IT’s not a good idea to deny who you really are. For this writer, that means realizing that vintage and classic motorcycles will always be my first love. Conflicting is the parade of shiny new techno-wonders that pass left-to-right here at M-E. None of them leak oil, they rarely break, plus they're faster and handle better, too. Ride or hide? That isn't a question, it's a paradox. Perhaps an ideal solution would be a mix…the benefits of modern embellished with a dose of tangible soul.

Some years back, my good friend Jim Knaup of EP&F Guzzi blew me away with a custom, alloy-bodied 850 T3 that he called the Thrasher. Expensive and timeconsuming to produce, the bike was a collaboration between Knaup and fabled metal bender, Evan Wilcox. Featured in the motorcycling press worldwide, those most interested found the waiting list - each piece carefully handcrafted one at a time - simply too long. A memorable machine (think of a Guzzi powered Triton) the Thrasher processed an elemental, raw character that I found irresistible; the work lavished upon its carefully prepared engine and chassis documented forever by the artwork used to showcase its build. Good for the soul perhaps, but not nearly as healthy for the pocketbook.

The Italian firm, RoadRacing, and SkyKing Products prove it doesn't have to be like that. In addition to its own line of machined alloy bits, SkyKing is now the exclusive importer for RoadRacing's stamped alloy bodywork and specialty hardware, designed to replace that trendy and disposable plastic.

Viewing RoadRacing's impressive catalog assures everyone of the shared passion. Working closely with many of the major manufacturers, RoadRacing's catalog contains tanks, seats, side panels, chin spoilers, front and rear (inner) fenders and a myriad of specialty parts. Those include several very trick exhaust systems, mirrors, license plate brackets, various air cleaner covers and more. Applications include Ducati, Cagiva, Triumph, Moto Guzzi, and Aprilia, plus popular Japanese brands. RoadRacing also designs new products and assists in factory development, most recently with Mondial. A personal favorite is the re-shaped Triumph Speed Triple, replete with a bodacious three-can gattling-gun exhaust. RoadRacing even offers a complete alloy kit for the BMW R1200C, transforming one of motorcycling's ugliest models into rolling sculpture. Clearly, this company, located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Milan, has its finger on the pulse. The catalog is impressive, the products more so, the design and creativity inspiring.

The Publisher and I were fortunate to view RoadRacing's booth in Milan two years ago, so we were prepared for the brilliance exhibited by King's Ducati Monster test hack. Provided by Ducati of North America, the Monster arrived as a crashed demo that was first shipped to Oceanside Ducati for a mechanical check then, forwarded to King. "Other than busted bodywork, it was a nearly new Monster 900 FI." recalls King, "which was perfect, because we were going to toss all that stuff anyway. Besides, the Monster is probably the most popular Italian bike on the road, it's practically a cult bike, which explains why RoadRacing makes kits that cover that entire model range." The assembly mounted to our feature bike is called the Alien, which, in the promotional literature is fitted to the liquid cooled S4. Although various shapes are available in 1/4 fairing designs, the Alien features more angular, aggressive lines with twin projector-beam headlights.

Part of what makes RoadRacing alloy kits so distinctive is the screened vents placed in the tanks, side panels, belly pans - even the fender mounts. All except the fuel tanks attach via riveted plates that bolt to the stock mounting points. Moving lower, King has installed RoadRacing's "Tubo Di Scarico" radical two-into-two side-exiting exhaust system, giving your eyes more tasty items to contemplate. Although no power figures were given, the system fits tightly beneath the middle of the bike and sounded fabulous. Park a bike adorned with RoadRacing bodywork and the gathering crowd will be along shortly.

Overall, RoadRacing's products display the utmost in creativity, design, functionality and finish. Seamless and polished to a mirror shine, the Alien's gleaming bodywork matches the frame and mounting points as well or better than the OEM pieces. Running my fingers along the underside of the petrol tank (a trick I learned from Wilcox), the welds felt even and consistent. The mounting hardware and bolt heads are made of stainless and use standard metric Allen heads. If the Alien's radical lines and assertive styling isn't quite your cup of tea, RoadRacing offers other combinations, some of which mimic the stock pieces, painted or partially painted. From the traditional to the wild, there is something for everyone in RoadRacing's repertoire.

Part of my ever-growing attraction to vintage motorcycles is the individual attention lavished upon each and every one produced. The old-world craftsmanship that allows those cherished designs of yesteryear to survive and flourish years after cheaply made products are scrapped. Today's modern motorcycles are in so many ways superior, offering unparalleled performance in terms of reliability, acceleration, braking and handling. Modern manufacturers, already against the wall endeavoring to produce this level of excellence while keeping their products affordable, simply can't afford the level of finishing available from RoadRacing's hardware. In short, the addition of a RoadRacing bodywork kit will bring the exterior of your modern classic in line with the rest of its build. While the investment will be substantial, the transformation will place your motorcycle in the rarified air of a true modern classic. It's not for everyone, but the classics never are.