With their blend of modern technology and timeless styling, Triumph’s range of trendy classics is undoubtedly the perfect marriage of contemporary innovation and accessible affordability. Despite advancements in the customized bike industry, there’s always room for innovation. When a discerning buyer sought to elevate the timeless allure of their 1200cc Triumph Thruxton, Grzegorz Korczak at Unikat Motorworks was thrilled to take on the challenge.
The Unikat group has long been accustomed to crafting exceptional custom pieces with Hinkley’s Trendy Classics, a reputation they have honed with ease. Thus far, the manufacturer has released limited batches of Triumph T100 cafe racer models, which were backed by the guarantees offered by authorized Triumph dealerships. The company went as far as modifying three original Triumph Thruxton RS motorcycles for purchase in Poland. It would be an understatement to say that their previous approach had shown promise; the truth was they had already demonstrated considerable success with it. Despite that, their work on this Thruxton remains utterly remarkable.
The owner, Kazimierz, sought to make his modern bicycle appear timeless; three months later, his team, led by Grzegorz, had successfully achieved this goal.
Free from the shackles of bland, trendy aesthetics, the Thruxton’s essential character is defined by stripping away unnecessary flourishes. One of the hottest favorites among manufacturers currently is the brushed and clear-coated alloy, and the Triumph Thruxton does not lack for its use.
The report listed the components compromised by the Thruxton’s engine, including levers, heel guards, and injection covers. Here to give these elements an unmistakable cafe racer flair requires nothing short of painstaking attention to detail and a healthy dose of manual labor. After stripping away the extraneous components, the Unikat group meticulously polished each item to an exceptional, high-gloss finish, reminiscent of classic mirrors.
However Unikat didn’t cease there.
To further enhance the retro aesthetic, they meticulously removed the paint from the exposed components – the highest clamp, fork legs, brake calipers, and extras – to reveal a bright, chromed finish.
Following this development, they shifted their attention to eliminating any unsightly homologation-derived components. Was the primary issue the unsightly rear bumper and awkward rear quarter panel? They dispensed with outdated manufacturing units, instead designing a completely novel rear end from the ground up. Starting from the subframe, Unikat reworked the rear section to create a bespoke, one-off rear end. With meticulous craftsmanship, they designed and covered a customized seat base before creating a removable hornet’s tail-inspired model cowling from scratch within the comfort of their own home.
Rear-end visibility relies on traditional bullet-shaped taillight indicators, ensuring a reliable and roadworthy appearance. These dual-function indicators also serve to minimize issues by functioning as brake lights.
Upon reaching the entrance finish, Unikat persisted in refining problems further. Starting from the front bumper, they cleverly design a slight reduction to showcase even more of the front tire. The Thruxton’s modern-looking headlights were initially replaced with even lighter alternatives that neatly integrate the factory lights. Custom-made clip-ons sit atop the fork stanchions, while the mirrors have been repositioned to clear the drop-down triple clamp.
The design left no gap or excess material above the highest point of the gasoline tank, successfully re-creating the characteristic low-slung appearance often associated with cafe racers.
To further clarify maintenance concerns, Unikat chose Motogadget’s premium bar-end mirrors, replacing the original indicators with the sleek Blaze Disc variants; simultaneously, the chunky ignition block gave way to a modern, keyless system.
Grzegorz concludes his thoughtful makeover by incorporating a distinctive set of slash-cut model pipes, to which he has a confessed fondness for their unique sonic quality. The grips are crafted from supple leather, meticulously stitched to harmonize with the seat’s upholstery, while the tyres boast a timeless aesthetic courtesy of Dunlop’s iconic K81/TT100 rubber compound.
As the moment of truth approached for selecting a colour, Grzegorz boldly presented an unconventional proposal to the bicycle’s owner. “As he reflects on the owner’s bold decision to paint their vehicle a deep Bordeaux metallic purple, he expresses admiration for the courage behind it.” We collaborated with a painter to develop this concept. In the shadow, the gemstone is veiled in a somber darkness, yet under the radiant sun, it bursts forth with dazzling brilliance.
To further enhance the already impressive Unikat’s basic aptitude, a pinstripe pattern was cleverly applied using a matching brilliant silver paint that perfectly complements its overall design.
Grzegorz proudly presented his latest creation to Kazimierz, entrusting him with the responsibility of being the first point of contact if the innovative design were to hit the market in the future. Which appears to indicate that he has a positive attitude towards it.
UNIKAT MOTORWORKS
