September 2023 marked a revival in the Australian custom motorcycle scene with the much-anticipated return of Throttle Roll, an event that brings together the country’s finest custom builds. Amidst the buzz, one name was a standout – Black Cycles Australia. Known for their ambitious customizations, Black Cycles entered 6 outstanding bikes, turning heads and stealing the spotlight. Yet among their impressive lineup, one bike was set to redefine the boundaries of custom builds – a Harley-Davidson V-Rod transformed into an unexpected café racer dubbed the “V-Racer.”
This transformation wasn’t just any project; it was the culmination of an 8-year-old dream held by Mark Hawwa, Throttle Roll’s Founder and Director. His long-standing fascination with cafe racers and an encounter with Noel from Black Cycles sparked the vision for a radical reinvention of the V-Rod, a bike usually seen in the form of muscular choppers adorned with chrome and hefty wheels. The idea? A fusion of the V-Rod’s powerful engine with the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of a cafe racer.
An Unlikely Beginning
The journey began with a casual conversation between Mark and Noel. Mark had admired Black Cycles’ work on a turbocharged Ducati Monster and floated the idea of a V-Rod with a cafe racer twist. Intrigued by the challenge, Noel knew he’d found an exciting, uncharted territory for his craft. After months of searching, he sourced a 2006 Harley-Davidson VRSCD imported from Japan, a low-kilometer beauty perfect for the build. With the groundwork set, the V-Racer project took off.
A Design That Blends Power with Precision
The essence of the V-Racer lay in its unique blend of power and precision, honoring the V-Rod’s muscular DNA while reshaping its identity. Noel and his team’s first challenge was addressing the 38-degree rake, adjusting it to a sportier, more aggressive 34-degree angle. This required fitting inverted GSX-R forks, meticulously rebuilt by Ride Dynamics, coupled with custom triple trees crafted by MDS Fab. The bike was now primed for the cafe racer stance Mark had envisioned.
The build’s design extended to every detail, with clip-on bars, Motogadget electronics, Beringer brakes, and Renard switches enhancing both style and performance. Completing this transformation, custom 18-inch tubeless spoked wheels, crafted by Canyon “TT Wheels,” offered an impeccable fusion of form and function, finished with grippy Metzeler Marathon Ultra tires.
Crafting the Perfect Cafe Racer Aesthetic
Transforming the V-Rod’s aesthetic into a cafe racer meant meticulous craftsmanship and countless hours of modification. Noel took inspiration from iconic bikes to create a unique tank cover, mixing elements from a Honda CB and Ducati Monster. The rear frame was elevated by 60mm, creating an elongated, aggressive profile while maintaining the cafe racer essence. A Harley-Davidson Street 500 tail shroud and an aluminum seat that flipped up to reveal the custom fuel tank added both practicality and style to the V-Racer.
The attention to detail didn’t stop at structural changes. Custom-made components, like an intricately crafted rear drive pulley from Popbang Classics and a seamless aluminum belt guard, took over 20 hours to perfect, giving the bike a production-level finish. The bodywork was another feat of engineering, involving chopped and twilled carbon fiber meticulously layered on various parts, including the fairing and top panels. The final touch? A sleek gloss finish with a subtle matte sand color as homage to the original V-Rod, enhanced with a delicate grey accent and the V-Racer logo.
Engineered for Performance and Style
This custom build was more than just a visual marvel. Each component was engineered to elevate performance while maintaining a cohesive, custom aesthetic. YSS Australia built fully adjustable rear shocks to Noel’s specifications, taking into account the unique demands of the V-Racer’s design. The cooling system presented its own set of challenges; Noel crafted aluminum radiator covers and reworked the oil cooler, ensuring both functionality and a streamlined look.
The pièce de résistance was the handmade exhaust, a 316 stainless steel marvel made from over 45 meticulously cut and welded pieces. This design not only enhanced the V-Racer’s performance but added a visual element of raw power—a nod to the V-Rod’s heritage yet crafted with cafe racer style.
The Grand Reveal at Donut Garage
After months of precision work, the V-Racer was unveiled at its new home, Donut Garage in Sydney, Australia. This space, founded by Mark Hawwa and Simon Francis, is a haven for automotive enthusiasts and a combination of custom vehicles and fresh donuts. The V-Racer wasn’t just a build; it was the opening chapter of Donut Garage’s mission to become a cultural hub for gearheads of all kinds.
Among the classic vehicles, including Mazda Cosmos and even a DeLorean, the V-Racer stole the show. It wasn’t just a bike; it was a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and the bold vision that Black Cycles and Mark Hawwa brought to life. The V-Racer is the first in a line of “house vehicles” from Donut Garage, setting the stage for future projects that promise to push the boundaries of custom automotive builds.
A Vision Realized, and More to Come
As Donut Garage’s flagship project, the V-Racer has set a new standard for custom builds, inspiring a generation of motorcycling enthusiasts and setting the tone for what’s to come. For those who appreciate the art of customization, this masterpiece is a reminder that motorcycles are more than just machines—they’re a canvas for creativity, expression, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Whether you’re a fan of Harley-Davidsons, cafe racers, or simply admire the art of custom motorcycle builds, the V-Racer is proof that anything is possible with vision and a talented team to bring it to life. And as Donut Garage’s inaugural custom project, it signals the start of a thrilling new chapter in the world of bespoke motorcycles and automotive culture in Australia. We are looking forward to more innovative builds from Donut Garage.
