Triumph Originals - Italy
GIUSEPPE CARUCCI, SOUTH GARAGE MOTOR CO
"WE TURNED THE INSPIRATION OF BRITISH ORIGINALITY INTO A PROJECT, DRAWING ON OUR PAST, OUR HISTORY AND OUR CAREER."
When Giuseppe Carucci, founder of South Garage Motor Co in Milan, first received the ‘Icons of British Originality’ design brief, his reaction was short but sweet – “Finally!” In just one word, Giuseppe perfectly summed up the passion and energy that has driven his business forward since it first started customising bikes in 2012.
Although Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ is often heard belting out of their workshop speakers, their approach to custom building is a little less egocentric. Whatever they’re working on, they maintain a deep respect for the bike and the brand. Their aim is always to enhance the things that make each motorcycle distinct, without compromising its identity.
Staying true to the bike, whilst also creating something unique and exclusive, is what South Garage Motor Co strives for in each and every build. Using superior materials, fine craftsmanship and stylistic flair, their ongoing aim is to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, comfort and performance.
Which bike did you choose to use for your custom build and why?
Bonneville Bobber
Style
In your opinion, what makes a custom bike iconic and how does your design achieve this?
A clear source of inspiration, consistent with the briefing (the original Speed Twins from '30s & '40s) + the engagement of modern technology and precise engineering.
Which styling details in your custom build are you most proud of, and how do you think they elevate the style?
Tank, forks, overall balance between heritage flyline and modern components.
British Originality
What element of 'British Originality' inspired your design?
Speed Twins from 1930s and 1940s.
How did you turn this inspiration into a design for your custom bike?
We turned the inspiration of British Originality into a project, drawing on our past, our history and our career. Our experience was fundamental in helping us to best implement the brief and transform it into the current project.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Respect proportions and peculiar shape of the modern Bobber chassis.
Creativity & Innovation
What aspects of the design and build best showcase your approach to creativity and innovation?
Forks, exhaust, tank, wheels.
What makes this build a true one-off custom?
What makes this motorcycle a true one-off custom bike is the contrast between classic styling and highly technological contemporary manufacturing techniques and materials.
Were there any aspects of the design and build process that you had to change, adapt, or rethink during the build process?
The front end of the Bobber was one of the biggest challenges for us. We had to maintain the standard specifications of the bike while adapting them to a different chassis. The software is essentially the same as that of a standard Bobber, but the hardware is completely different, reinterpreted in a modern key through the use of manufacturing technology.
Craftsmanship
Where can we see your personal style of craftsmanship in the build?
Sophisticated materials and workmanship.
How did you choose the materials, finishing and details of your build?
Drawing on my personal experience, Italian style and attention to detail, which have always distinguished our brand.
Have you tried any new techniques throughout the build process?
Precision engineering for building ad-hoc parts such as the front forks.
The Ride
What have you done to the build to enhance the ride?
We preserved as much as possible the original handling of the series Bobber.
What element of the Bonneville platform did you not want to change, and stay true to the original?
Main frame.
How do you want the rider to feel when they get on your custom build?
Proud and inspired.
About Us
How did you get into Customs?
I’ve been into custom builds since day one. It really fits my attitude to life, as well as my passion and vision for the business.
What do you think makes the Bonneville platforms a great platform for custom builds?
The Bonneville range of motorcycles has such a timeless appeal and its such an extremely versatile platform from a chassis and drivetrain point of view.
How would you describe your approach to custom bike building?
My philosophy is ‘disrupt without disrupting’. By that I mean, the goal is always to enhance the distinctive features of the brand and the motorcycle, without compromising its identity. At the same time, the aim is to create a unique and exclusive piece of superior quality, that feels bespoke to the owner in terms of both quality and aesthetics.
What’s your favourite part of the build process, and why?
My saying is ‘ditch the plastic and go for classic!’ I think that you only get exclusive character, aesthetic satisfaction and a sense of authenticity by using superior materials with the finest workmanship.
What makes your builds unique compared to others in the custom scene?
I think it’s my approach to my work. I only use the finest quality materials, finishes and styles. I’m constantly searching for the ideal balance of aesthetics, functionality, comfort and performance.
What aspect of British culture has influenced your response to the brief?
I think it’s a combination of three aspects that I feel are characteristic of iconic British culture. These are timeless elegance, discreet luxury and evocative charm.
If you could build a custom bike for anyone, who would it be and why?
David Beckham, because he’s such a prominent British public figure with international visibility and appeal. He’s a keen motorcyclist, athlete, and style icon with impeccable stage presence. He is emblematic of the contemporary British gentleman rider.
Is there a golden rule you always follow when building a custom, and is there one rule you love to break?
One rule I’d never break is that of always respecting the brand and the motorcycle. One that I enjoy breaking is to never try to redefine the frame and chassis.
