ian barry's custom black falcon can shift from street mode to race mode in minutes

‘falcon motorcycles’ is founded in 2008 with the aim of building no-compromise custom motorcycles to an entire new standard. the los angeles studio has raised the bar to impossible heights, with a crew of seven extremely talented artisans working 18 months full-time to build ‘the black’.

the fuel cap is a spring-loaded quick-release cap that is fabricated by falcon

the chassis was re-imagined by ‘falcon motorcycles’ founder ian barry. it is built to an amazing level of functionality, in which the tanks, seat position, handlebar height and angle, brake and shift levers and chain tension can be adjusted without any tools.

the rear brake, the chain tension and brake lever rod can be adjusted without tools

while being clever solutions to problems of adjustability, each of these hand-carved parts and systems are also stunningly beautiful. the ‘black falcon’ is not vaporware, not photoshop, nor is it CNC; it is hand-made, incredibly complex, and perfectly functional. it’s no wonder ‘the black’ is considered the most important custom motorcycle of the 21st century.

changing from ‘street’ to ‘race’ mode is easily done by hand, as the tanks have a unique spring-loaded latch system, and fuel lines with marine press-fit junctions

the short film ‘black falcon’ is the first demonstration by ian barry of the hand-adjustable systems he invented for ‘the black’. the vintagent’s paul d’orléans commissioned travis shinn to spend a day with ‘the black’ and ian barry, showing how it works.

The Vintagent Original: Black Falcon
video ® The Vintagent

the black falcon in ‘race’ mode, with a single sprint fuel tank, rigid rear suspension, the seat set back, and fully rotated rear-set footrests

installing the fuel tanks takes only a gentle push onto spring-loaded pins, and press-fitting the marine fuel junctions in place

the rear brake pedal being rotated into ‘race’ mode, with a spring loaded system invented by ian barry

the black falcon in ‘street’ mode

a functional work of art, it performs incredibly well with near 100hp, with brakes and handling to match, and looks like no other motorcycle

removing the fuel tanks takes seconds, yet they’re totally secure on their spring-loaded pins while riding

even the LED taillight is beyond reproach, with a cheeky ‘stop’ lamp integrated into the rear fender

the fuel tanks are hand-hammered aluminum, with leather gaskets, and direct air over the stainless steel spine frame, which contains the oil, and is finned for cooling

the symmetry and quality of construction and finishes are clear in this image

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom