up dates they could not compete with the sophistication and build quality of the Honda CB750. The British bikes suffered many mechanical problems that could not be overcome in time.

I enjoyed drawing the Trident and creating a winter setting that reflects the fading and eventual end of the British motorcycle industry. Long live Triumph.
To see more of my work click - HERE.

A real sweetie.

2010-04-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

This bike was available in Europe in 250 and 350 versions as well as the 450. In 1971, Ducati released a variant for off-road use called the R/T and another street version called the Silver Shotgun. Unlike British manufacturers of the time, Italy’s Ducati was successful in re-inventing itself. It did this with a line of larger capacity V-twins, but first it went racing, on 500 cc Desmo GP bikes and the Ducati Imola 750 Desmo. In 1971 Paul Smart won the Imola 200 on the V-twin. - Wiki.
To see more of my art click - HERE.

Board in Art

2010-04-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

A new force is about to reach out to the stars and make waves in the universe of the endless summer. The Gods of the foaming barrel will turn their heads and vie to posses and make sacred the light from this flame. From this moment on the sun will not seem so bright. Easfull death has now been made agony by the realisation that the next flicker from this fire will be missed. Fear should fill our hearts with the knowledge that so much of our lives luck must have been consumed with the chance of just existing in the world at the same time as this being. A super surfing nova is born. Be brave, look into the light...if you dare - HERE.

The Sexy Italian

2010-04-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

"Mike the Bike " Hailwood paired with Jim Scraysbrook to race the Ducati 750SS in the 1977 Castrol Six Hour. They came sixth. The winners where Ken Blake and Joe Eastmore on a BMW R100S.

To see more of my paintings and high quality prints, click - HERE.

Beautiful JAWA

2010-04-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

At the recent Phillip Island Classic I met a lovely man call Lofty.
He is a JAWA specialist and the bikes that he has worked on are truly special. Here is his recently restored 1954 JAWA 500cc DOHC factory race bike.
Contact Lofty if you have a Jawa that needs some special attention,
he is the man.
lofty.pret@mweb.co.za

The MIGHTY JAP dominates the Phillip Island Classic 2010

2010-03-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Graeme (Wags) Wagland's JAP 880 - achieved four race wins and one DNF in the Unlimited Classic Races (1952-62). The 2nd race DNF was due to a loose carby cap which caused the throttle to stick on and give the rider Mark Shuppan a few interesting moments.

Theses achievements did not come without some grief though. The JAP has so much torque that the drive train is under enormous pressure and in practice the gearbox main shaft snapped and destroyed the gearbox.

The clutch also suffered and needed some attention from the brains trust. However Mark was still able to get the jump on many bikes by first letting out the slipping clutch gently before using the massive torque to hammer of the line.

The midnight oil was burnt till about four in the morning by a good humoured and clever team. A rebuilt gearbox and more pressure on the clutch springs did the trick. Success is rarely a solo act.

With these massive drum brakes Mark was able to out brake more modern motorcycles with disc brakes.
But Wags also reckons that "Mark has a huge set of Kahunas, and that helps".

On the team was Greg Summerton builder of JAP engines and brakes. Greg uses modern techniques and materials to produce a high quality and very powerful replica JAP engines. Greg will have a website soon but for now contact him by email - gregss@bigpond.com

Mighty Manx

2010-02-05T00:44:00.000-08:00

The Norton Manx has been described as one of the most effective racing motorcycles of all time. The last Manx Nortons were sold in 1963. Even though Norton had pulled out of racing in 1954, the Manx had become the backbone of privateer racing and are highly sought after.
To see more of my work click - HERE .

Poor Bastard Award

2010-02-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

This weeks PBA goes to the chap who owns this Honda something.
I found this one on the side of the Gippsland highway. What happened?
Computer melt down? Was it stolen and then set alight?
Did he run out of petrol in the middle of the night and then decided to check the petrol tank with a lit match? Who knows?

"Made like a Gun"

2010-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Top speed was almost 115 mph. From 1955 to 1970, Royal Enfields were painted red, and marketed in the USA as Indian Motorcycles.

To see more of my work or buy a limited edition print, click - HERE.

1969 BSA Rocket 3

2010-02-02T03:16:00.000-08:00

The BSA Rocket Three/Triumph Trident was the first true modern superbike and the last major motorcycle developed by the original Triumph company.

It was to be sold under both the Triumph and BSA marques.

The Rocket3/Trident was the first-step development of Triumph motorcycles' plan to move on from the basic vertical twin. The engine was to give the 750 cc power required by the US market while avoiding the vibration associated with an increase in capacity of the existing parallel-twin design.

During its production run BSA fell into financial troubles, and over the course of the official seven year model run approximately 27,480 Rocket3/Tridents were produced. By comparison, around a quarter of a million Gold Wing motorcycles were manufactured during its first seven years. - Wiki.

To see more of my paintings click - HERE.

Bullet Proof Suzuki GSX1100

2010-01-26T22:05:00.001-08:00

Dave Hiscock winning the second New Zealand Six Hour production race on the GSX1100 in 1979.

Powerful, strong, torquey, and heavy the 120 bhp donk was popular with the drag racers of the time.
It was not uncommon to get 300 bhp with a turbo added.
To see more of my paintings click - HERE.

Ivan is not afraid to putting his machine through its paces at the recent Motorcycle Bonanza at Broardford.

In the Shadows

2010-01-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

Vincent owners love to brag about all the innovations that are incorporated into their motorcycles.
Modern motorcycle manufacturers are just lately catching up with what Vincent did 50 years ago.
But that is also why a Vincent cost as much as a house way back then.
In 1955 Christchurch New Zealand Russell Wright Vincent - HRD 998 cc (60.9 cu in) 184.83 mph
To see more of my artwork click - HERE.

Yamaha XS650 - Those where the days.

2010-01-10T03:49:00.000-08:00

What is it about the Yamaha XS650 that is so appealing? The handling was not that good; it was not that fast... It is not a classic British 650... But still, it is so popular. Is it just because it is beautiful? I used to drag them on my Titan, which was hard to beat once I got her into third gear and at the right revs. Changing up would slow me down though.Those where the days. To see more of my paintings click - HERE

The XS650 was popular with flat trackers to.

The first ride on the first bike.

2010-01-08T23:24:00.000-08:00

The day after I became a legal rider, a Ford Galaxy driven by a drunk Sergeant Major coming home from the Sergeants’ Ball turned in front of me while I was playing boy racer, head on the tank, flat out down the Watsonia hill. I hit the rear panel with quite some force. The Suzy stayed put in the side of the car while I did my Evel Knievel impression. The world went into slow motion as I flew gracefully through the air. In one great swallow dive I traveled at least two house blocks and landed on my back sliding another house block, shaken but not stirred.

Luckily I had borrowed my father’s suede safari jacket, remember it was 1972, so not a scratch. Well, the jacket was OK but I had a large gash through my thigh which contained some pearl white paint from the Galaxy. It was totally the Sergeant’s fault, so the up shot of all this was that the Suzy would get a proper front end rebuild at the sergeant’s expense.
The Suzuki Titian 500 would be better than ever, so the whole episode was well worth it.

The Suzuki 500 was bought as a crashed wreck; some poor soul had bought the farm on this one. So with the help of Wim the Racer, we began the process of getting her back on the road. Parts were a plenty in those days and cheap if they came from the wreckers... Still the wait to get her back together was excruciating.

Riding tall in the saddle, the smokey Titan turned a boy into a man. 1972 was a big year for the artist. The dream had come true. I wonder where it is now, I would love it back.

The most beautifull TRITON.

2009-12-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

Geoff from The Old Classic Motorcycle Warehouse says he has built many Tritons for customers over the years and here he has put everything he has learnt into one motorcycle.This Triton has a 800cc six speed Triumph motor in a Norton featherbed frame.

To see more of my work go to www.custommotorcycleart.com

My greatest creation.

2009-11-14T01:39:00.000-08:00

Number three son is a motorcycle dreamer also. His ambition is to race a Norton Manx at the Isle of Man.

Atlas for going places.

2009-11-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

The artist on Ray's new Norton Atlas caferacer. It handles sweetly, goes like the clappers and sounds like rolling thunder.

When too much chrome is not enough.

2009-11-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

The bloke who built this machine must work in a chroming factory. I bet this thing sparkles in the moonlight. You need sunglass to get a good look at this one. Chrome fetish?

Old faithful.

2009-11-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Of the many classic motorcycles the Norton Commando is a favourite because it is reliable and can be used as an everyday ride.
To see more of my motorcycle paintings click - HERE.

A story to tell.

2009-11-08T00:27:00.000-08:00

Imagine the stories this motorcycle could tell. The important despatches carried in these saddle bags might have determined how many lives were lost or saved in a WW2 battle. The responsibility was on the rider as he knows the despatch must get through.
To see more of my classic motorcycle art click - HERE.

The feel of it.

2009-11-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

Just as important as getting the technical details of the motorcycle correct, is the atmosphere and feel of the machine. Each machine, for me, is alive and has a story to tell. Start one of these classic or vintage motorcycles and they seem to get bigger; and have a presence that modern machines do not. The sound, the vibration and the history are compelling to me so I am drawn to them.
To see more of my motorcycle art click - HERE.

My favourite.

2009-11-07T15:03:00.001-08:00

Apparently there is a bloke not far from me who has eight of these Harley Davidson WLAs brand new and still in their boxes in his shed. I want one. Gimme.

To see more of my motorcycle art click - HERE.

In the Shadows.

2009-11-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Vincent Black Shadow has innovations that other manufacturers took decades to copy. However this came at a very high purchase price. "The inspiration for the Black Shadow was RAF pilots flying over the factory, and soldiers serving in the war. The designers created a motorcycle that could be operated and maintained by men who had been injured in combat. The clutch could be operated with just two fingers, and maintenance was made far easier than anything previously available." - Wikipedia.
1955 Christchurch New Zealand Russell Wright Vincent -
HRD 998 cc (60.9 cu in) 184.83 mph.
For more motorcycle art - www.custommotorcycleart.com

Live to Ride.

2009-11-07T03:33:00.000-08:00

If 6 were 9.

For more numbers click - HERE.

2009-11-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

In my part of the world the country side was too wild and steep for cars so only motorbikes and horses could get through. Now discoveries of motorcycle treasures are being made in old farm sheds. Unrestored, they seem to have a story to tell and they are beautiful in their own way. Sometimes it seems a shame to change them. To see more click - HERE.

Ariel Square Four

2009-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

A monster in it's day. Many police forces used this machine as a pursuit vehicle. The rear cylinders would overheat, that was their problem. To see more of my work please click here.

Tojo's revenge.

2009-11-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

This bike killed the English motorcycle industry and remained in the Honda line-up for ten years, with sales totalling over 400,000 units. To see more of classic motorcycle art click - HERE.

The Mighty Jap.

2009-11-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

The best sounding motorcycle in the world kills chickens, sets the dogs barking and makes the little children cry. Awesome power and torque enough to shake the earth off it's axis. Beautiful.

To see more click - HERE.

INSANE!!!!!!!!

2009-11-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

A nut case from the mean streets of Melbourne insisted that I draw his Ducati Monster. This bastard would not leave me alone. He is in love with his Monster. Please. Please. Please. Nag. Nag. Nag. I will do anything, just do my Monster. I wrestled with him and his Monster for quite some time. The result you see. . . I own him.

To see more click - HERE.

CMA T-shirt?

2009-11-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

A design for a possible T-Shirt. I love a Norton Manx and a pudding bowl. To see more motor passionate motorcycle art click - HERE.

Thanks Big Daddy.

2009-11-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

Big Daddy Roth started it all for me way back when. Here is a tribute to the man who caught my imagination with his Tshirt designs of hot rods and Rat Fink. On the back page of comics we could see Roth's amazing pictures in the ads for his shirts but as kids we never had the pennies to buy one. We did our best to copy his drawings and I am glad that in the end he did get the recognition he deserved as a fine artist.
Fond memories of those times. Thanks Big Daddy.

Not always the same.

2009-11-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a style I am still experimenting with and I like a lot. The flat colours in the manner of screen printing or lino/wood cuts. Bold powerfull shapes reflecting the content of the image. The inspiration for this picture goes back to the middle ages especially the work of Albrecht Durer. To see more of my work click - HERE.

New Site

2009-11-01T03:14:00.000-08:00

Please have a look at the gallery on my website. Any feedback will be much appreciated.

Gaston Vanzet
www.custommotorcycleart.com

In the Beginning

2009-11-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I have loved motorcycles and art for as long as I can remember. The classic and vintage motorcycle memories of my youth inspire me to create these illustrations. There is a place for a masterpiece of motorcycle restoration in a glass case for sure but give me the restored classic heading down the road any day. Get the wheels dirty I say.

Each hand drawn illustration is a portrait of a living breathing motorcycle. It could be a priceless award winning example of motorcycle innovation and history or an everyday pride and joy. They all have a story to tell. It takes many weeks of careful study of angle, colour, light and atmosphere to bring the soul of the machine back to life.

Take a look at my website, every few weeks there will be a new illustration added. High quality Giclee prints of varying sizes are available from my website. http://www.custommotorcycleart.com/

Please enjoy,
Gaston Vanzet