In the world of custom motorcycles, inspiration knows no bounds, and the most unlikely sources can ignite the spark of creativity. Step forward to the unlikely and compelling story of the “Harley-Davidson Hand on the Torch,” a two-wheeled masterpiece born from the album cover of a jazz-rap classic, Us3’s “Hand on the Torch.” Crafted by the talented hands at Lord Drake Kustoms in Spain, this unique Harley-Davidson is more than just a tribute; it’s an embodiment of the fusion of music, art, and the spirit of customization. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this exceptional motorcycle, from its inspiration to its remarkable features.
A Jazz-Rap Masterpiece Let’s begin with the source of inspiration. Us3, a British jazz-rap band, emerged in 1992, introducing a unique blend of musical genres. Their debut album, “Hand on the Torch,” marked the start of an enduring journey in music, featuring iconic tracks like “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia).” The album’s cover, characterized by a simple beige background and vibrant colorful stripes, served as the creative catalyst for this custom motorcycle.
Turning Inspiration into Reality The idea to transform the essence of “Hand on the Torch” into a Harley-Davidson was born in the mind of an anonymous Spaniard with a passion for both music and motorcycles. The task of bringing this unique vision to life fell to Lord Drake Kustoms, a renowned custom garage celebrated for its boundary-pushing creations.
A Symphony of Colors In a nod to the album’s cover, the motorcycle’s body is adorned with a color scheme that mirrors the jazz-rap artistry. While the original beige is transformed into a luminous white, the blue, orange, red, and green stripes find their rightful places. These hues flow seamlessly, embellishing the bike’s main components, capturing the essence of the source of inspiration. Intricate detailing, including special graphics and the enigmatic number 411, add to the allure.
A Nod to the Classics The “Harley-Davidson Hand on the Torch” is more than just a canvas of vibrant colors; it’s a tribute to classic design. Drawing inspiration from two of Lord Drake’s celebrated bike lines, the “Bultracker” and “Soulbreaker,” the motorcycle assumes the form of a scrambler, uniting past and present in a harmonious marriage.
A Visual Symphony Beyond the colors, this masterpiece carries exquisite black, white, and gold detailing on the suspension cylinders and rear swingarm. The original album name, “Hand on the Torch,” graces the motorcycle, tying the worlds of music and customization together.
A Performance Marvel Underneath the mesmerizing exterior, the bike’s performance credentials shine. Equipped with iconic Harley-Davidson big spoke wheels, it retains the original engine, now amplified by a Roland Sands Design 2-in-1 exhaust system. Additional high-quality components from BMW and motogadget, such as the 1-inch BMW handlebars and the integrated motogadget mini odometer, elevate the riding experience.
A Mystery Unveiled As is customary with Lord Drake Kustoms, the exact cost of creating the “Harley-Davidson Hand on the Torch” remains undisclosed. Its present whereabouts may be unknown, but rest assured, wherever it roams, it does so with an aura of undeniable uniqueness.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Music and Motorcycling The “Harley-Davidson Hand on the Torch” stands as a testament to the infinite wellspring of inspiration that fuels the custom motorcycle world. In its vibrant colors and captivating design, it embodies the musical legacy of Us3’s “Hand on the Torch.” With a marriage of classic scrambler style and modern performance, this custom creation is a symphony of art and engineering. While the exact fate of this remarkable motorcycle remains a mystery, it has already left an indelible mark in the world of customization.
