It feels like we haven?t heard from the Wrenchmonkees for a while. And we?ve just found out why: the original alt-moto superstar builders have changed the way they?re doing business.
To save their sanity, principals Per Nielsen and Nicholas Bech are now building fewer but better bikes. And here?s an exclusive look at their first release for 2016: a dark and handsome Harley Sportster 883 tagged ?AW16.?

It?s right up there with the best from the Danish workshop, and justifies the return to high-end building: ?We had no fun building bikes on a budget just to pay the rent,? says Nicholas.
As well as the ‘less is more’ approach, the Wrenchmonkees are increasing the emphasis on the parts and clothing side of the operation. (Hence the ‘AW16’ name for this bike.) And they?re working more with manufacturers?as they?ve done with a Yamaha XJ1300 for the Yard Built project.
AW16 is has the signature Wrenchmonkees vibe?times ten. They?ve defined their style as ?wrenched from black,? and this new custom has that familiar yet edgy core of darkness.
The base bike is a 2001-spec Sportster 883. Sitting on top of the modified frame is a Storz Road Race aluminum tank, with a high-flow Pingel petcock handling fuel supply.

The rest of the bodywork has been custom-built in house, from the seat and tail unit to the side covers?and the discreet inner fender that keeps crud away from the back of the engine.
The fairing is fiberglass and modeled on the style of the c...