CUSTOMISING WHAT WAS THAT?

SYDNEY’S BIKEBIZ RECREATES BMW’S CLASSIC R 90 S WORDS THE BEAR PHOTOS SAXON SHING, BIKEBIZ

Today, we probably think of Akrapovic when we think of Slovenian technology at all. But did you know that the first motorcycles built in Slovenia hit the streets in 1903? They were made by Johann Puch, the forerunner of the company that built the excellent Puch moped that Mrs Bear rode to work in London. Today Slovenia, with a population roughly half that of Sydney, is still an impressive manufacturing country.

It builds aircraft – and of course it is the home of Akrapovic, pretty much the premium motorcycle exhaust manufacturer who is now making systems for cars as well.