Form Follows Speed: Road Racers, Superbikes, and Landspeeders…
We’re back with another round of photos from the 2026 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, held at Austin’s COTA (Circuit of the Americas) in conjunction with the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas. It seemed there were more race, sport, super, and land-speed bikes on hand than in previous years, which is only fitting given the venue.
We’ve always loved the overlap between race bikes and customs. In the bikes below, form follows not just mere function, but speed, performance, and durability. For the show’s organizers, the showcasing of such hand-built machines is part of a larger movement to honor and elevate physical craftsmanship.
“By sharing this work, we add fuel to a revolution in the making. People crave the satisfaction and creative outlet of producing something truly unique and fit to their own preferences for design and function. This renaissance of working with our hands has helped create the movement that is the custom motorcycle scene.” -Handbuilt Show
This year, we were fortunate to have racer and light-wrangler Kody Melton on hand to capture the splendor. Kody returned with some 400 photos from the show! Without further ado, we present you with a gallery of superbikes, road racers, land-speed bikes, and more. What are your top picks? Let us know in the comments!
Handbuilt 2026: Road Racers and Superbikes
• Kevin Schwantz Yoshimura GS700ES!
• 175cc Partial Streamliner: The JP Works / Pete Phillips
Built for the 175-APS-AG class, with parts from Aprilia, Rotax, and Italjet.
• Victory Project 156: Pikes Peak Racer
Developed by Victory Motorcycles and Roland Sands Design to compete in the 2015 and 2016 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, rideen by Jeremy Toye.
• “Snot Rocket” Kawasaki Z125 Pro: Ace Loyd
“Purpose built to race at Bonneville. Built & piloted by Ace Loyd, age 12. Set AMA national record in the 125 M-BG Class @ 65.53 mph. For sale!
• Kawasaki ZX-4RR: Ajay Loyd
“Purpose built to race @ Bonneville Salt Flats. Built & raced by Ajay Loyd @ age 17. Set AMA national record in 500 P-AG @ 117.399 MPH.”
• Ducati 900 Supersport SP (Sport Production)
• 1983 Bimota KB3 / SB4: Nick Ienatsch (@sbkstash)
“Built from an SB4 wreck in 1992 by Nick Ienatsch of Motorcyclist mag with assistance from Mike Worshum. Resurrected in 2026 by Paul Murphy of Meticulous Motorcycle Restorations. Featured in 9/92 Motorcyclist magazine.”
• Ducati 1299 Superleggera: Alpha Moto
• Suzuki GSX-R: Details Unknown
Follow the Photographer
- Web: www.kodymelton.com
- Instagram: @kodymelton
Follow the Show
- Web: revivalcycles.com/handbuilt-motorcycle-show
- Instagram: @handbuiltshow
- Facebook: @thehandbuiltmotoshow
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