Roland Sands Design's Black Beauty. We would cruise around in this bad boy any day of the week. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

We love bikes.

Sports bikes, cruisers, street fighters and custom builds all make us froth at the mouth.  Then there are Roland Sands custom builds.

Simply put, the RSD guys just take it to the next level of awesomeness.

For today’s installment of the RSD Build of the Week, we’ve got the Black Beauty.

This looks like it could have been built by the Mayans. The RSD Black Beauty making beauty eternal. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

When you see the pictures of this build, you can tell a lot of love and care went into this customized 2003 Harley Davidson Softail.

How much love? Let me count the ways:

• Custom RSD Gas Tank
• Custom Mauricio Aguilar designed seat
• RSD Prototype Beehive Oil Tank
• Kuryakyn heads, valves, pistons, cylinders, camshafts
• Mikuni carburetor
• Custom RSD exhaust and covers
• Custom RSD Softail frame
• RSD Platinum Cut Diesel wheels
• Gregg’s Customs rear disc
• Performance Machine Sprocket
• Performance Machine front and rear calipers
• Performance Machine master cylinder
• Performance Machine hand and foot controls
• Roland Sands Design risers, handlebars and grips
• Roland Sands Design prototype headlight
• Custom paint by Chris Wood at Airtrix
• Roland Sands Design tail light, foot rest and pegs

Wow.

Yyyyarrr. The Black Beauty be a work of art. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

The Black Beauty was such a great build it was also featured on the March 2010 issue of Ultimate Motorcycling.  Quite honestly, we think it should have been featured on every motorcycle publication out there.

The seat alone must have taken 20 hours of work. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

And the price?  When we checked the specs for the build, they wrote this estimated price: “Money Bags”.  Love it.

The side view. Also known as the money shot. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

To see this bike in action, you can check out this killer video featuring the RSD Black Beauty:

For more information on Roland Sands Design’s Black Beauty you can check out Roland Sands’ official website at http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/25/black-beauty/.

Ugh. So badass. Hedonist Open by the Art of Kinetic. Image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

If you’re wondering why the two latest posts look vaguely familiar to items found in the most recent Robb Report, it’s because they were featured in the latest Robb Report.

Surprise!

We’re fans of the publication (we actually pay the yearly subscription to get the magazine) and especially loved their feature on the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik. 

The design of this 19m open yacht caught our attention and quickly made us check our bank accounts.

Pull up to the yacht party with this bad boy and the ladies will come-a-runnin'. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

Sadly, we quickly realized we still possessed a complete lack of zeroes to afford a yacht in the first place.

But for those that are in the market for a bespoke yacht built with the best materials and impeccable craftsmanship, may we suggest you take a moment to review the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik.

Screw "Cribs" when you've got the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic. Image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

According to Art of Kinetik’s official website:

Hedonist turned heads with its unrivalled fusion of art and technology. Our convertible model will open your mind to a new definition of luxury at sea.

With its daringly sleek profile and mono-frame stainless steel windshield it is a unique statement in yachting design. The sleek, all-weather canopy unfurls effortlessly to reveal subtle new cockpit shades – retro harmonising with futuristic – allowing you to savour the sights and sounds of every voyage. Inside, elegant white textures and designer accessories feel even more like home.

Outside, the new mahogany colour and enhanced detailing feels like nothing you have seen before.

Looks like they're in a hurry. Awesomeness waits for no one. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

If you’re like us and have never heard of Art of Kinetik, here’s a little bit about the company from their official press release:

Art of Kinetik was founded in late 2007 with a vision to create a new kind of luxury boats, marrying timeless materials such as mahogany, teak, stainless steel and leather to modern progressive design. Our focus is on creating a new way of living on the water, with interior design and space more often found in fine homes, and functions in line with a contemporary style of living.

Art of Kinetik is principally based in Belgrade, Serbia, where research and development, including design, naval architecture and engineering, is being done. Our shipyard in Belgrade handles the production of hulls and installation of systems and has four primary workshops: carpentry, metal works, composites and upholstery. Design and manufacturing of interiors and accessories is done in Bavaria, Germany.

Our concept is to produce highest quality bespoke wooden yachts between 10m and 30m in size, with emphasis on contemporary design, utmost luxury and highest quality.

Our philosophy is to create unique crafts where one feels like being in a fine home rather then in a boat. This is reflected in use of materials like wood, stone and leather, as well as in contemporary open layouts, with all the conveniences of a modern home.

As company name suggests, our boats just happen to be yachts, but they are in fact floating pieces of art. They are beautiful and they are timeless.

Now the only issue for us is how to stop associating the word “Hedonist” with an adults-only resort and instead relate it to this unbelievable yacht by Art of Kinetik.

Floating works of art. We agree. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

For more information about the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik, you can visit their official website at http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

You can also check out the video below with quite possibly the worst audio track on the planet:

Secret Entourage's Project "Heaven". One of the prettiest Aston Martin V8 Vantages out there. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Jealousy isn’t really our style.

Well, that is until we saw this 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage project build by the guys at Secret Entourage.

Dubbed “Project Heaven”, this beautiful V8 Vantage was tastefully done with upgrades from D2 Forged Wheels, RSC Tuning, The Vantage Collection and Klutch22.  Although we’ve seen photos of this car around, we didn’t realize how much work went into the build until we read the full article series on Secret Entourage.

This could be the beginning of an action movie. Secret Entourage's Aston Martin V8 Vantage Project Heaven in full effect. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

According to the articles on the build, they chose some of the best partners to create one of the best V8 Vantages on the road:

• Vantage C upgrade from RSC Tuning (includes ECU upgrade, exhaust and new CAT filters)
• 20″ D2 Forged VS1 wheels (staggered, of course)
• Carbon fiber body upgrades from The Vantage Collection

They even successfully increased the notably “sluggish” (the term being relative of course) V8 Vantage into a proper 430 HP sports car.

Amazing V8 Vantage, amazing picture. Secret Entourage's Project Heaven sitting pretty. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Check out the V8 Vantage Project “Heaven” in action below:

So why are we jealous with envy?

Aside from Secret Entourage’s V8 Vantage being one of the prettiest cars out there, we had been toying around with the idea of doing a project car of our own here at ESM for a few months.

Yup, it was going to be a Vantage.

Secret Entourage is paving the way for all the V8 Vantage upgrade builds out there. We're glad we found the site. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Hopefully if we still do our own project Vantage, the boys from Secret Entourage will take it as a sincere form of flattery more than anything else. 

They did such an amazing job on this build, we’ve got it on our favorites and will probably use some of the advice they gave in their article series.

For full build details and more information about Secret Entourage’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage Project “Heaven”, you can check out their official site at http://www.secretentourage.com/category/project-cars/aston-martin-vantage-project.

The NPA Ducati from Roland Sands Design. I would marry this bike if it was a woman. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Another RSD modified Ducati?

What is this, Christmas?

For your viewing pleasure, we have this beautiful NPA Ducati 1098 created by the folks over at Roland Sands Design.

Custom swingarm. Looks much lighter and badass then stock. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the complete details on the build, but based on the photos we can do some true investigative journalism (by guessing the upgrades).

Here are the easy ones:

• Custom paint
• RSD Ronin Wheels
• Vance & Hines Exhaust

God is in the details. RSD slider to save that pretty paintjob. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Here are the ones that aren’t so obvious:

• RSD sliders
• Custom built rear swingarm
• Upgraded slipper clutch and vented clutch cover (presumably from Ducati)
• Upgraded rearsets (tough to tell the brand, CRG maybe?)
• Modified rear license plate holder
• Upgraded hand controls (this was purely a guess)

Love these wheels on the NPA Ducati 1098. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Knowing the guys from RSD, I am pretty sure the list still goes on and on, especially with any gearing and engine mods.

One thing we know for sure – this bike is one of the dopest Ducati 1098′s around and we wouldn’t mind having it featured in our Dream Garage any day of the week.

With this bike, I would want to ride 24/7. NPA Ducati 1098 image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

For more information about Roland Sands Design and the beautiful NPA Ducati 1098, you can check out their official site at http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Audi S5 with 20" SP-SC 20 DPE Wheels. What a great photo from http://www.dpe-wheels.com.

Remember when the Audi A5/S5 first came out in 2007?

It was the business.

The LED lights, the beauty and simplicity of the design, the all-around newness of the car seemed to breathe a breath of fresh air back into automotive design.

Being on the first Iron Man movie didn’t hurt either.

Look at that concave. Audi S5 with 20" SP-SC 20 DPE Wheels images from http://www.dpe-wheels.com.

To be honest, I was a little worried that car tuners would bastardize the car with upgrades that would screw up the design.

In my opinion, all the car needed was a badass set of wheels, lower it a bit and you’re ready to rock-and-roll.

I dub thee, Snow White. Audi S5 with 20" SP-SC 20 DPE Wheels image from http://www.dpe-wheels.com.

That is why we were so happy to see these pictures of this white Audi S5 with 20″ SP-SC 20 DPE Wheels in a two-tone finish.

The deep concave makes our bodies shudder every time we look at it.

Don’t you agree?

For more information abour DPE Wheels,  the SP-SC 20′s and their entire range of wheel products, you can check out their official site at http://www.dpe-wheels.com/.

Vance Harper's Ducati 696 "SSS Conversion". Don't fall in love because this one belongs to someone else. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

We love whenever Ducati has their Monster Challenge.

It brings out all the hardcore amateur bike builders out there and we get to see some of the most amazing modified Ducati monsters across the nation.

Vance Harper's Ducati 696 "SSS Conversion" looks like a true labor of love. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

One that particulary caught our attention from 2011 was Vance Harper’s Ducati 696 “SSS Conversion”.

To call this a Ducati Monster 696 would be huge mistake – we would call it a Ducati Frankenstein Monster with all the work that was done.

According to Vance Harper’s Ducati page, the build included the following modifications:

• Rizoma grips and mirrors
• Painted Tank ( Gloss black and Flat Black )
• Ducati low seat
• Speedymoto Top Triple
• Metaltech Racing Rearsets
• Monster 1100 Swingarm
• Hypermotard Rear Wheel
• Motocreations Boomtubes
• Ducati Performance oil cap
• Modified POD brackets…Lowered display

This Ducati 696 looks more like a track bike than a road bike. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/

The Boomtubes on this bike sounds badass. Check out the exhaust note on the video below:

Big ups to Vance Harper for bringing this beautiful Ducati 696 to life.  You did an amazing job.

Vance Harper should be pretty happy riding this highly modified Ducati 696 on a regular basis. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

For more photos and information about Vance Harper’s beautiful Ducati 696 “SSS Conversion”, you can check out his official Ducati site online at http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696–sss-conversion/.

It’s not everyday a new McLaren dealership opens on this side of the pond– in fact, it’s never happened in their 46 year history– so when I got the last-minute call asking (as co-creator of themclarenforum.com) if I wanted to attend I jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t?

Dealership openings aren’t typically very exciting (pony rides and balloons, anyone?) but when you’re known worldwide for your Formula One team, producing the uber-exclusive McLaren F1 road car,  Mercedes SLR and the new MP4-12C a different crowd tends to show up and help you celebrate:

Ron Dennis, Chairman of McLaren Automotive

Jay Leno, first in line to get his MP4-12C

..and there were a whole host of others who wandered in and out of the party all night. To be honest I don’t usually keep track of such things (unless I’m jockeying for a spot at the bar and bump into them) but it was just a sincere treat to get up close to a few of my dream machines that night.

Unfortunately I also figured out that since I’m well over the standard driver height it will probably never be possible to pilot a contemporary F1 car, but who cares? It would sure look pretty sitting in my living room:

Kimi Raikkonen's Formula One Car.. acres of beautiful carbon fiber in impossible shapes.

More my speed, the M8FP 72-09 Can-Am racer. It's my honest opinion that McLaren needs to incorporate those intake stacks into future models. Do you hear me, Mr. Dennis?

The star of the show.. the MP4-12C. Much better looking in the flesh than I anticipated.

In between all of this we had women hanging from the ceiling in all sorts of aerobatic poses, DJ Lindsay Luv spinning (with Top Model winner Caridee English on drums) and the excellent race simulator from CXC Simulations. I definitely see an ESM field trip to Seat Time in our near future (sorry Chas, I really didn’t feel like shaking up my stomach after a few Vodka tonics during the night- better to decline than be that guy).

Having been to a few Auto Gallery parties in the past I would expect nothing less than one hell of a party and certainly wasn’t let down. If you’re in the market for a McLaren in the LA area you can rest assured that they take their service and sales to an equally high level, but we have just one question.. can we tag along on the test drive?

More Pics:

http://www.gettyimages.pl/editorial/search.php?eventid=40681

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2012/01/mclaren-beverly-hills-grand-opening.html

The Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" project from SR Auto Group and ADV.1. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/aston-martin/aston-martin-dbs-adv10dc/.

I love when auto tuners take really high end cars and upgrade them.

It sends the message “I know that the car is almost a quarter of a million dollars, but I am going to modify it anyway.” 

Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" projects from SR Auto Group and ADV.1. Supersized. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/index.php?album=ADV10%20Deep%20Concave.alb.

For us here at ESM, that lets us know the car tuners are straight up gangster.  Take for example this modified Aston Martin DBS “Legacy” project from the folks at SR Auto Group and ADV.1.

Rear 3/4 shot of the Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" from SR Auto Group and ADV.1 Wheels. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/index.php?album=ADV10%20Deep%20Concave.alb.

Modifications included changing the stock wheels to 22-inch ADV10 DC (Deep Concave) wheels, H&R lowering springs and an upgraded exhaust system from RSC Tuning.

Check out the sound from the exhaust note below:

So the next question is:  how can we get our hands on this vehicle 6 months from now for the end of our Becoming Bond article series?

For more photos and information about the Aston Martin DBS “Legacy” project from SR Auto Group and ADV.1, you can check out ADV.1′s official site at http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/aston-martin/aston-martin-dbs-adv10dc/ and this article from Secret Entourage: http://www.secretentourage.com/lifestyle/autos/sr-auto-group-aston-dbs/.

For more information about SR Auto Group, you can check out their official site at http://www.srautogroup.com/.

For more information about ADV.1, you can check out their official site at http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/home.php.

Paul Budnitz' Number 1 in Titanium. If you didn't know we were talking about bikes, you would be wondering: "How can you do number 1 in Titanium?" Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

I love it when people make things in titanium.

Titanium is strong, light, has a killer brushed finish unreproducable with other materials and even makes a better David Guetta remix.  In fact, I once had a watch with titanium parts and it made such a difference versus the steel version.

So what about an entire bicycle made out of titanium?  Wouldn’t that be a pretty interesting concept?

Very unique Gates Center Track belt drive & singlespeed White Industries hub used on Paul Budnitz' No.1. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

The folks over at Paul Budnitz Bicycles agree and has created a set of beautifully made bespoke bicycles created almost entirely of titanium.  

The one that particularly caught our attention was the No.1. 

According to the official Paul Budnitz website:

This is the fastest, most comfortable, and most beautiful commuting bicycle in the world. Created for daily trips to the office or for a 2-week trek across Europe.

Includes our trademark super-light all-titanium No.1 Cantilever Frame™, Half-Crown™ fork, proprietary Ti handlebars & seat post. Available as a belt-driven single speed or with an 11-speed internally geared transmission. Shifter & brake cables are elegantly hidden inside bicycle frame tubing. Rack and water bottle mounts.

Created by hand in limited quantities, featuring some of the best components in the world. Built to last a lifetime. This bike is extremely fast!

I wonder how they determined it was the fastest commuting bike?  People racing to work?

Another great detail - Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

As you can tell from the photos, the No. 1 from Paul Budnitz Bicycles is built with quality parts and craftsmanship that makes it worth the $5,600 price tag.

I mean, it’s cheaper than a $120,000 car that does 12 miles per gallon right?

Look at it this way - it's cheaper than a $20k Ducati and a LOT cheaper than a $100k sports car. Plus you're saving money on gas and getting in shape. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

For more information about the Paul Budnitz Bicycle No.1, you can check out the official Paul Budnitz Bicycles website at http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

The STaSIS Audi R8 v10 Challenge Extreme. When fast isn't fast enough. Image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

Most people would think the V10 Audi R8 is pretty damn fast.

According the the Audi R8 Wiki:

Audi AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on 9 December 2008. It uses a 5.2 litre FSI engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 as used in the Audi C6 S6 and Audi D3 S8), but is re-tuned to produce a power output of 525 metric horsepower (386 kW; 518 bhp), and generate 530 newton metres (391 ft·lbf) of torque. Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10′s performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) time as only 3.9 seconds, 60 to 124 miles per hour (97 to 200 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 317 kilometres per hour (197.0 mph).

The folks from STaSIS, however, think “pretty damn” fast isn’t fast enough.  With their top-of-the-line Challenge Extreme package, they have successfully turned the out-of-the-box beast into a legitimate monster on the asphalt.

They wanted “holy crap I think I peed in my pants” fast.

The STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme looks so harmless from the outside. Image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

According to the official STaSIS website, the power has gone from 525 hp to 710 hp, torque has gone from 391 lb-ft to 523 lb-ft, 0 to 60 from 3.7 seconds to 3.1 seconds, lateral acceleration from 0.99 G to 1.01 G and brake acceleration from 1.02 G to 1.05 G.

What does this mean to you, the driver?  It means you better hold on and get ready for the ride of your life.

You can almost feel the roar of the engine when you look at this picture. STaSIS V10 Audi R8 Challenge Extreme image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

That is, of course, assuming you can afford not only the v10 Audi R8 but also the $56k STaSIS Challenge Extreme Package.

Want to see it in action? Check out this short video STaSIS produced about the Challenge Extreme package for the v10 Audi R8:

For more photos, videos and information about the STaSIS Signature Series Audi R8 V10 5.2 Challenge Extreme Package, you can check out STaSIS’ official site at http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

The Confederate CM1 Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Image from http://workandcycle.com/products/cm1.

Do you have a recurring dream where you are Dracula and you ride around on a Confederate Motorcycle?

(And no, we would never refer to any Twighlight movie character when we talk about Dracula.)

To be honest, neither do we, but it would be one of  the most awesome dreams ever. Riding around on a bad ass motorcycle hunting down your next victim and living eternally could be something one can get used to.

Unless of course you like sunlight.  Then you would never get used to that.

Blood red lining. Confederate CM1 Leather Motorcycle Jacket image from http://workandcycle.com/products/cm1.

In any case, our ideal riding jacket in the dream would be the CM1 Leather Motorcycle Jacket by Confederate Motorcycles.  It’s black, has red lining and distinctive looks that would match up to your legendary, blood-sucking awesomeness.

I am count DrAkooola. And this is my jacket. Image from http://workandcycle.com/products/cm1.

According to their official product website, workandcycle.com:

Like our motorcycles, the CM1 Jacket is a truly unique creation that epitomizes exceptional design, first-rate materials, and quality craftsmanship. The jacket’s design is inspired by a 1949 Buco café style jacket that was uncovered by Ralph Lauren and featured in his flagship store in New York City. The classicly understated style of that vintage Buco lives on in the CM1.

The CM1 Jacket boasts the finest Italian horsehide leather as well as a fixed satin lining finished in a classic two-tone merlot. The bi-swing back design provides maximum range of movement and comfort while riding. By design, the initial stiffness of the horsehide leather allows for a completely unique and individual fit as the leather organically conforms to your body.

For a mere $940, you can get yourself one of the sickest riding jackets out there. 

In the event you really are a vampire - simply add a chainmail vest and you can have something that will not only protect you from road rash, but from stakes as well.

For more information about the CM1 Leather Motorcycle Jacket by Confederate Motorcycles, you can visit their official site at http://workandcycle.com/products/cm1.

The Bell Custom 500 RSD Grand National Limited Edition. Image from http://www.bellsports.com/powersports/collections/artist-series/custom-500-4401.

We love the Bell Custom 500 helmet.

It’s classic, retro and will work on anything from cruisers to sports bikes.  According to Bell’s official site:

Throwbacks and retro lids are nice, but nothing beats an original. Back in 1954 Bell founder Roy Richter formed his first helmet out of fiberglass and named it the “500.” Bell’s new Custom 500 pays homage to Richter’s original design while adding modern protective technology to bring the design up-to-date.

What makes it even better?  A killer price point at just under $140. 

Even better than that? You can get the RSD Grand National Limited Edition which was designed by none other than Roland Sands himself.

For more information about the Bell Custom 500 RSD Grand National Limited Edition, you can check out Bell Helmets’ official site at http://www.bellsports.com/powersports/collections/artist-series/custom-500-4401.