Sugarland Express by Riverside Motocyclettes and Mort’M Garage

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Sugarland Express is a stripped-back custom built through a collaboration between Riverside Motocyclettes and Mort’M Garage. Its design is dominated by a long, open chassis, wire wheels and a polished V-twin left almost completely exposed. Finished in Grey Mercedes 1961, the motorcycle uses restraint rather than decoration to make its impression: the frame, engine, belt drive and carefully routed controls all remain part of the visual composition.

An open frame makes the proportions count

The tubular frame is the first detail to read from the side. Instead of hiding the mechanical centre of the bike behind large body panels, the builders have allowed the upper rails and bracing to trace the shape of the motorcycle around the engine. That creates a light-looking silhouette, even with the substantial V-twin occupying the middle of the chassis.

Both wheels use narrow-spoked rims with black tyres, giving the bike a classic foundation while keeping attention on its unusual frame lines. The long relationship between the wheels and the compact solo seat gives Sugarland Express a deliberately stretched stance. A small gold script emblem on the frame adds one of the few contrasting details against the grey finish.

Two workshops, clearly divided work

According to the supplied build description, Riverside Motocyclettes handled the design, seat, brakes, cable details, moulding and finishing work. Mort’M Garage made the oil tank, gas tank, primary case with shifter and electrical components, while the exhaust was produced jointly. That division is visible in the bike’s balance between crafted surface details and exposed mechanical hardware.

The seat is kept low and minimal, leaving the rear section of the frame unobstructed. At the opposite end, the tank sits as a compact shaped element rather than dominating the top line. The result is a motorcycle where small fabrication decisions—brackets, cable runs and the transition between tank and frame—matter as much as the major components.

Polished metal against muted paint

The grey bodywork and frame provide a quiet backdrop for the engine’s bright alloy surfaces. Cylinder fins, covers, intake hardware and the primary-drive area supply most of the visual contrast. The exhaust follows the same mechanical language, staying close to the engine and frame instead of becoming a separate styling feature.

Sugarland Express is therefore less about a long equipment list than about editing. Riverside and Mort’M have left enough structure on display for the construction to be read at a glance, then used the finish and small details to keep that raw layout resolved rather than unfinished.

Builder information is available from Riverside Motocyclettes.

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