Most successful custom builders are based in big cities. They need the client base, the close network of suppliers, and the buzz of a metropolis for inspiration. But one of the top workshops in France is based in the tiny medieval town of Chauvigny?tucked away in the middle of nowhere, about four hours south of Paris.
The geographic obscurity has not hampered the success of FCR Original in any way. Shop owner Sébastien Guillemot has just revamped his brand, moved into small-scale manufacture, and now sells a range of accessories too.

Custom builds are still at the core of the business though, and this zingy 2016 Scrambler is the latest to roll out of the shop. ?It has the last of the 865 cc air/oil cooled engines,? says Sébastien. ?With 270° timing, the engine is more ?torquey? and fun than the liquid-cooled 900 cc.? The Scrambler continues the line of FCR?s retro-themed ?Legend? builds?a lineage that started a couple of years ago, with 20 bikes completed so far.

Like all its predecessors, ?Yellow Legend? has a gorgeous nickel-plated frame, with a shortened rear loop. But this time, the eye is also drawn to the engine cases, which have a beautiful bronze ceramic treatment.
According to Sébastien, it?s a nod to the magnesium cases of the Matchless G50 engine.

The sprocket cover has a matching finish, perforated with holes, and FCR have also installed their own bash guard?which completely encloses the front lower parts of the frame downtubes.
The plush new sea...