Fuel Magazine and Tank Moto

A huge reason I haven’t posted much before today is that I’ve been busy working on my photography business. One of the main highlights of this year was getting to photograph for two outstanding magazines, Fuel Magazine and Tank Moto. Both magazines feature huge write-ups and images of some stunning custom vehicles. My work has been generously displayed over many of these pages. It is also a privilige to have my work shown in the same publication as photographer Sam Christmas whose work I have a tremendous respect for. Please support these magazines as there are not many publications of this high quality, and personally knowing the people who help put these together I can tell you that they have a lot more amazing features coming. Tank Moto, Issue 2

Fuel Magazine, Issue 14

All images by Jason Lau.

The One Motorcycle Show 2013

The One Motorcycle Show was held in Portland, Oregon earlier this year. It’s interesting seeing the evolution of the cafe racer culture on this video, with one builder lamenting about the same old flat seat, firestone tyres used on custom bikes. The idea of evolving a cafe racer design is a little bit of an oxymoron as it is essentially a homage to a past era, but perhaps this is how this industry will mature as we beging to develop our own aesthetic style, drawing from what was to what it could be. I would have loved to have been there for the show. Maybe next year.

The One Show 2013 from Instrument on Vimeo.

DP Customs

DP Customs have a way of customising their bikes that just makes you want to ride them.  Their designs have a sense of fun while retaining a deep love for the form and function of these machines.  Some of their bikes are completely customised with an array of hand made parts, while others, like the Centennial Harley Sportster (pictured below), have cleverly changed a few key sections to create a completely different ride.  Their colour schemes are often bold but stylish, creating a distinct style rarely found with other builders working with Harleys.  You can watch the video at the end of this post to see what these guys put into their builds.

You can also check out their website if you want to see more of their bikes.  My only critique is the tacky “girl on a bike” shot they have on their home page.  As a photographer, I don’t think it’s a great pose or shot, and as a bike rider I don’t need the girl to tell me that I’m looking at a great bike.  I appreciate the image of a beautiful girl on a bike as much as the next rider but I expect to see something with a little more imagination or style from these guys.  Enjoying rummaging through the magnificent machines on their gallery page.

Why I love this stuff

Find it hard to articulate why you love Cafe Racers?  From the Moto Trend Channel here is a fantastic video titled “Vintage Style: Cafe Racers – The Downshift Episode 19” featuring many great insights into just what makes a Cafe Racer desirable.  Some great bikes featured too.

Via Vintage Cafe Racers

Interview with Chris Hunter – Bike EXIF

The two bike sites that I love to visit have just collided.  Pipburn has an interview with Chris Hunter, creator of BikeEXIF.  A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of interesting questions asked by Scott of Pipeburn.

Hunter comments on the lack of imagination of current Japanese bikes, life in his new home in New Zealand and offers a few predictions of future classics.  Head over to the interview here.

Chris Hunter on his Moto Guzi V7.