American style, Swiss excellence
When you see The Giraffe II for the first time, the question is inevitable:
Is it a chopper?
With its elongated silhouette, low stance, and high handlebars, at first glance it has all the appearance of a modern chopper. Aesthetically, it could easily pass as one. But if we delve into its construction and philosophy, the answer becomes more complex.
This bike was not born from the outlaw spirit or the rebellious minimalism of the 1960s and 70s. It is not an improvised piece, nor an assembly of recycled parts. It is the result of Swiss precision engineering, created from a Softail model, to meet a very specific need: to build an ergonomic, safe, and street-legal bike for a rider over two meters tall.
However, far from straying from the chopper legacy, The Giraffe II is the logical and necessary evolution of that spirit, adapted to modern times. It is, ultimately, a reinterpretation of the classic concept, brought to its highest technical and aesthetic expression, thanks to the Swiss custom workshop Bündnerbike.
Designed for giants, built with precision
The Giraffe II was born from a unique challenge: how to create a comfortable and functional bike for an extremely tall rider. It wasn’t about adapting an existing motorcycle, but completely redesigning it.
The frame is extended by 25 centimeters, the seat is low and custom-made, featuring a two-piece seat plate sewn in the Diamond Rising style. The rear fender integrates LED lights, and the 3D fuel tank is split into two pieces to maintain harmonious proportions. Beneath the bodywork, a handcrafted oil tank adds functionality without disrupting the clean lines of the design.
Technology and details at the service of style
Nothing on The Giraffe II is generic or improvised:
- Oversized 20-inch front fork, custom-made.
- Machined monoblock aluminum wheels: 3.5 x 18 inches front and 10.5 x 18 inches rear.
- Adjustable air suspension allowing for height and comfort tuning.
- Harley-Davidson braking system with 4- and 2-piston calipers, paired with exclusive floating discs.
- Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust with electronic sound control, compliant with regulations but offering an adjustable, striking roar.
- Bündnerbike-specific components, from handlebars and electrical box to engine mounts and license plate holder.
- PM Contour accessories for grips, brakes, and footpegs.
Each piece has been designed and manufactured with the utmost precision to combine functionality and aesthetics.
A paint job with identity
The customization extends to the paint, where the client and manufacturer chose an exclusive combination applied to the tank, frame, fenders, fork, and wheels. As the result is a harmonious ensemble that highlights the bike’s extreme lines and reflects the rider’s personality, creating a coherent and powerful visual statement.
The future of the chopper
Although at first glance The Giraffe II might seem like a simple homage to the chopper style, it is actually much more than that.
It is not a departure from its origins, but an intelligent and advanced reinvention. It moves away from traditional DIY, yet retains the essence of a bike that expresses individuality, freedom, and personality through a long, low design without superfluous embellishments.
The Giraffe II is the chopper of the future: better finished, more ergonomic, more functional, and with a level of detail rarely seen.
Customization should not be limited to copying a classic style, but can evolve with contemporary technology, engineering, and design.
The importance of evolving and reinventing
The custom culture has always been synonymous with freedom and creativity, and to keep that essence alive, it is vital to evolve and reinvent. It is not about forgetting the past, but about merging it with innovation, technology, and modern design.
Projects like “The Giraffe II” show that customization goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a combination of engineering, functionality, and personality. Moving forward does not mean abandoning the essence, but preserving it with vision and boldness.
“The Giraffe II” not only impresses visually, but redefines what a chopper can be today. It is the perfect synthesis of tradition and modernity, of rebellious spirit and Swiss precision. A machine created to challenge physical and technical limits, without losing the soul of a classic.
In short, it is the future of choppers already here, built with the same passion as always, but with new tools and a renewed vision. At Cafe Racer World, we believe that reinvention is key for the custom culture to remain an authentic and living expression of freedom.
