MAD MAX FILMING AT GASOLINE

The creators of the New Mad Max game soon to be released on Xbox One spent the day at Gasoline Motor Co to shoot there campaign promo for the game. Two cars were transformed into works of art straight out of a scene in Mad Max. A special fine dust was laid down on to each of the cars using a small dust blower then masterfully painted and drawn on to create the images in the dust. The whole process was filmed and photographed to show the cars go from sparkling clean to dirty works of Mad Max Art. 

LaSombra Yamaha SR400

The once-ubiquitous Yamaha SR400 has become a collector’s item among the café racer set. The simple little single-cylinder motorcycle makes a perfect blank canvas for a cool custom project due to its simple and timeless design.
Jason Gasoline has built a number of SR400 based projects, naming all of them to reflect their personality. Tomahawk I and Tomahawk II are just two of his well-known SR400-based projects, but his latest custom creation has a darker personality.
It’s been christened La Sombra, a Spanish word meaning The Shadow.
Its centrepiece is the shiny black pearl finish on the petrol tank, tail and front guard. “I think every bike needs a character, there’s no point building something unless it has a character, right from the beginning,” Jason says.

“We give each of our custom bikes a name and when we talk about a particular bike we only refer to it by name only.
”Looking over the bike in its newly-finished condition, it’s easy to see Jason is very satisfied with the result he’s achieved.
“We were over the moon with the final result and this bike has turned out even better than we imagined it would,” Jason said. “It has simple lines but it has an effective finish.”
One of the main goals for the La Sombra build was to end up with a motorcycle that looked like a customised classic SR400 café racer, but make it feel like a new bike to ride.

“It really is like riding a brand-new Yamaha SR400,” Jason said. “It’s fitted with a performance engine, so it’s not as sluggish as the older SR400s were. It’s surprisingly comfortable for a custom bike and would easily handle long trips."
The inspiration

The inspiration to build La Sombra came from one of Jason’s customers, Michale Kriesch, who approached him last year to build the dream custom café racer he had always wanted to own. Kriesch had a particular style in mind and worked with Jason to design the dark mirror styling of La Sombra. Jason said he always looks to his customers for inspiration and then they work as a team to guide the build in a direction with which everyone is happy.
What’s it based on

La Sombra is based on a 1986 Yamaha SR400. The little single-cylinder motorcycle has been in constant production in Japan since 1978, barely changing during all that time – it even retains a kickstarter.
Though not officially sold in Australia until 2014, pre-2014 grey imports are in good supply along with the SR500, manufactured between 1978 and 1999, which was sold in Australia. The 1986 SR400 used for Jason’s custom build features drum brakes front and rear.

“Normally we do a disc brake front end conversion when working with an SR400 of this vintage but we wanted to keep this one original,” Jason said. “The SR400 is a great little bike to work from as a base if you want to do a café racer type build. “The café style requires just clip-on handlebars, flat seat and a tail.”
What’s it got

The 399cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve-per-cylinder engine in La Sombra has been fitted with a 38mm Mikuni carburettor and manifold as well as a new piston to increase compression ratio to 10:1. The cylinder head and cylinder were given a make-over with the valves and valve-seats machined. The engine was also blue-printed.
“There’s no point building something unless it has a character”
The exhaust system may look like just a straight through pipe, but a baffle has been fitted to the system to reduce noise. It still sounds meaty, but loses the headache-inducing bark of a straight-through system.
The frame was taken back to bare metal and powder-coated and the engine was given a full blacked-out treatment. The original tank was retained to keep the standard SR400 look.

The original front fork and both wheels have also been powder coated and the rear shocks have been replaced with Ikons, made in right here in Australia. Another interesting touch are the military style lights and indicator covers.
During war years, motorcycles were fitted with similar covers to minimise any peripheral light which might give the enemy somethig to shoot at.
What was tricky

The build process took three months and the black chrome finish on the petrol tank, tail and front guard was a complicated process. The donor bike was stripped to the bare frame before the build even got underway. “The unique colour is called Black Pearl, it’s applied using a chrome-type sequence which includes dipping,” Jason said.“It’s like a nickel-plate as opposed to a zinc or chrome plating. To get the look resembling a shiny black pearl on all the surfaces was quite difficult.”

What’s it like to ride

La Sombra is the most typical café racer style motorcycle you’re ever likely to ride. “Using the kickstart lever to get it going is all part of the experience,” he said. “It’s got a beautiful sound to it, especially in third and fourth gear and I actually don’t mind riding it without the baffle.”Fitting the high-compression piston and head has given the 399cc engine extra squirt, and Jason reported the drum brakes are more than up to the task of stopping the bike.

Article & Photos by: AMCN Vol 64 No 25

Andre's Triumph Thruxton

Our good mate and Gasoline Motor Co staff member Andre recently had his lover Triumph Thruxton on the Throttle Roll blog. Pete Cagnacci took Andre out for some shots and together they put a killer interview together.

Despite the love for his 1976 Yamaha XS360, Andre was haunted by the need for a new bike; something bigger and more recent. With ideas of Triumph Bonnevilles, Scramblers and Thruxtons battling in his head there would be only one victor.

Freedom, expression and adrenaline are the crux of Andre’s personality. When he’s not riding or working on bikes he’s either on stage or in the studio. “Music is my life. Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll baby, has always been and still is, professionally for 15-20 years. I am 40 and still lovin’ the shit out of it. I’m mainly singing, playing bass, writing and producing. I’ve toured and played with so many amazing artists.”

As well as running LAB 11A recording studio in Marrickville, Andre now has been fortunate enough to moonlight at Gasoline Motor Co. “I’m able to work in both industries that I love, sharing experiences and advice to anyone who will listen to me talk shit, and boy can I talk shit! I’ve worked my ass off and sacrificed so much to live the life I love; I wouldn’t have it any other way. Highly recommend it. Now if I can combine my love of tattoos, Mixed Martial Arts and 4WD driving, I will be complete.

Life’s too short folks, gotta taste it all!”

Andre’s current ride is a 2012 Triumph Thruxton 900. “The bike has no name but has been touched by many and like any good hooker, you can call it whatever you want baby!”

“Two years ago I began the search for a new ride; and by new ride I mean one that didn’t take ten kicks to start. Traffic lights, peak hour, throw in some rain and a bike that won’t start, you all know the story. Don’t get me wrong; I loved my old 1976 Yamaha XS360. She was my introduction to Café Racers, SCR and the beginning of an obsession; however I wanted to jump up in power while still staying Café.

The Triumphs were the only newish retro bikes that appealed to me. I checked out so many brands, but would always come back to the Trumps. Then it was the question of which one? The Thrux, Bonnie or Scram? I decided on the Thruxton as I had more of a build vision for that bike in mind over the other two. It took a while to find the right one, low k’s, mint condition and a good price. Thankfully, much to his regret, I found an SCR member selling his. (Special mention to Jbster, what a legend!)”

At the time of purchasing the Triumph, I had both the Yamaha and the Thruxton in the stable; I loved jumping from one to the other with both bikes being so different from one another, yet each having its own beauty and allure. Ultimately, the Thruxton was so addictive that I found myself touching it inappropriately more often than the Yamaha. So it was time to go, for the Yamaha”

After trawling the deep web, Andre had enough inspiration in his arsenal to get to work on his Magnum Opus. This bike would have its fair share of tributes to older bikes and more retro stylings; but still with many modern features and fresh ideas. Lines that flow, a focus on symmetry and a balanced contrast of old and new. Aggressive where it needs to be, reserved and refined where it wants to be.

“Not long after buying the Thrux, I had more mods added. I went through three different bar configurations before I settled on the Woodcraft clip ons, which provided an impromptu perch for my single mirror location. I wanted something different to bar ends and huge mirrors perched over the controls. The protruding piece of tubing from the clip-ons worked out awesome. Love it, can’t see shit, but love the look. Head turn checking skills – Grand Master.”

“I had the front end cleaned up, that is, had the riser tabs shaved and painted black from the top yoke and a single mount created for the original speedo. It worked out cheaper and easier just to keep the original speedo. I then got rid of the tacho, as I’m more than happy to hear and feel the red line. Also added a smaller 5 3/4inch Bates style headlight. I really wanted a minimal look to the front end. I had the headlight lowered so the bike hunched forward more and followed the lines of the tank for a more aggressive stance. Not a fan of how high the original headlight sits, to each their own I guess. Chopped front fender, Shorty Pazzo levers (my hands are in love) and posh grips to finish it off. Kyle at Renegade Customs did an epic job.”

“I powder coated the engine covers and fuel cap black after a nasty experience with Plasti shit. Love the black with silver bolt surrounds. I had the original seat re-upholstered by Wall and sons in Brookvale. They did incredible work, highly recommended. I had a flat seat custom made by Kyle at Rene9ade, he did a wicked job, but I prefer the original seat as it masks the angular rake of the sub frame from the tank line, which I’m not a fan of. I prefer it all to be straight-ish; unless its chopped and hooped, that’s a possible future mod.

The tyres were next to go; Pirelli Angel GTs were my weapons of choice. After much research and having to deal with an 110/18inch front and 180/17inch rear, the best matched tyres were the Pirellis. Plus I love the evil eyes tread pattern. I would still like a 120/17inch front, but whatever. Three different mufflers have tasted and spat out the love juice of the beast. First were some aftermarket pipes that came with the bike, and then a pair of British Customs long Predators in black were added before finishing up with the British Custom Shorty Predators. I originally wanted them black, but love how the chrome breaks up the black at the rear of the bike. Sounds throaty as fuck. Braaap Braaaaap!”

Spinna by Gasoline Motor Co.

Once a cool little classic bike that may have been noticed by a handful of die hard enthusiasts the Kawasaki Z200 was transformed into a clean modern Cafe racer machine that now turns more than just heads. 

As all custom builds start off in the workshop, Gasoline Motor Co's customer came to get some new tires and the chain and sprockets replaced but was opened up to a world of ideas and creativity on the workbench in the new Alexandria shop. The motorcycle was stripped down to its bare bones, rims and frame sent off for a gloss black finish. All of the internals ripped out, battery and electrics relocated into a cleverly fabricated stealth box under the seat. The rear guard was shortened and tidied up with some sleek indicators and rear sets while the front guard was traditionally removed for that bad boy feel.  After several false starts on the fuel tank color which was professionally painted emerald green then orange, the end result ended up an inspiration from the Gasoline team into this striking bronze and black color scheme that came alive over a few collies in the workshop.  Whilst the motorcycle was starting to show some character we suggested a nick name which evolved in the  “SPINNA”  a hand drawn design, placed on the tanks side. The meaning of the work came from the owners X Girlfriend who apparently was a bit of a typical X HEAD SPINNA. We then matched colors with a Retro driven headlight which was sourced in-house and its rim color matched to the tank, along with the obvious clip on bars, a smaller speedometre and to top it off a custom upholstered seat which was laid down for the final touch. 

Shortly after finishing the build, a mate of ours who is in the demolition business tipped us off that there was a falling down ware house around the corner that was damaged in the recent Hail Storms in Alexandria  and in no time Gasoline photographer Nich Zalmpy and Jason Gasoline pounced over there shooting the final product that is now know as  “SPINNA” by Gasoline Motor co.

Photos: Nich Zalmpy.

For more info on this build and potentially something you want us to produce for you. Contact Gasoline Motor Co www.gasoline.com.au - 02 9698 44 33 

Introducing the New Braaap Moto3

Braaap have just put the finishing touches on their latest Machine the Moto3 Sports bike set to be released and available as early as September.

Showing off a sleek sports body the Moto3 is the newest learner legal street bike with a powerful 250cc engine with an over head cam design, front and rear disc breaks, Electric start and digital speedo, 2 person pillion seat and pegs, mag wheels and a huge deal more. 

Definitely going to be a huge market contender and the perfect bike to power through open road on that perfect summers day. 

Check the full specs out here...

Sidecar Sundays

Sidecar motorcycles have reared there head's again in a spike of recent popularity and interest and its easy to see why. Having the capability of sharing the ride with someone else cruising through the open air side by side rather than just on the back is certainly more appealing. Basically two front row seats to the show. This is how sidecar Sundays evolved from a love of sidecar enthusiasts.  

The day was started with an impressive turnout at the meeting point of Kawa Cafe in Surry Hills with an array of sidecars from vintage Royal Enfield's, Harley Davidson's, modern Ural's, Gasoline staff and Sydney Cafe Racer members. The plan was to get to Wollombi Tavern for a Beer and good winters pub meal. The heavens opened and the sun shone through making for perfect sidecar riding conditions on the open roads, dirt, winding corners and even flooded crossings. 

Plenty of fun was had by all with plenty of shenanigans, sidecars getting up on two wheels, beautiful sunshine, breakdowns and new friends making it a day to remember and one to get everyone excited for the next. 

Thanks to all that made the ride happen, all the riders, Organiser Jeremy Hudson and photographer Pete Cagnacci. 

Above: Gasoline Mechanic Sean Taylor rides tall. Photos: Pete Cagnacci. 

Custom Braaap Mercury

The latest custom Braaap to come out of Gasoline Motor Co. Check out the full bike on our custom Braaap page here.

Have a Vintage Vespa?

Do you own a vintage Vespa that you might consider selling ?  We are on the hunt Australia wide for some of the old girls. We have a load of hungry collectors and customers asking on a daily basis if we could find them a VINTAGE vespa so we are putting the call out to anyone who might have one or would like to sell one.  Please contact us on 02 9698 4433 or email out some photos to jason@gasoline.com.au and will take a look.

GASOLINE MOTOR CO IS LOOKING FOR A GUN SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANT

Gasoline Motor Co is on the lookout for a gun sales and marketing assistant at our huge automotive warehouse in Alexandria. 

This is a varied role, which can be adapted to suit the right person. First and foremost, we need someone with an interest in automotive culture, two wheeled machine's and who can succeed in an competitive environment.

A background in marketing or sales will be highly regarded, as well as the ability to be flexible and adaptable. Candidate must also have a strong love and knowledge of all things motorcycles and scooters.

Duties will include:

- Customer Service

- Assisting in the development of promotional and advertising campaigns

- Utilizing sales skills and product knowledge to optimise the buyer experience to customers

- Basic administrative tasks and official documentation for registration and vehicle handover (applicant must be computer literate)

Applicants should be able to perform a wide variety of duties in the running of a busy retail shop, office and have a proactive approach. This role offers ability to work independently and the opportunity to grow an exciting and established company.

If you believe you could fit into our energetic company culture at Gasoline Motor Co, we'd love to hear from you. Temptation lives in our garage. 

Website: www.gasoline.com.au

Email:  jason@gasoline.com.au

Address: 88 Bourke Rd, Alexandria 2015