Photography by Cordero Studios
Great Machines: Motorcycles: Industrial Chic
June 1, 2006
From his eponymous Canadian shop, Roger Goldammer crafts high-quality motorcycles that provide a refreshing counterpoint to the commonly overblown choppers that are so popular today. And it is no surprise that the organic simplicity of his stealth Lowtek motorcycle incorporates his usual level of thought-provoking engineering, design, and execution.
The stark, ominous look of the Lowtek is enhanced by hand-formed bodywork
that includes both convex and concave sections on each panel—even the headlight shell has convex
and concave elements, and the gas tank flows from convex at the front to a slight concave
midsection before returning to a convex form at the rear. Goldammer achieved a “forward,
front-heavy, in-motion stance” with details such as the gradual slope beneath the oil tank
and a front five-spoke rim with a full coverage fender that contrasts with the
three-spoke rim and minimal fender at the rear.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Powered by a 106 cu in engine and cutting a stunningly sleek figure, Roger
Goldammer shows off his state-of-the-art design skills in the Lowtek. (Click image to
enlarge)
Goldammer incorporates the bike’s 106 engine as a central visual element, and
says that he chooses not to participate in the current vogue for massive motors. “I prefer
to get more efficient power production from less displacement,” he says, “instead of
using the more common, de-tuned—and often much larger—turnkey or crate engines currently
available.” He relocated the intake ports from the right-hand side to the left for a
visually balanced look. And where the old manifold existed, he welded a new row of cooling fins
for a stock “as cast” appearance.
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Front and rear air lift systems enable the machine to have an
aggressive, low-slung look at rest; then, with a flip of a switch, the bike
raises for adequate ground clearance when riding. The suspension—which uses
conventional oil damping in the raised position—is kept separate from the
lift function, which uses an air cylinder to raise the bike by moving the front
shock mount forward. A remotely mounted master cylinder with adjustable foot
controls adds to the almost nonfunctional look of the bike. (Click image to
enlarge)Goldammer eschewed flashy design for less common earth tones, a subtle blend
of components, and an exceptional finish. There are no flames here, no gaudy skulls or
clutter—just a clean, minimalist approach that qualifies the project as a remarkable work of
art. The Lowtek motorcycle is priced at $130,000.
Goldammer Cycle Works
250.764.8002
www.goldammercycle.com
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