Art or not?

I'll get right to the question: can a motorcycle be art?

Some think so, as evidenced by the Guggenheim's Art of the Motorcycle exhibit from a few years ago.  A collection of bikes from all different styles were gathered and shown in the art museum.  Artsy-fartsy people say no, a motorcycle can't be art because it has another purpose.  They believe art exists for itself; it just is.

I think the art people are wrong.  A motorcycle can absolutely be art.  If you want proof, just look below:

The above is a Moto Guzzi built by German customizers Kaffemaschine and I think it's the best-looking bike I've ever seen.  Heady words, indeed, but everything about the bike is perfect.  From the paint to the seat to the fairing to the engine, every piece is magnificent.

What's also magnificent is that this bike was built to compete in vintage racing.  It's not some garage ornament funded by a corporate exec's bonus that will never see the light of day.  It's a real bike built for a real purpose.

This Guzzi began its life as an 850 Le Mans, which is a very good start.  Most of the standard Guzzi bits were tossed and replaced with new or one-off items.  The rear part of the frame was removed and a custom seat was fitted.  The piece de resistance is a custom carbon fiber fuel tank.  All the mods drop the typical fat Guzzi weight down to a svelte 387 lbs.

Forward motion is provided by a 1040cc V11 engine with a hot cam and big valves.  This results in 95 hp and a guaranteed good time.

Looking at this Guzzi, it's clear that a motorcycle can be art.  This machine is as purposeful as it it is striking.  The lines are all right; every piece flows into the next with nothing out of place.  It's a beautiful piece of sculpture; a bit like Michelangelo's David  but with wheels.  This Guzzi is everything a motorcycle is and should be in one package.  It is the perfect specimen. 

Okay, enough blabbing.  It's time for more pics.