Inspiration comes in all forms, and most custom builds are one of a kind. Strangely, as diverse as the roster of influence might be, few custom bikes take cues from the automobile industry.
Whether it's the "us against them" mantra or because the parallels simply aren't clearly drawn we can only wonder. Regardless, we can't deny that this Volkswagen R32-inspired Suzuki GSX-R1000 breaks new ground.
Though relatively new to the scene, you wouldn't guess this was Harry Altena's first custom build.
"After fabricating tons of small parts for my friends' customs I decided I might as well build my own. I've been interested in bikes for a while but never took the plunge. Everyone thought I was nuts to build a car-themed bike but I didn't care."
So with cash in hand Altena bought a new Gixxer 1K, rode it home and tore it down the same day.
True to his word, he kept it fresh when he used his VW R32 as the theme. But where you'd guess a swingarm or paint would be the foundation for such a build he instead started with the wheels.
"I took the R32 wheel, held it up to the space where the stock swingarm was and started building from there."
Though it took him 40 hours of design time he fabricated the single-sided swingarm to add the R32 wheel to the mix. No small feat indeed, but the custom craftsmanship was child's play for this machinist and owner of the custom car and bike shop, One Off Creationz.
To make sure the fore matched the aft he machined a blank front wheel to mirror the rear. Completing the look he added a blue Beringer caliper, Ego Tripp rotors and Earl's brake lines.
Once back on its wheels, the bodywork was massaged with VW Black Magic Pearl paint and R32 emblems/side markers before the reinstallation.
Not stopping there, Altena knew victory was in the details and went for the win with a slew of RIS, VooDoo Designs and Grip Ace components.
Unlike traditional customs with loud paint and crazy chrome this Gixxer is more subtle than shrill. Perhaps unconventional, but history has shown that the path to greatness is often from the unexpected.