Martin Hodgson

Australia

Contributing Writer at Pipeburn

https://t.co/VKXV7wcB56 Senior advocate, International law, prisons, exonerations, kidnapping, missing, Anti Death Penalty Coordinator. Host @CurtainPodcast

Articles

DETAILED DARKNESS: BMW R80 from Roughchild.

3 days ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on June 4, 2025 Attending a Concours d’Elegance event like Pebble Beach is a vastly different experience than casually hanging out, beer in hand, at your favourite custom bike show. But take away the champagne, botox and boat shoes, and there is a hell of a lot to be learnt. And perhaps the greatest lesson from these masters of restoration is paying attention to the finer details, while also having a cohesive overall design.
RED HOT: Ducati Sport Classic by PBM.

5 days ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on June 2, 2025 The Ducati SportClassic was an instant smash hit when unveiled at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, quickly earning ‘modern classic’ status and rave reviews. But the bike world was still gripped by the Superbike craze, had Ducati launched them a decade later, amid the retro revival, they would’ve sold far more. On the Gold Coast, Purpose Built Moto has developed a deep appreciation for these prized rides, and the Ducatisti have clearly taken notice.
TSURUGI: BMW R100/7 from Motor Force.

1 week ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 30, 2025 Ranking the world’s best custom motorcycle shows is all but impossible, there are just so many incredible events taking place, all with their own unique flavour, while catering to an international crowd. But on the podium we’d definitely have to place The Bike Shed Show, held every year at the spectacular Tobacco Dock location in London.
TOUGH GRUNT: Droog Moto X Volcon EV Motorcycle.

1 week ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 28, 2025 There was a time in the 1980s when a number of Japanese manufacturers produced some truly quirky, large-tyre, small-capacity, dual-sport motorcycles. You could have been forgiven for thinking it was a gimmick, but no, machines like the Yamaha BW200 with its seriously meaty rubber front and rear, could conquer all sorts of rugged terrain.
FURY OFF-ROAD: Royal Enfield Bear 650 by Fuel Motorcycles.

1 week ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 26, 2025 From acting icon Steve McQueen to former MotoGP Star Danilo Petrucci, there is something about riding in a Rally Raid that makes even the rich and famous desperate to fill their lungs with the dust of the desert. From the epic adventures of the Dakar to the sand and speed of the Baja 1000, these races are as much about the characters who embrace the challenge, as they are the machines that have to withstand the inherent chaos and carnage.
SHIBUSA: Royal Enfield Classic 350 by Eimor Customs.

2 weeks ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 23, 2025 At the close of the most recent financial year, the bean counters at Royal Enfield had one hell of an impressive number to take to management; the company had produced and sold a million motorcycles in that twelve-month period. The company is simply booming, and you’d be hard pressed to find a place on earth where you don’t see an RE on the road; but nowhere do they loom as large as in their home country of India.
BOBBERS ON A BUDGET: Thunder Motorcycles from Japan.

2 weeks ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 21, 2025 If you keep a casual eye on the motorcycle industry at large, then it’s hard to miss the fact that some major manufacturers are in financial trouble. But while those big brands struggle, new players emerge and a surprise success story in recent times has been that of Thunder Motorcycles. Now, straight away I can hear people asking themselves the question, how can they be successful if I’ve never even heard of them?
TRIPLE THREAT: Yamaha XS750 from Kaspeed Moto.

2 weeks ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 19, 2025 The Yamaha MT series of motorcycles have been a huge seller for the Iwata-based company, and have almost single-handedly kept the factory going during some dark times. Offering everything from learner legal machines to powerful twins, screaming triples and big fours, if you look back to the ’70s you’ll find Yamaha only had to look in the mirror for the inspiration for such a successful line-up.
RACE-BRED CLASSIC: MV Agusta 750 S

3 weeks ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 17, 2025 Total domination of MotoGP, a range of new sporting motorcycles that are the envy of the industry and a passionate supporter base like no other, Ducati are the current kings of the two-wheeled world. But it is easy to forget that there was a time when they weren’t even the top dog in Italy, because, for a considerable period, MV Agusta reigned over the world.
Electric Stark dressed in Honda CR500 clothing.

3 weeks ago | pipeburn.com | Martin Hodgson

By Martin Hodgson on May 14, 2025 It can be a long winter in the UK, so with the warm spring sun of May having arrived, you’d think what better way to relax than to head to the East Coast in Kent and enjoy the waters and sands of Margate Beach.