Of all the motorcycles revealed at the EICMA show in Milan, this is the one that got my heart beating fastest. It’s the Husqvarna Concept MOAB, and it’s billed as a “modern re-interpretation of the scrambler”. If the colors look familiar, it’s because they replicate the paintwork of Steve McQueen’s 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross. According to the blurb given to the press, “The red tank, the spacious seat, the yellow side panel number holders, the simple stripped-down frame … these all form the essence of the new incarnation of the Husqvarna spirit.” And that’s fine by me.

The engine is the proven Rotax/BMW 650 unit, which helps to keep the bike compact and the seat height low. Wheels are 17” front and rear, and fitted with Pirelli MT60RS dual-sport tires. The ‘bars are high and wide, and the long seat will make the riding position even more comfortable. Hi-tech touches come from the instrument panel and the LED lights in the front number holder and at the back. Husqvarna hasn’t said whether or not it’ll put this bike into production. But the response at EICMA was enthusiastic—in contrast to the mixed response the newly productionized Nuda 900R has been getting. My gut feeling is that the Varese-based company has judged the market well this time, and we’re due for a resurgence of interest in scrambler-type motorcycles. After all, it’s a bike you can ride into the city during the week, and down the firetrails on Sunday. If it went on sale for less than $10,000, I’d pony up the cash. Would you?

It’s hard to believe that the Wrenchmonkees have been operating for three years now. But in that short time, they’ve become one of the most recognized names in the custom motorcycle world. The history of this 1977 Kawasaki Z1000A is entwined in the history of the company, because it’s been in and out of the Copenhagen workshop since the start. It was originally owned by a mechanic friend of the Wrenchmonkees, who bought the bike for just $2,000. When it arrived, it would barely run—but it’s now a high-performance machine finished in the ‘Monkees signature dark style.

“As most homebuilders know, it’s hard to keep focus on a project when months and sometimes years pass by,” says Wrenchmonkee Per. “And you kind of forget why you even started in the first place. It always ends up being more expensive than first assumed …” But the motor has now been rebuilt, and upgraded for even more power with a Wiseco 1075 kit. It’s also fitted with Z1000J carbs and K&N filters. The Wrenchmonkees have kept the stock headers, but swapped out the mufflers for their ‘Megatron’ items. Handling gets a boost with a big GSX-R transplant—including forks, wheels and brakes—while Bitubo shocks bring up the rear. The frame has been reinforced and the rear subframe cut down; the seat/tail unit is a custom item, although the tank is stock.

The look is long and low, and quite heavy-set. But the handling, thanks to the modern suspension, is reportedly “light and agile”. Wouldn’t you like to try it out?

Whenever I see a Honda CB750 in the metal, I’m always surprised at how big it is. In photographs, Honda’s iconic inline four always seems slim and sleek. So I’d love to throw a leg over this 1980 CB750 KZ, the latest custom from Cafe Racer Dreams. Nicknamed “Brownie”, it’s a CB750 on a diet. The Spanish builder’s changes are relatively small and conservative, but well-judged—this is the second bike they’ve modified in this style, and it’s becoming a signature look. Power gets a boost from Keihin carbs, free-flowing filters and a custom exhaust system. At the back are Hagon shocks, and up front are Renthal Ultra Low bars. The electrics have been simplified and the ignition key unit has been relocated to underneath the tank on the right-hand side. That supremely glossy tank is a stock item, cut down, and of course the side covers have gone: the battery is now hidden away in a small custom-made aluminum box. It’s this new space under the custom seat that’s helped the CB750 to shed a lot of visual weight. The brown, gold and black color scheme is low-key but luxurious, like a fine piece of leatherwork. I’m sold, but unfortunately, so is this bike. Check out the stylish Cafe Racer Dreams website for more of these gorgeous machines.