Written by Martin Hodgson
The idea of a European/American hybrid is not a new one in the automotive world, with vehicles like the Shelby Cobra using parts from each side of the Atlantic. A lightweight, well-balanced chassis with some Yank V-Power muscle to get things moving always seemed like the perfect combination. Inspired by the concept the French boutique manufacturer Avinton launched their Collector GT, a tribute to the Cobra in motorcycle form. Despite the quality of the product and the high-profile endorsement of NBA Superstar Tony Parker, things never really took off. So one lucky owner parked his 2014 model up until he could find a builder to truly complete the dream. Enter French motorcycle maestro Olivier Ortolani who took delivery of the big-ticket bike and sent home the perfect Ortolani Customs Avinton Cafe Racer.
Olivier is no stranger to working on exotic machines or the Pipeburn faithful; having previously finished fourth in the 2017 Bike of the Year Awards with his incredible all alloy Ducati 1199 S Panigale. So being asked to completely modify a motorcycle worth more than $65,000 was not something he loses sleep over like most mere mortals. The client had purchased one of the very first Avintons off the production line, but wanting a few changes to be made had left the bike sitting for nearly five years before finally, in Olivier, finding someone he could trust with his prized possession.

?The brief for this project was to lighten the rear of the motor...