Bitsa Bike Gets Deserved Attention

 By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

The appellation “bitsa bike” – as in a motorcycle made from “bits of this, bits of that” – might suggest to some an amalgam of parts that are crammed together, with the result being an ill-conceived finished product. To call Steve Luba’s custom motorcycle a “bitsa bike” may be technically accurate, yet that description doesn’t suffice because the Torrington resident’s creation is strikingly attractive.

Stylistically, it looks like a café bike, except that it lacks low handlebars. Technically, it’s part standard and part sport bike. Age-wise, it’s a mix of vintage and modern. He admits that it’s “kind of cobbled together.” The good news is that “it tracks straight.”

RIDE-CT came across Luba one recent Sunday in downtown Kent. He explained that the core of the bike is a 1975 Suzuki GT550, powered by a 543cc, three-cylinder, two-stroke engine. The front end came from a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R, while the rear end was cribbed from a 2002 Suzuki SV650. “It took a few months to build it,” said Luba.

It was worth the effort. The bike looks speedy even when parked, and the exhaust has a nice blat. If memory serves, Luba said he’s now working on customizing a Harley. RIDE-CT will definitely have to keep him on the radar…

(Editor’s note: Due to storm prep in advance of Hurricane Sandy, the storm itself and the subsequent loss of power, RIDE-CT hasn’t been updated as often as normal. With the power back on, the website’s now back in business. Sorry if you’ve checked in recently and discovered that nothing had changed.)