To transform an affordable Japanese enduro bike from the ’80s into a Quail Gathering dual trophy winner takes more than just talent, it takes masterful skill and perhaps a bit of time travel. Niki Smart (a designer for the likes of Ariel Motor and General Motors) used a 1981 Honda XL500 and turned it into a vintage trackboard racer-style motorcycle replete with both 3D printed parts, CNC milling, and composite laminate work. Smart intentionally kept the XL500’s engine due to its clean design and ideal layout and then formed the rest of the bike around it. The low profile tires set on racy black composite wheels, an artful carbon fiber tank, darkened chromoly tubing for the frame, and a single floating saddle all come together for one of the most magnificent bike builds we’ve ever laid eyes on.
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Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
