THIS machine isn’t just a custom motorcycle; it’s a defiant statement hammered out in steel and cloaked in liquid gold, a project so exceptional it immediately sent ripples through the usually fiercely competitive Western Australia custom bike scene. It possessed all the necessary attributes — the aggressive stance, the flawless execution, and the intellectual custom moves — to elevate it past the local ranks and onto the national stage. And yes, adding to its raw, uncompromising appeal, it is a rigid frame, a testament to the builder’s commitment to classic, hard-edged styling.

My introduction to this breathtaking custom was entirely unexpected, delivered by an old friend, James, whom I hadn’t crossed paths with in years. As we caught up, he excitedly recounted the tale of a bespoke bike he had managed to acquire from a builder. James is quick to clarify that he takes absolutely no credit for the magnificent engineering or meticulous construction; he simply had the foresight and good fortune to recognise and purchase a truly complete, running, and utterly remarkable showpiece that was a going concern and rideable.

James, the proud new owner, pulled out his ‘galloptic fandango’ I-Phone and flashed a few choice pictures from his gallery. I was instantly captivated. The sheer quality and unique visual identity of the bike were undeniable. My enthusiasm was so immediate that I promised him, on the spot, “I’d do a full studio shoot as soon as he took possession”. Given its caliber, I wholeheartedly felt this machine deserved to be judged alongside any elite custom build constructed anywhere in Australia. That initial assessment proved correct, as validated by the stunning visual results you are now appreciating.

The genius behind this cool, high-glossed, and strikingly finished rigid ride is Simon from Motorcycle Panel & Paint (MCPP), operating out of Osborne Park, Perth, WA. This two-wheeled piece of eye candy was the result of a concentrated two-year effort. It becomes immediately apparent why the timeline was so extensive when you realise this bike is not merely an assembly of off-the-shelf components. It is a dense collection of classy, custom attributes and fabrication mastery. One of the defining characteristics of a truly creative and clever bike builder — talent that absolutely cannot be purchased — is the ability to take a fundamentally complicated build and make the final result look effortless, simple but still stunning.

This MCPP rigid is a towering example of that artistry. Its unique finish involves a deep, lustrous application of high-gloss Glasurit black, serving as a perfect canvas for the painstakingly prepared and applied gold candy overtones sourced from DeBeers paints. The intent behind the visually loud gold parts was to replicate the striking, saturated look of gold anodisation without the laborious, expensive, and time-consuming process of chemical treatment. Instead, Simon achieved this high-end effect through painting — a process that still proved technically demanding, requiring the combination of specialised paint materials and his own highly-developed application techniques. The resulting finish is deceptive, clever, and supremely classy, yielding a stunning, almost radioactive sheen.

The theme is reinforced by the strikingly bright and strong gold ‘hazardous/bio-hazard’ warning symbols meticulously applied across the ride, including on the spectacular one-off set of rims. This concept was one Simon had envisioned utilising many years prior, simply waiting for the perfect metal canvas and the right moment to apply his radical ideology. Regardless of its origin, the theme perfectly complements the machine’s overall cool lines, adding an element of edgy danger that makes the bike visually unforgettable and wonderfully easy on the eye.

And it’s also got some balls in the performance stakes with a three-figure cube output. The first step was when Simon decided to marry up (on a permanent basis via welding) the custom made MCPP fuel and cylindrical oil tanks plus the rear guard to the custom MCPP rigid frame. He also made and affixed the pointed parts and the front spoiler which was attached to the single-down-tube of the frame eventually becoming as one.

The Springer front-end is by DNA and was pulled apart then sections painted to visually flow with the theme. Simon then slightly modified the flat drag Burleigh bars to suit his vision. The BDL grips incorporate indicators. This is all clamped down by the six-inch DNA risers. Headlight is more from DNA and also theme painted. 

Stopping duty up front is where the PM four-spot caliper comes into the equation by squeezing on the Dragway disc. It pulls up the custom made 21-inch Dragway rim shod with an Avon Venom tyre. The rear custom Dragway rim is 18-inches and enveloped with an Avon Venom 300 tyre.

The performance factor comes in the way of the 127-cube El Bruto engine. It’s fed fuel via the Mikuni 4mm carburetor. Exhausts are by Twisted Sisters; Simon had to modify them to suit. The whole engine was painted. However, the rocker boxes and points case were coated in black chrome. A BDL open primary carries a three-inch belt was also converted into a black finish. The right-side-drive Baker six-speed gearbox is operational via the final chain and sprocket drive; it runs a Sprotor set-up.

Imitation crocodile skin was the material used to cover the custom-made seat. Forward controls are more by BDL. 

Up until this point Simon was content. He’d built a custom bike that was impressive for sure. However, where he really came into his own was the paint work duties. He firstly painted it in high gloss Glasurit black and then applied the gold candy from DeBeers; this also covers all the previously chrome or polished alloy areas and parts throughout the bike. There were the tedious and very time consuming engine barrels and many other parts that at times presented a real challenge for him. But I think you’d agree the effort was well worth it and in saying it’s a brilliant outcome and finish is more than air. 

We’re lucky that it’s now in Victoria for us on the East Coast to appreciate in the flesh, so to speak. Simon’s skill and talent abound as this ride clearly demonstrates.

• GENERAL
• Builder: Motorcycle Panel & Paint (MCPP)
• Make: street custom 
• FRAME
• Make: MCPP custom rigid   
• ENGINE
• Make: Ultima El Bruto
• Capacity: 127 cubes
• Heads: Ultima 
• Cams: Ultima  
• Pistons: Ultima 
• Crank: Ultima 
• Cases: Ultima 
• Carburetion: Mikuni 44 mm 
• Air cleaner: Ultima  
• Ignition:  Ultima 
• Exhaust: modified Twisted Sister
• TRANSMISSION
• Gearbox: Baker RSD six-speed
• Clutch: Baker
• Open Primary Belt Drive: BDL three-inch belt
• Final Drive: chain & sprocket
• WHEELS
• Front: 21-inch Dragway 
• Rear: 18-inch Dragway with PM Sprotor
• Discs: Dragway
• SUSPENSION
• Front-end: DNA  
• Seat: custom, crocodile skin 
• CONTROLS
• Bars: Burleigh flat drags 
• Levers: PM
• Grips: BDL
• Forward Controls: BDL
• GUARDS & TINWORK
• Rear Guard: MCPP
• Fuel Tank: MCPP  
• Oil tank: MCPP 
• LIGHTS
• Headlight: DNA
• Tail light: custom LED
• Indicators: LED
• Painter: MCPP 
• Paint: High Gloss Glasurit Black & Gold candy from DeBeers   

Words & pics by Knackers

More amazing Ozbike features to check out:

• Black Brassy Sportster Nightster Motorcycle
• Export Quality Chopper to New Zealand
• Wheel Stand & Deliver