Game Over Cycles, the Polish company that created “Slow Burn Bike” featured in our May issue, has won another well-earned award for its creation of the world’s first tattooed motorcycle called “The Recidivist.”
Game Over Cycles presented “The Recidivist” most recently during the Custom Contest at Eternal City Motorcycle Show in Rome, where the bike won the Special Award. The show is one of the largest in Italy and encompasses 30,000 square meters with 300 exhibitors, with 25,000 guests attending over two days.
Tattoos and motorcycles have a long history together, as is evident by the many motorcycle rallies and events that include a tattoo contest. Common customizations for bikes include airbrushed tattoo motifs. “The Recidivist” takes that relationship to the next level by incorporating real tattoos in the bike’s wheels, tank, seat, rear fender, and sidecar. The bike is covered in cowhide leather, which has been tattooed by artists from Polish studios.
In addition, there are elements on the bike to mimic parts of tattoo machines. For example, the front suspension resembles a traditional coil tattoo machine, and the exhaust pipe looks like a modern tattoo machine, including needles that move when the bike is started.
Other features of the bike take inspiration from post-war biker lifestyle:
- The starting lever has the shape of a bomb detonator.
- The rear light indicators look like brass knuckles.
- The front brake calipers look like handcuffs.
- The clutch and brake levers are formed in the shape of butterfly knives.
The bike is based on a Harley-Davidson Heritage, although only the 96ci Twin Cam engine and part of the frame remain from the original. It was first presented during the London International Tattoo Convention in 2014, and the sidecar was added in 2017 and presented during the Sturgis Rally of that year.
“We are glad that after the trophies won in Austria, Germany, and the USA, we were also recognized in Italy, a country that loves motoring, especially motorcycles,” said Stanisław Myszkowski, founder and owner of Game Over Cycles. “The Recidivist still amazes people, and we bring home another respectable award, so it is a reason to be proud and happy.”
Congrats to Game Over Cycles for another award added to its growing list of honors. Find more information about “The Recidivist” and the company at the Game Over Cycles website.
