Destino Custom Garage

Destino Custom Garage Destino Custom Garage specialise in customised motorcycles... Old School Bobbers choppers & Samurai Bobbers and Motorcycles. Click Here to Visit our Website If you want to see some of our custom builds Click Here

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Want a cheap cafe racer project... Check out our ninja250 kits http://www.destino.com.au/kawasaki-cafe-racer-kit/

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Victoria's Best Riding Roads

Victoria's Best Riding Roads

Many of our readers & riders ask where they should plan their next trip. Well today we have a fabulous spot to head to. The Victorian Snowfields in spring, Australia's version of the alps is nothing short of spectacular.  Jimmy & I vote you plan a trip that heads through the twists & turns of some of the most scenic countryside you could hope to take in.

Plan ahead now & book your accommodation for the September spring season - clear blue skys,  fresh green on the trees and a crispness in the air that makes you feel alive on a bike!

Our friends Rae & Jason Hewitt run a fabulous Boutique business called Bright Bliss. Several stunning countryside based accommodation venues in Bright - the heartland of Victorias best riding roads.  Jason rides the area reguarly so we picked his brains for his top 3 rides for when the snow clears:

Voted in the top ten rides in Australia is Towonga Gap Road... 

The Tawonga Gap ride is a spectacular motorcycling experience and should not be missed if you are riding in Victoria. Coming from Bright, you'll start with an open, fast section of road. Heading up the mountain , it becomes tighter and you'll wind yourself settled into a long series of sweeping curves. Theres plenty of good overtaking spots and quality roads.

There are also two lookouts where you can stop and enjoy the landscape. Those that ride it regularly vote it as one of their favourite rides to add some excitement to their day.

Wave as you pass the cyclists at the lookouts as they attempt the hills with the seriousness of a Tour deFrance  stage! Its hard to imagine that these hills are blanketed in snow throughout winter.

Those who want a full day ride, can head over the Bogong high plains. Make sure you stop for lunch at the famous Blue Duck Hotel at Anglers Rest.

Its a sweet spot nestled at the place where the three great trout rivers converge. Founded in early 1900's, the Blue duck was given its name when the area produced no gold from its gold licence...Blue Duck being a white elephant of its day.

  Head on to Omeo then over Mt Hotham back to Bright.

Few roads can match the motorcycling pleasure of the stretch from Mt. Hotham to Omeo, which boasts a perfect surface for most of its length, excellent sweeping bends, and fine visibility. The road twists and turns its way down through the mountains outside Mt. Hotham and the foothills.  Its jaw-dropping countryside the Great Dividing Range and the rolling, pine-plantation-dotting the hills below the mountains. If you can sneek a glance you'll find the views simply breathtaking.

If you're looking for a short 50ishkm morning scoot look at Bright to  Mt Buffalo, Hotham or falls creek and back.

Happy Valley Road to Running Creek then back to mt beauty and towinga gap is another similar stretch. All rides are stunning with lots of little country towns to explore on the way.

By the time you arrive back in Bright you'll be feeling invigorated and ready for a glass of wine, roaring fire and a hot bath to relax the muscles.

Rae & Jason have a choice of 3 stunning accomodation venues in Bright - two are right next door, so if you are travelling in a group, the properties are bike friendly & well setup to use as a base for a few nights while you explore the beauty of the countryside.

Checkout BrightBliss gallery pics.

If the steaming bath doesnt draw you in, the roaring fire & stunning views from the balcony definately will. When you make your booking tell them Jimmy & Nik @ Destino sent you :)

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Complete 16in Ape Bar Kit

We have been getting asked for cables, questions about cable lengths when changing bars.... to save the confusion, we have put together this handlebar and cable combo.

This is the real deal. We believe that these are the best quality available on the planet. German Made Stainless Steel Ape Hangers, knurled in just the right place to suit your Vstar650, so they will stay in place.

Also included in the kit is a set of stainless steel cables, the perfect length to suit your bars. Now you don't have to run all over town and have them made. These will fit, the first time!!

The kit includes:

** 16" ape bars (400mm Height, 930mm Wide, 185mm Pullback)

** Braided Throttle cable (both push and pull)

** Braided Clutch Cable

** Braided Front Brake cable

** All German Made Quality, Delivered to your Door for

$799

Email us to order

Check out the parts on the website

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We will also be offering Ape Bar Kits for other cruiser models very soon. Stay Tuned for more info.

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Summer Bike Clearance

    Ok, so the holidays are over and its back to work. Nikki B has told me that I have to clear out the workshop to make room for the new winter projects. (we have a cool W800 Build on the cards, a few Sublime Samurai Special's and something extra cool to be launched at the Australian Motorcycle Expo 2012).

  We have 3 bikes to clear, all have been drastically reduced, and priced to sell. 

Of course, if these are not for you, you can still bring your bike in for the custom treatment, just the way you like it. We freight Australia Wide and have finance packages available. You can get your bike customised and have the bike you've always wanted for as little as $25 a week.

  Click here to view the bikes. Then go and talk to the minister of finance for approval. Go on, make the most of the summer riding weather!

        Finance Available - Shipping Australia Wide

www.destino.com.au

0411 78 48 48

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Schweppes Cocktail Revolution - Experiential Motorcycle Sidecar Bars

Schweppes is currently running it's “Cocktail Revolution” campaign. It all started with an experiential pop-up installation in Southern Cross Station, a major railway station in Melbourne, Australia. The ambient campaign began with a giant crate mysteriously appearing in the station, complete with a peep hole revealing a teaser hologram, teaser music exuding from the crate and the sighting of high heels inside.

Three days later the Schweppes crate finally opened it’s doors to reveal an interactive cocktail mixing table that uses fruit and drink recognition technology to suggest cocktail drinks.

But that's not all, the campaign is certainly multi-faceted. Schweppes have now released 6 sidecar Motorcycles, cleverly disguised as mobile bars. The motorcycles have a retro-military feel that perfectly compliments the "cocktail revolution" campaign.

The motorcycles and their crew, quietly known as the 'revolutionary army' will be deployed on the streets of Sydney and Melbourne in an effort to demonstrate the forgotten art of mixing and enjoying cocktails.

The Motorcycles have been custom built by Destino Custom Garage, in Sydney, Australia. Destino Specialise in Custom Motorcycles and Fabrication. They offer Corporate and promotional vehicle design and fabrication services.

Stay tuned, we will reveal more as the campaign rolls out.

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Jimmy B has a close shave... for charity!

Destino Custom Garage is proud to be supporting Movember. This amazing charity raises money for prostate canger research and Men's Depression.

Just the other day Jimmy B decided it was time for a proper shave. We were in Melbourne to deliver some Motorcycles when we came across Alpha Barbers in Hardware Lane, Melbourne. Frank gave Jimmy a traditional cut throat shave and facial treatment, which Jimmy later admitted was a great experience.

So far we have raised $932 for this great cause. Not bad considering it is our first year participating in this event. Still, there are 14 days to go. So we have plenty of time to grow the mo and raise some much needed money for this great cause.

Every dollar can help. Please donate securely (and anonymously if you wish), here.

The winner of the stay upright voucher for last weeks biggest donation is: David Hickman. Well done David, for supporting this great cause you have earned yourself a stay upright voucher valued at $400

THIS WEEKS BIGGEST DONATION will receive some Movie Memorabilia. We have 3 Massive framed and signed prints from your choice of The Godfather ($200 value), Sopranos ($200 Value), or Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins/Foster ($1000 Value).

Get involved and help us support MOVEMBER

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MOVEMBER, raising money for prostate cancer and depression.

Pleeeease.... Join the Destino MOVEMBER team and help us raise much needed funds for mens prostate cancer and depression.

It's free and quick to register, and every dollar you can raise will make a difference.

Grow a moustache and support a great cause by joining the DESTINO MOVEMBER TEAM!! Go on, it will be fun! http://mobro.co/destino

We will keep you all updated via our facebook page.

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Fonzie's Motorcycle For Sale

The 1949 Triumph Trophy TR5 Scrambler Custom ridden by The Fonz in the television hit series Happy Days will be one of the highlights at Bonhams California Sale in Los Angeles held November 12th, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Happy Days, the beloved American sitcom that aired for ten years from 1974 to 1984 and attracted millions of viewers each week, helped launched the career of such actors as Ron Howard, Scott Baio and Henry Winkler.

Winkler’s character, Arthur Fonzarelli – known famously as The Fonz and Fonzie – was initially just a secondary character that became so popular with fans he was soon made the central figure of the show. As the epitome of cool, the motorcycle-loving Fonzie, dressed in the stereotypical garb of The Wild Ones, spawned countless wannabes among the youth of America and became a cultural icon that still resonates today.  And Fonzie’s motorcycle, a customized Triumph, was owned off-screen by another cultural icon, Bud Ekins.   The late Bud Ekins was famous as a motocross racer, Hollywood stuntman (he’s the one that made that legendary motorcycle jump over the barbed wire fence in The Great Escape), and as Steve McQueen’s best friend. With his warehouse of hundreds of motorbikes, Ekins was the go-to man in Hollywood when producers needed two wheels. So when the people from Happy Days called, it was Ekins who determined what the coolest guy on TV should be riding. Taking an old Triumph in his collection, he simply removed the front fender, replaced the handle bars and spray painted the tank silver and, violá, the Fonzie bike was born. Of course, no one had any idea of just how popular the show would become or the magnitude of fame Winkler’s character would achieve.   This now iconic emblem of American pop culture will be offered by Bonhams at their annual Classic California Sale, held November 12th, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Renowned for offering property from famous actors each year – Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Clark Gable and Bruce Willis, to name just a few – this autumn auction is not to be missed by aficionados of pop and custom culture and entertainment and automotive history.  (Information reblogged from http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/)

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From Dr. Mechanik in Germany comes a cafe racer inspired Vrod. About 9kg shaved off its kerb weight. This bike is super cool with its suede seat and aluminium bodywork. What do you think?

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Sydney Motorcycle Expo 2011

Get all the info on the upcoming Sydney Motorcycle Expo 2011. Admission prices, event times, exhibitors, parking details and Location of the Sydney Motorcycle Expo.

This year the Sydney Motorcycle Expo is back it Darling Harbour. A great venue which is sure to attract a massive crowd this year.

See all the Major Motorcycle Manufacturers at the 2011 Sydney Motorcycle Expo. Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Honda, Harley-Davidson and many many more!

Destino Custom Garage will be at the Sydney Motorcycle Show in 2011. We are excited to be unveiling the new Destino Samurai bike as well as the Ural "Destino Edition", an urban adventure sidecar by the iconic Russian Manufacturer URAL.

Destino Custom Garage will also be competing in the JUST BIKES BUILD OFF, competing with Daytona Powersports in an attempt to take the crown at this years Sydney motorcycle show 2011. We need the support of all of our fans. Get down, meet the team and cast your vote for the coolest bike at the Buildoff.

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Winner of the Stay-Upright competition announced

Nikki and I are please to announce the winner of the Stay-Upright intermediate course.

Nathan Laboyrie of NSW

Stay Upright are Australia's premier provider of motorcycle rider training.

Nikki and I have completed a few of their courses and found their trainers are of the highest standard. Very approachable, very helpful. Their trainers are all passionate about motorcycling ... safely.

Check out the Stayupright for more information about improving your riding.

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Destino Enters Deal with LSL Germany

Destino Custom Garage announces an exclusive arrangement as the Australian Distributor for the premium motorcycle hardware  brand  LSL and Clubman.

Manufacturing high end accessories for today’s sophisticated motorcycles is pure passion at LSL . “What we love about these products” says Jimmy B from Destino, “is the incredible amount of research, and testing done by the product development team at LSL”. The engineers have listened to their customers needs and created high tech, well fitting and perfectly finished motorcycle hardware.  LSL parts offer outstanding looks, & perfect technical function.

We are excited about the partnership, says Nikki B, designer at Destino “LSL is perfectly aligned with our philosophy. They are obsessively passionate about quality and precision. Their purpose is to improve rideability and performance of ‘already good’ motorcycles”.

“The partnership with LSL is twofold for us” says Jimmy B, “We will have the full LSL range of Motorcycle hardware available to purchase in our new online store. This gives our range greater depth as the LSL range caters for a wider section of the motorcycle market.  Secondly as specialists in building classic styled custom motorcycles, we will be adding to our range & producing the high performance Café  Racer style LSL Clubman bikes using  primarily the Triumph Bonneville and Thruxton along with the Kawasaki W650 and W800..... actually building the LSL enhanced bikes will be the most exciting thing".

The team at Destino are committed to producing the perfect bike for each customer. Whether it’s through customizing your own motorcycle with their extensive range of parts online. Or through their build & design team who specialise in creating the perfect bike for you as part of our entry level or signature range of bikes.

Whilst some may see the partnership between Destino and LSL as unusual at first glance, Jimmy B assures us that it is in line with their core business and future growth plans, “The bikes we already produce are based on a simple theory, they must be aesthetically pleasing, beautifully designed and high quality but they must also be enjoyable to ride. We are not in the market of building rigid or poorly handling show bikes. Now with the introduction of the LSL Clubman range this will allow us to move into the upper end of the Café Racer Market by producing good looking, performance driven, café racer style bikes with undeniable German quality.

The Destino Custom Garage team are  motorcycle lovers, enthusiasts and above all riders.  They produce high quality bikes that are a feast to the eyes and dream to ride.

The LSL products will begin to appear online in the coming weeks, in the interim an English version of the catalog will be available for download on http://www.destino.com.au/lsl-clubman-parts/ The Destino Built Clubman bikes will appear later in the year.

Image Gallery: W800 Custom by LSL

Image Gallery: Clubman T860R Triumph Thruxton

You can see more bikes and parts on the Destino Website in the coming weeks.

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New Parts Range Launches August 29th

Great News for all of you cruiser riders and home customisers! Destino is set to launch a new range of parts and accessories. Heavily focused on Japanese Cruisers, the majority of the parts range is all new to Australia.

The cruiser market is continually growing and people are always looking to make their bike standout. There has always been a good choice of products available for Harley-Davidson, and many parts suppliers are coming on board, producing a huge range of cruiser accessories.

“Destino won't be ‘all things to all people’, we certainly want to expand our parts offering, however, we want to showcase products that are unique to the Australian market” Says Jimmy B, “There’s no point doing the same old grips, indicators and chrome stuff that everyone else sells online”.

The new online store is set to open on the 29th August 2011

“There are approximately 1500 products in this range alone, and we are speaking to more European parts suppliers about other products” Says Nikki.

Whilst it has certainly been a long time coming, it demonstrates that Jimmy B and Nik have been listening to what their fans have been asking for.

Here is a list of the models that the new range will include:

Kawasaki VN 800

Kawasaki VN 900

Kawasaki VN 1500 & 1600

Kawasaki VN 1700

Kawasaki VN 2000

Suzuki C 800 & M 800

Suzuki VL 800

Suzuki VS 1400

Suzuki VL 1500 & C 1500

Suzuki Marauder 1600

Suzuki C109 / C 1800

Suzuki M109 / M1800

Yamaha XVS 650

Yamaha XVS 1100

Yamaha XVS 1300

Yamaha XV 1600

Yamaha XV 1700

Yamaha XV 1900

Honda VT 750C    Shadow (RC29 / RC50) / C2 Ace Shadow (RC44) / DC Black Widow (RC48) 

Honda VT 800C    Shadow (RC32)

Honda VT 1100C  Shadow (SC18 / SC23) / C2 ACE (SC32) / C3 ACE (SC39)

Honda Honda VTX 1300  (SC52)

Honda VTX 1800  (SC46)

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Win a Stay-Upright Course

Win a Stay Upright Intermediate Riders Course. It’s easy to win!

Simply tell us why you want to win this course by posting it on Our Facebook wall and tag Destino Custom Garage.

The most creative response as judged by Jimmy B and Nikki will win.

For Example:

I really want to win the Stay Upright Riders course to become a safer rider @destinocustomgarage

Your Prize

Increasing your rider skills can save your life – period. It can also make your riding more enjoyable by removing thought and improving your instinctive reactions. In a 4 hour training session, Australia's most skilled and experienced Instructors, will lead you through areas that are not covered in either the Learner or Provisional Licence courses, including; Higher speed cornering, braking, counter-steering, and maneuvering techniques.

You will receive personal tuition with one on one feedback to improve your riding. They will explain, demonstrate and evaluate each exercise. All activities are comfortably conducted at your own pace. Tourers, cruisers, scooters, and sports bikes are all welcome. You will receive a Certificate at the completion of your course. Quality Assured - by Australia's Premier Rider Training Company Help take the "fright" out of your riding

Prize is valued at over $200

Prize subject to availability in each state, if the intermediate course is not available in your state, you may choose another course up to the same value. Prize not available in WA or NT, competition is open to all Australian Residents, prize includes the course only, all travel costs to and from the venue are at the winners expense. Competition Drawn on September 1st 2011 and announced on our Facebook page. See Stay Upright for more information on courses and locations.

>> LIKE Stay Upright on Facebook to receive tips and advice on rider training

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An Extraordinary Experience

I was engrossed in a meeting with a colleague at my café when my waiter handed me an envelope.  It was handwritten, & weighty but small. It sat on the table for a minute or two begging me to open it. Of course I tried to continue talking but the curiosity got the better of me and I snatched it up.

I prised open the flap and extracted what was inside…. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I looked up and around the café. I remember saying out loud- where’s the cameras, is this for real!

Not more than three hours earlier I had made a phone call to Destino Custom Garage.  I wanted to purchase a motorcycle, something different, something that I designed for myself that would have all the old school bells & whistles I wanted, and built by someone who could pull it off with flair. I’m a big fan of old school motorcycles. I’ve owned some beauties in my day. But I had decided my days of riding unreliable, old, clunkers with a temperament to match were over. I saw Destino Custom Garage on the internet and decided to call Jimmy B and ask if they could help me.  We spent some time sharing ideas & discussing what I wanted to have built. I set a time to visit them up at the garage on the following Tuesday.

So here I was, sitting in my cafe just a few hours later with an extraordinary gift sitting on my table. I looked up and across the café and realized who was sitting at the table by the window. I recognized Jimmy B & Nik from their website, sipping on a latte and grinning from ear to ear.

What I held in my hand was exceptional in so many ways. Firstly the card… it said “Dear Rod, This key is the beginning of your Destino Experience.  Take this opportunity to REALLY get to know our motorcycles.  Enjoy your test ride! We’ll see you up at the garage next Tuesday.” 

Attached to the card was a bike key… the key to a stunning Destino bobber parked at the front door of the café! I was gob smacked. 

Is this for real…In business today, who does that? For me it was fantastic. I work 6 days a week in my café so they recognised that  I'm pushed for time. Now I get to experience the quality of a Destino motorcycle & I also get to spend a whole week really getting to know the bike, how it handles and what seating position will work best for me. By the time I visit the garage next week I will have a much clearer idea in my head as to exactly what exclusions & additions I’d like Jimmy to work with.

I couldn’t wait to get out the door & get her started up…. My Destino Experience had already begun!

Here at Destino Custom Garage we do things just a little bit differently. Each customer gets a personalised experience. One that suits their personalities & needs.  Who knows what experience you might have if you give Destino a call.

You can contact Jimmy B on 0411 784848

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Check out the official photoshoot for "Foxy Lady". Subtle, Stylish, this one is a real head turner. As you know, this bike has been designed from a female riders perspective. We found that the majority of women are not into pink jackets, helmets and pink camo pants as the manufacturers would have us think.

Women want a bike that is comfortable (hence the pulled back bars and footboards). The addition of the retro exhaust, long and low to give a sophisticated street presence, add to the package. The 50's inspired cadillac rear tail light just adds to the total picture.

With a stylish paint scheme (Metallic oyster with cream highlights), not pink, purple and white flames. As Nikki found on her first test ride, this is something the guys would comment on when you pull up at the lights. The hand made luggage rack is a stylistic feature, but is practical too (you will see nikki's Burberry handbag in the photoshoot) LOL.... Let us know what you think.