Russian Custom Builder Box39 Creates Handsome V-Rod
Dubbed “Giotto,” the focus of this Box39 build was clearly placed on those beautiful custom wheels.
When it was originally introduced, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod was a divisive machine to the Harley faithful. Some thought it represented the future of the brand. Others viewed it as a huge mistake, too large of a departure for a century-old purveyor of good old-fashioned American motorcycles.
Now that the V-Rod is dead and buried, it seems to be remembered in a far less controversial context. With bikes like the LiveWire, Pan America, and newly released Streetfighter in the lineup, you might expect us to call the V-Rod, and its attendant controversy, quaint.
Instead, we’ll take the opposite approach, and acknowledge that the V-Rod may well have been ahead of its time. There’s a dedicated group of enthusiasts working tirelessly on exploring the platform. We have yet to see the ultimate expression of retro-modern Harley style. However, we’d say this bike comes pretty damn close.
From Russia With Love
Russian custom bike shop Box39, barely a decade old, has already forged a name for themselves as True Believers of the Milwaukee motorcycle. They crank out beautiful customs at a fairly steady pace, including the V-Rod seen here.
Box39 has created over a dozen custom V-Rods in their time. We’d have to say that this one is our favorite. This one is dubbed the Giotto.
According to our friends over at Auto Evolution, it’s a 2014 model. This particular V-Rod was built, more or less, around a gorgeous set of custom wheels. Measuring 21” up front and 18” out back, these CNC-machined wheels look like a modern cross between classic wire spoke wheels and the sort of lacy mesh wheels seen on classic European cars from the 1980s and 1990s.
A subtle fairing kit makes the boldly aggressive V-Rod into a beautiful, flowing thing, equal parts curvaceous and muscular. Like all good custom bikes, the Giotto exudes an unmistakable presence that trades in subtlety. A cursory glance at the bike won’t tell you what’s different. You must pore over every inch of the build in painstaking detail as if you were assessing fine art – because you are.
