The Lego motorcycle is a very convenient piece, but the design sacrifices realism for modularity. For some people the official Lego moto is just not what they want. Those people then spend hours and hours trying to create iconic motorcycles from across the world. Because of the small build size, these MOC motos usually use some of the most advanced building techniques. Although most are not in minifig scale, some are very close to it.
There is a surprisingly large variety when it comes to motorcycles, and their fans haven’t been slow to adapt them to Lego. These first few cycles were created by Lego911 over at Flickr. Their similarity in scale makes comparing their differences easy. The most obvious is the way the tailpipes have been build, using a variety of cones, technic, and hoses. These little guys are so compact, that every piece has a significant place in the design. Everything from the frames, to the tires, to the handlebars offer these bikes their individuality. These are officially in Miniland scale.
Next up is a pair of bikes made by Lino M. These Cafe Racers are marked by their low handlebars, short seats, and long gas tanks. The idea is to quickly get to where you are going, usually to dine at a little cafe. Which you could do in style with these orange and lime racers. These little motos are not as sleek as the ones above, but they do offer more detailing. Check out those rear tires.
A great example of a larger build is the Clubman by Tango-zero. This motorcycle has been mostly created with technic bricks. Offering a very realistic engine, working suspension, and even a chain to drive the rear tire. Of all of these builds this is the one that comes closest to what Lego might actually design as an official set.
Omar + kamitera created this build based on the The World’s Fastest Indian
. Which, just happens to have a really great film based on its underdog story. This motorcycle is based on the famous Indian Scout modified by Burt Munro, which went on to win many land speed records in the 1950–60s. The unmodified bike tops out at a speed of 55 mph, but this modded Indian Scout went on to hit a top speed of 205 mph.
Project Azazel created the Deutsch Motorrad mit Beiwagen, which just happens to be one of the few minifig scale custom motorcycles out there. Usually as a build gets smaller, it also gets more fragile. This one though looks relatively solid. The use of a few technic bricks, minifig accessories, and a whole lot of talent is what goes into a bike like this.
Another example by Lino M shows off a great use of color with a chopper designed for Spider-Man. This motorcycle shows off a lot of little details, such as a suicide clutch, missile launcher, web thrower, knucklehead motor, spiderman minifig, and headlight. A perfect moto for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Motos & More + Credits
The first three motos were created by Lego911, the Twin Pipe Cruiser, Norton 850 Commander – Lego 393, & the Cafe Racer One
Next up is the The Cafe Ole! by Lino M, and the H-D Sportster Clubman Racer by Tango-zero.
Then the World’s Fastest Lego Indian created by Omar + kamitera, followed by Deutsch Motorrad mit Beiwagen built by Project Azazel.
To find more motorcycle MOC builds just check out the LUGnuts group at Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/lugnuts/pool/with/6995580094/
One More!
Not every motorcycle has to be drab, or red. Check out this color explosion called “Are You Experienced” by Matix22. The inclusion of a vinyl record really brings this whole build together!
