Today we are talking about craftsmanship and more
specifically the iconic Australian boot maker RMWilliams who partnered with
Paris-based custom garage Blitz Motorcycles to create a unique collection of
custom motorcycles and footwear. Together, RMWilliams and Biltz Motorcycles
have handcrafted a bespoke encoder that will launch at Harrods in London on
September 29, 2017. The collaborative project aims to celebrate RMWilliams'
craftsmanship and passion for handmade leathers and , at the same time,
referencing Australian drivers who use motorcycles to hear cattle over the
Australian outback.
Most of the original rider's motorcycles were based on older
parallel twin-engine bikes.
To make them a more
efficient interference model for indoor terrain, the Blitz team followed the
customizations made by the shepherds in the mid-20th century. The bike frame
was lowered and spiked tires were added to provide better handling in sand and
desert, as well as grasslands. To complete the motorcycle style, track
handlebars have also been added.
Additionally, RMWilliams has recreated two versions of
the brand's original motorcycle boot,
first created in 1993. Scrambler boots will be available in
two fleece options, Brown Crocodile, an exotic leather available through the
Custom Service brand. And priced at £ 4,995, and New Zealand black cowhide, an
exclusive collaboration skin, priced at £ 595. The Scrambler boots have a
rubber sole and are the result of 85 manual processes. These limited publication
boots will be available for purchase at both Harrods on the fifth floor through
R.M.Williams' Made to Order service and through the RMWilliams.com website.
Echoing Scrambler boots,
the unique bike features the same exotic brown crocodile for
the saddle, handlebar grips, and tank straps, all handcrafted in R.M. Williams
in Adelaide, Australia. The bike also features a front plate with the initials
RMW and a race classification plate with the number 32, R.M.'s founding date.
Williams. Priced at £ 40,000, the bike comes with a pair of crocodile skin
Scrambler boots crafted from the same leather used for the bike's saddle, grips
and tank straps.
The Blitz team has been meticulous in their technical
modifications to this unique motorcycle.
At the heart of the
bike is a 650cc parallel twin engine with a K&N air filter and ejected
carburettors. Eighteen-inch test scrambler tires were applied to the front and
rear and a fuel tank from the 1970s was added with custom R.M. Williams straps.
A custom rear loop was welded to the original frame with a signature Blitz
battery box welded underneath. All electrical circuits have been completely
rebuilt with wiring connected to Blitz Motorcycles mini-switches mounted on
classic US Triumph handlebars.The brake system has also been completely
overhauled and updated with new pads, a new master cylinder, and a custom brake
hose. A Campbell muffler was attached to the original exhaust that was painted
in ceramic. Additionally, the entire frame, stakes, side stand, triple clamp,
fork legs, swingarm, handlebar, and engine covers have been powder coated.
Additional modifications include a custom rear fender and new shock absorbers.
The R.M. Williams x Blitz motorcycle will take center
stage in a facility launched on the ground floor of Harrods on September 29 and
will run throughout October.
The space will also present a film about the six months of
development of the R.M. Williams Scrambler and this unique motorcycle. On the
fifth floor, there will be a trunk of R.M. Williams Bespoke, showing the many
options offered as part of the brand's bespoke footwear service.