A French Connection
Lyon-based Baak is known for stylish customized machines born from contemporary models—typically Triumphs and Royal Enfields, with some BMW and Moto Guzzi sprinkled in—that highlight French craftsmanship and ooze savoir faire. But, like the savvy petrolheads they are, the team at Baak recognizes the unique hell of trying to import a custom ride into the US—so the boutique atelier recently opened a 7,200-square-foot showroom, lounge and small-scale workshop in Burbank, Calif.
The Stateside squad’s expertise includes metal shaping, leather detailing and specialty paint application, all by hand, and it will accept projects ranging from a simple moped seat to the complete redesign of a favorite café racer. “The first conversation is so important to us,” says Laura Favier, director of Baak USA. “It’s not just riding a bike; we aim at building a community.” To wit: Baak also offers multiday road-and-trail tours in France, which include fully prepared and outfitted camps and plenty of camaraderie. After all, just because your bike’s a one-of-one doesn’t mean you have to be.