Rediscovering a relic from the past can be a therapeutic adventure. Reflecting on past mistakes, bridging the gap between outdated knowledge and current expertise, and revisiting earlier accomplishments are equally humbling and fulfilling experiences.
In 2013, Maurizio Carraro took the bold step of establishing Imbarcardero 14 Venice, a bespoke motorcycle fabrication studio in which he has spent the past nine years honing his craft as a customized motorbike builder. To amplify the visibility of his design, the entrepreneur created bespoke motorcycles for his closest friends, one such example being an audacious Triumph TT Legend, dubbed “Crack 14,” a tribute to his friend Marco. As a deliberate attempt to recapture the essence of all past endeavors, Marco rode the bike back to IMB14’s headquarters, surrendering to a transformative experience akin to a sea change.
My fascination with hammerhead sharks originated when I watched a documentary on these incredible creatures. “It instilled in me a deep sense of respect for their energy and agility,” says Maurizio. “To bring my idea to life, I collaborated with my young nephew, Riccardo Santiglia, who had previously assisted me in crafting innovative designs and graphics for my bicycles.”
Automotive designers have long been inspired by nature’s ingenuity, embracing biomimicry as a means to innovate and improve their craft on this planet. Several renowned automotive designers have drawn inspiration from marine life in their work, making it a staple theme. While the peculiar hammerhead shark might seem an unconventional source of creativity, it’s hardly a surprise given Maurizio’s penchant for innovation and his propensity to defy expectations.
Among the most extraordinary sharks on the planet are the nine unique species of Hammerhead. Their most distinctive feature is the unusual placement of their eyes, situated prominently on the outer edges of their head’s cephalofoil protrusions. Their design mirrored a distinctive aesthetic characteristic that set them apart.
Crafted from intricately shaped sheets of lightweight aluminum, the Triumph’s distinctive entrance fairing pays homage to the iconic Hammerhead design. The most striking feature of the design is its unique dual headlamp arrangement, situated low and wide on either side of the vehicle, reminiscent of a shark’s piercing gaze. The fairing’s sleek design is achieved by positioning it precisely at the same level as the gas tank’s base, while its aggressive appearance is accentuated by its height not exceeding that of the highest handlebar. He covered the radiator with alloy wraps to create the illusion of the monster’s cavernous maw.
Nine years ago, Maurizio crafted the rear cowl and gas tank for this unique motorcycle as part of its initial customization phase. The models remain structurally unchanged, aside from the discreet additions of a ridge along the tank’s backbone and a sleek, low-profile filler cap. A custom-designed entrance fender and a stylishly integrated fashion rear fender enhance the overall usability of this Legend TT, making it an excellent choice for year-round utilisation.
The finishing touches were added to the bike’s revamped aesthetic with its sleek, matte-finish bodywork executed in a striking hammerhead shark gray hue, complemented by intricate, hand-painted retro pinstripes crafted by renowned designer Riccardo.
With its aggressive persona in full force, the revamped Legend TT now boasts several key performance enhancements.
With Matris technology, our suspension system boasts adjustable internal components at the front entry point, accompanied by a fully adjustable piggyback shock absorber at the rear. The front and rear brakes feature upgraded efficiency rotors and radial pumps, while relocating the calipers to minimize vibrations during braking. The final touches on upgrading are aptly embodied by Dunlop’s Mutant tyres, dubbed “Finishing the Deal”.
As for the engine it inhales by means of Okay&N filters which sit behind gill-like covers. The upgraded engine benefits significantly from the Dynojet Stage 1 tune, accompanied by a comprehensive customized exhaust system designed by renowned Italian specialists, Virex. Here is the rewritten text: The motorbike’s performance has significantly improved, with Maurizio noting that it now boasts precise balance and requires additional traction energy thanks to its newly installed suspension.
During the rebuilding process, this unconventional Triumph cafe racer gained a few subtle accent enhancements. Here is the improved text in a different style:
This bike features machined alloy clip-on handlebars, aluminum footrests, LED illumination, and a sleek Motogadget speedometer.
“With unwavering dedication, Maurizio commits to pushing boundaries both aesthetically and technologically,” he says, as performance upgrades take center stage, yet it’s his unapologetic approach to styling – a hallmark of his work since IMB14 Venice – that truly shines.”
Images by Giovanni Federici
