TRIUMPH ORIGINALS | SHIBUYA GARAGE

BRAZIL

The family legacy runs deep, having been involved in engines for generations. And when it comes to customising motorcycles, they’ve been getting their hands dirty with blood, sweat, and grease for over a quarter of a century. They’re often found working to the cool, jazzy rhythms of bossa nova – a name which, perhaps not so coincidentally, translates to ‘new style’.

For them, the workshop is where their two passions, engines and art, blend in a space where talent, dedication, creativity and innovation are expected. Their style is truly unconventional, making the iconic lifestyle of Triumph Bonnevilles irresistible to the team, and it’s what they’ve brought to the customs brief.

"All I need is my paper, pen, heart – and bossa nova."

How did you get into Customs?

My family has been involved with engines for generations, and since I come from an art background, I have always used motorcycles and cars as my canvas, combining both passions. I’ve been customising motorcycles for 26 years now. The first bike I ever customised was a Honda 80cc that my father gave me. The first Triumph was in 2006, it was a really cool project on a Daytona 955i.

What do you think makes the Bonneville platforms a great platform for custom builds?

These are motorcycles that are already designed for classic-modern creations. You can either customise them yourself or take them much further with custom shops. But I'm biased, since I have a Bonneville at home.

How would you describe your approach to custom bike building?

It gives us custom builders the perfect start! The chassis and motor are sound – there isn’t much we need to change there. A lot of the time we want to keep that iconic silhouette anyway!

How would you describe your approach to custom bike building?

I have a personal ritual with each project, where I imagine the motorcycle as an expression of myself, as a machine. I’m seen as crazy here in Brazil for talking to the bikes, but that’s my ritual. All I need is my paper, pen, heart – and bossa nova.

What influences and inspirations shape your design and craftsmanship?

I draw a lot from the references of my childhood. When I was a child, my father gave me the freedom to make my own choices, and I nourished myself with art, design, and cinema. If I could build a custom bike for anyone, it would be for my father.

What aspect of British culture has influenced your response to the brief?

For me, the form and art of the British theatre has always fascinated me and still does to this day.

What are the key ideas behind your custom Bonneville build for this competition?

My initial reaction to the ‘Icons of British Originality’ brief brought up ideas of elegance, refinement, and tradition. I wanted to bring a sense of gratitude to the project, as I’ve been customising Bonnevilles for two decades now.

What’s the most challenging or rewarding part of customising a Bonneville?

For me, it’s challenging the norm and going beyond the rules and expectations. Coming from a mixed-race background, I faced some prejudice for not fitting the traditional norms of the custom scene. Today, I’m a reference for not following rules and for being free in my work.

Is there a golden rule you always follow when building a custom, and is there one rule you love to break?

Here in Brazil, I’m the creator of an unconventional style. So for this one, I’m going to challenge myself and gift everyone with a work focused on the emotions I’ve carried along this journey