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An interview with Inglorious Motorcycles’ Samuel Evans
Custom motorbike legends Inglorious Motorcycles tell us how they started and what they think of the UK two-wheel community.
We join Danni Bagnall as she invites custom motorbike legends Inglorious Motorcycles to tell us how they started, and what they think of the UK two-wheel community.
Danni Bagnall: What projects do you currently have on the go?
Samuel Evans: I started Inglorious Motorcycles at the start of 2014, when I turned 23. I have always had an interest in motorcycles. Upon leaving college, I went to work with my older brother, building and restoring 80s Group B rally cars and turbo-era F1 cars. I even raced mini motos when I was little. Inglorious Motorcycles is my creative outlet. I’m at my happiest when I’m making/designing something. I find it so interesting taking old motorcycles (70s Hondas in particular), changing them up and giving them a new lease of life. I like to think my style of bike have a hot-rod feel, stripping off everything but the essentials, giving them a tough stance and finishing with industrial materials and textures. Oh, and if you’re wondering how the name came about; I’m a big Quentin Tarantino fan…
DB: Are your projects other peoples’ or do you have a few of your own?
SE: I’m currently building a 1981 Honda CX500 brat-style street scrambler. You’re probably thinking how can an 80s plastic-covered courier bike be turned into something desirable, but this is an example of how a younger generation un-tarnished by the stigma that surrounds certain bikes, can look at an old bike as a blank canvas. I also need to finish my other project before the summer; I’ve got a Kawasaki W650 (Kawasaki’s interpretation of the famous Triumph Bonneville). Work comes first, though. I’m lucky enough to have a waiting list of commissions, some of which are a series of fun little 125cc street scramblers and cafe racers for a surf lifestyle shop down on the south coast. The 125s are built around either the Suzuki GN125, or a favourite of many, the Honda CG125.
DB: How would you describe the motorbike community in the UK?
SE: I think the motorcycle community is probably the friendliest and most helpful I’ve ever come across. It doesn’t matter what the bike, everyone has the same passion; riding their bike. Bikers tend to give each other a nod when they pass on the road, and if you break down the chances are another biker will either to help, if they’re around. Being just 26, I don’t have years of experience watching how different trends and styles have developed through the years, but I think the most recent trend is the return of the cafe racer. It’s really ignited a lot of people’s interest and passion for biking and the motorcycle culture in general. A whole new scene has been born; a different way of looking at classic bikes and recognising their hidden potential.
DB: Sounds like you’ve had an exciting few years! So, what does 2017 hold for you guys?
SE: I’ve said that for 2017 I will be concentrating more on the overall brand of Inglorious Motorcycles. I have a few ideas for products that I feel would fill a gap in the market. I’d also like to attend and take part in more shows events this year. I love hearing what people are working on at home and making new friends and contacts. There are so many great bike shows around the UK at the moment; Dirt Quake being at the top of the list. I’d love to venture over to Europe this year, too – Wheels and Waves, in France, has been on the bucket list for a while. I also need to finish the Kawasaki.
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