# Sugarland Express by Riverside Motocyclettes and Mort’M Garage

- Link: https://custommotorcycles.info/sugarland-express/
- Published: 2015-06-23T10:00:36-04:00
- Author: Manny Costa

[View Sugarland Express by Riverside Motocyclettes and Mort'M Garage Photo Gallery](https://custommotorcycles.info/sugarland-express/#photogallery)

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](http://www.rs-motocyclettes.fr/).

## Photo Gallery

[⌊Sugarland Express⌉⌊Sugarland Express⌉[
 [⌊Sugarland Express  2⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sugarland-Express-2.jpg) [⌊Sugarland Express  1⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sugarland-Express-1.jpg)