What happens when you mix a machinist from Utah with a high-tech designer from Istanbul? Well, you’ve either got the makings of a good joke or a stunning motorcycle. Turns out, it’s the latter. Because when Utah’s Mark Atkinson and Turkey’s Mehmet Doruk Erdem got together online, they combined to turn a concept into a reality—and created one of the most beautiful bikes we’ve ever seen. Let’s take a look at how it all began...
A couple years back, Erdem posted a design online: that of a land speed racer modeled after a great white shark. Naturally, it looked very cool, and it eventually drew the attention of Atkinson.
After some back and forth, a collaborative design began. The two worked together for 16 months, with Erdem supplying 3D renderings and Atkinson building the physical bike.
In a past life, the bike was a BMW K75. Atkinson took the wrecked shell and built a chassis. Then in a unique move, he chose to fabricate the sleek nose from basalt.
The bike is as bespoke as it gets, from the rebuilt engine and transmission to the custom upholstered seat and handlebars.
It’s got lights, turn signals and even a horn, but it’s not exactly street legal.
Because... right, it’s not your average, upright bike for cruising around town. It’s a true land speed racer that would be at home on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Check out this video to see more of the build process, and then follow Mark Atkinson’s exploits on Instagram. If you’ve got a great idea for a bike, he might even build it.
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