This Stunning Harley Racer Was Inspired By Mega Luxury Yachts

Unique Inspiration

For decades, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have served as a blank canvas, from which artists - or builders, rather - can transform them into pretty much anything they can dream of. Oftentimes, custom bike builders find inspiration in some interesting places, and that's also true of this particular machine built by Matteo Fustinoni of Hazard Motorcycles - a 1980s Ironhead with styling inspired by the rather stunning Riva Yachts made in Italy.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

Lasting Impression

Fustinoni grew up in Lago d’Iseo, which just so happens to be the home of Riva, and as such, he saw plenty of beautiful, hand-crafted, wooden boats on the water during his younger days. He also fell in love with a twin V8-powered Aquarama Special. However, when he learned about one particular Riva that utilized two Lamborghini engines, it left a lasting impression on him - one that would come to fruition 40 years later.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

Second Chance

This planted the seed for something truly unique - a Harley-Davidson that's packing not only a lot of Italian yacht-inspired styling, but also some influence from Lamborghini as well. His blank canvas was an old Ironhead that had been used and abused, abandoned long ago by a mechanic who apparently grew tired of working on it and simply gave up.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

Lambo Inspired

Interestingly, Fustinoni chose to start with the engine and then work his way outward, first fitting two double-bodied Weber carburetors (like a Lamborghini engine and its individual units), which required turning the front head by 180 degrees and making two manifolds. Fustinoni also made his own engine covers from scratch, all with an eye toward mimicking what one might see in a vintage Lamborghini engine bay.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

Making the Body

From there, Fustinoni enlisted his friends and fellow artists Andrea Pozzoli and Davide Aresi to help with the bodywork, which involved two solid months of shaping aluminum panels into perfection. Aresi handled the mahogany parts of the build, steam-bent the wood, and then added transparent varnish, just like what boat makers use.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

All Riva

Finally, Ivan Motta Design was tasked to handle the paintwork, which consists of colors used on original Riva boats. Luca Ronzoni of L&R Leather even designed a seat that utilizes original Riva upholstery, which caps off a pretty amazing build that's truly stunning to look at.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

Pure Passion

The end result of this incredible build, well, it speaks for itself. Hazard has created what is easily one of the most beautiful custom motorcycles we've ever laid eyes on, and the passion that Fustinoni has for Riva boats and Harley-Davidson bikes is on clear display here.

Photos: Hazard Motorcycles/Instagram

>>Join in the conversation about this yacht-inspired build right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.