From Bolton to Bel-Air - the business of bespoke motorcycles

Ahead of this weekend's MCN bike show in London, two recent news articles show what a fascinating and growing industry the world of bespoke motorcycles has grown into. Personalisation, now a trend across all walks of life, from music playlists to super yachts, and the diversity it allows - driven by enthusiasts - is fantastic. The bike world as a great example taking in Hollywood with Keanu Reaves with his Arch Motorcycles and CCM in Bolton, Lancs. 

What's also good to hear is that Chris Knapman, who interviewed Reeves for The Telegraph, told me he was one of the nicest blokes he's had the pleasure to meet: partly the result no doubt of spending zen time on motorcycle maintenance. Backed by my experience when at BMW of The Long Way Round and Long Way Down with Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman: a great partnership delivered with typical biker enthusiasm, passion and a shared goal to just get around the world in one piece but with a few scrapes and adventures along the way.

I guess it's no coincidence in troubled times and surrounded by constant surveillance and connectivity that bike sales - off-the-shelf and bespoke cafe racers and bobbers - are increasing especially across the older and wealthier demographics.

Look too at the rise in e-bikes: Mate Rimac, the genius behind Rimac Automobili that provides battery power for the likes of the Koenigsegg Regera and the AM-RB001 Aston Martin hypercar, is as passionate about his firm's Greyp e-bike as he is working with Bond's brand because it's a new entry level for future speed freaks on two-wheels, rather than a tool for lazy cyclists.

And my son wants to go to turn up to his school 'prom' night this summer not in the back of stretch limo, but with his mates on their pit bikes.

If the future for 4 wheels is autonomous and connected, perhaps 2 wheels' future will be offering the freedom, fresh air and fun that car driving in the 'good old days' used to provide.