Spain, Land of 'Picassos' on Wheels

Genius can manifest on a blank canvas, a block of marble, or the strings of a guitar. However, sometimes this talent channels through less conventional tools, and instead of a brush or a musical score, the virtuoso expresses themselves with a toolbox, creating unique motorcycles, exclusive collector's items.

Customization in the two-wheeled sector is a trend with many decades behind it. After World War II, many young people acquired motorcycles used during the conflict, mostly Harley-Davidsons, and customized them to improve performance and suit their tastes. This trend has evolved to a level of professionalism today that could well be exhibited in the Prado Museum.

"In the early days of custom in this country," recounts Álvaro Cabezas Atienza, director of Custom Machines magazine for two decades, "the builders were simple Harley enthusiasts without much mechanical knowledge who tinkered with their bikes. Gradually, everything improved—the quality, the budgets—and the projects became increasingly exclusive. Today, the craftsmanship of yesteryear is maintained but enhanced and mixed with the new marketing of social networks," he adds.

While the countries with the most tradition and relevance are the USA, Japan, and Germany, Spanish custom has gained significant international recognition. Several builders have won awards in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building or the prestigious MBE event in Verona in recent years. "The great pioneers and references of national custom have been Ferry Clot, two-time AMD champion, Mao, Sueca Iron, Txopo from Txoperheard, José Luis from No stock bikes, or Germán Derbidson, among others," explains Josep Carretero, organizer of The Factory Fest, an emerging festival to be held in Calella from May 9 to 11. "It's a sector that moves millions of euros, and despite numerous obstacles in Spain for homologation and circulation of these vehicles, custom here is booming," adds Josep.

Like sculptural styles, these metallic creations are often framed in a specific category such as Café Racer, Scrambler, Bobber, Chopper, Rat Bike, or Brat Style, each with its specific characteristics. Generally, customizers specialize in a brand and gain prestige in a particular universe. Ricky Old Custom Flames and Calella Custom in Harley-Davidson, XTR Pepo in Ducati, Tamarit in Triumph, D'S Motorcycles in Honda, or Cafe Racer Dreams in BMW are some of the national names. Projects often start on the basis of an existing model and, once transformed, acquire a valuation that can quadruple the original.

"During the boom years, we made bikes worth 50 or 60 thousand euros consistently," explains Adolfo Calles, a builder for 23 years at his Bonneville shop. "Typically, a project lasts eight or nine months, provided you have a clear idea of the client's exact vision, which is the hardest part to nail down. Sometimes the client gives you complete freedom because they like your style, other times they give minimal guidelines, but there are also super invasive clients who cause the project to drag on," adds Adolfo.

Then there are more exceptional cases of bikes that are unicorns, using a base of which there are few units, bikes that have won awards or belonged to a specific person, and that appreciate over time, reaching prices that can multiply the initial tenfold. The profile of buyers of these jewels is very varied: it could be a biker who wants to acquire the bike of their dreams and likes the style of a particular builder, commissioning their custom piece; someone who falls in love at first sight at an exhibition or festival and can afford it; or even a wealthy client who, without even being a biker, becomes enamored with a model and acquires it to display in their living room. Like hanging a Picasso.