There goes da Judge

We covered most of is specs and build details last issue, but one thing we didn't include in all that information was its performance figures. As you could imagine, all the engine mods (see last issue) and the addition of a Garrett T28 turbocharger makes the Judge very powerful. How powerful? Try 225 RWHP @ 11,500rpm 12psi boost (on premium unleaded) and 275 RWHP @ 11,500rpm 16psi boost (on VP 109).

Big figures in anyone's language, but it's no surprise considering that the Judge was created by Ben Shaw of Extreme Creations (whose name pops up in a number of streetfighter builds) with the brief of going as far 'over the top' as possible! On that account, I think everyone agrees it's a case of mission accomplished! But now that mission has been accomplished, and the Judge has cleaned up at various bike awards, it's now time for someone else to enjoy it - and for Extreme Creations to create a new flagship bike.

The Judge cost Ben Shaw $75,000 to build, so the asking price of $55,000 seems pretty reasonable for such a one-off piece of motorcycle engineering . . . and art! For more details, contact Ben Shaw on 0419 226 348, or go to www.extremecreations.com.au for a detailed specs list.

What makes a Streetfighter?
Think 'streetfighter' and most people think of a Japanese superbike that's had the fairing and other parts removed, then tuned, tweeked, modified and customised into a truly unique creation. In the broad sense, that's true, but the streetfighter ethic is as much a movement as it is a custom bike style.

Many of the owners of these bikes are their creators, too, adept at rebuilding engines, modifying swingarms, adding custom parts or laying down their own unique paint schemes. With each creator adding their own personal touch to the build, no two streetfighters are alike - a look at the examples on these pages certainly proves that! The precise origins of the streetfighter movement are hard to pinpoint, but most enthusiasts agree that streetfighter style began in the UK in the early 1980s.

Some claim it all started with a group of courier riders who stripped their bikes down for maximum handling and performance, while others claim the movement's beginnings lie with a group of enthusiast mechanics who would take crash-damaged bikes and use them as the basis for high-performance one-offs, mixing and matching components across makes and models.

Little concession was made to style on some of these early creations - the so-called 'rat' look that still has its devotees today. But in the modern streetfighter, the bike's visual appeal is an important factor, so lots of chrome, candy paint, airbrush artwork and anodised parts are now the rule, rather than the exception. One constant throughout streetfighter history is the emphasis on performance. Adding power is a priority and most streetfighters boast an impressive list of engine mods, turbos, or in some cases, complete replacement engines. There are no rules and there are no boundaries with streetfighters - if you have the ability (or the cash) to build it - and the balls to ride it! - just about anything is possible!

What makes an Aussie Streetfighter?
While the UK is regarded as the birthplace and spiritual home of streetfighters, the movement has devotees throughout the World. German streetfighters have developed an 'extreme' style that's as much art as it is engineering, while US streetfighters tend to whack on more chrome and add drag bike rear ends in ever increasing lengths. So, is there an Aussie streetfighter style?

It's a question that's tough to answer. However, JUST BIKES has observed that streetfighters appearing at our national bike shows are showing more and more 'bling'. Whether it's in the form of Euro-style custom seats and headlight pods, or chunky single-sided chrome swingarms, the desire to make a visual impact has become all the more evident in the latest generation of Aussie streetfighters. It's not a nationwide trend, though. A look at the examples on this page show that there are as many interpretations of the streetfighter style as there are people creating them.

Picking bits and pieces from around the World, Aussie enthusiasts have added their own take on the streetfighter style, but haven't forgotten that, first and foremost, a streetfighter is built to be ridden - and ridden hard! Engine-wise, the classic 7-11 (1100cc engine in a 750cc frame) combo is still a popular choice, while turbos seem to be increasingly common additions.

So, in answer to the question, there is no distinctly Aussie Streetfighter style. . . . yet!

The Australian streetfighter movement is growing, though. What was once a tiny niche is certainly growing. It could also be argued the boom in choppers has helped the streetfighter movement, as enthusiasts who want an individual bike look beyond a huge rake and a H-D V-twin!