Italian master builder Aldo Querio Gianetto found his inspiration from an old motorcycle that his grandfather rode for years. It was a clean, minimalist design with only what was necessary to get from A to B. The frame’s backbone stretched straight from the headtube to the rear axle and a single seat tube angled down to hold the engine. That was it, no downtube, no chainstays, the engine appeared to be floating in the air. His shocking custom, Freeway, mimics these lines, but on a much grander and more beautiful scale.

Built in only 21 days in Aldo’s shop, AQG Custom Motorcycles, located in the tiny town (pop.316) with the big name, Colleretto Castelnuovo in north-western Italy, Freeway breaks all the old rules looking somewhat like an unfinished roller at a first glance. The AQG Freestyle rigid frame consists of delicate, curving tubes arching over and behind the engine and without a downtube in sight, the Morris Magneto-fired 93” S&S Shovelhead appears to be suspended in air. The 35 degree rake springer helps to contribute to this skeletal airiness while the white rimmed wire spoke wheels add to the wispy effect, especially since the skinny front wheel is unencumbered by anything resembling a brake. The way light travels through this bike gives a feeling of looking at an X-ray of a motorcycle, if that were possible. A chubby 250mm Avon Venom surrounds an intricately milled, billet drum brake with a cool spinner on the non-drive side by Kustom Tech and is the visual anchor that keeps this bike from looking like a line drawing taken from a Leonardo da Vinci sketchbook. Aldo saved time making sheetmetal by only having to fabricate the rear fender which is mounted so closely to the tire that it makes the rear wheel seem like it’s composed of half-rubber/half-metal. So where’s the gas tank? Peer under the frame hoop in front of the engine and there’s a beautiful brass 1.6 gallon tank shaped like a Bugatti radiator sporting a cap with a gorgeous AQG emblem. The brass theme continues with exhaust pipes resembling a pair of brass tipped trumpets that I can only assume announce one’s arrival long before actually arriving. The Sting-Ray bicycle-like Fehling apehangers are fitted with Kustom Tech internal controls with nary a cable in sight to spoil the mock-up/roller affect while the bicycle-inspired seat continues the theme. Shifting is by a willowy jockey shifter topped with an AQG knob and accompanied by Kustom Tech foot controls.

Aldo’s grandfather was his personal inspiration while his Freeway design should inspire many others.

SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Name: Freeway Owner: AQG Custom Motorcycles Year / Make: 2005 Freestyle Fabrication: AQG Assembly: AQG Build time: 21 days Engine: 2005 93″ S&S Shovelhead Cases: S&S Flywheels: S&S Rods: S&S Pistons: S&S Cylinders: S&S Heads: S&S Cam: S&S		Ignition: Morris Magneto Carb: S&S Super E Pipes: AQG Air Cleaner: AQG Transmission: Zodiac 6-speed Primary: AQG Clutch: AQG Frame: AQG Freestyle Rake: 35 degrees Front Wheel: 3.0 X 21 Wire spoke Rear Wheel: 9.0 X 18 Wire spoke Front Tire: 3.0 X 21 Avon Speedmaster Rear Tire: 250 X 18 Avon Venom Front Brake: Nada

Builder: Aldo Querio Gianetto, AQG Custom Motorcycles

Italy has a long history of producing some of the world’s most famous and courageous people, with many of them contributing more than their share of positive influence around the globe. Many locals refer to Italy as “Belpaese”, which means “Beautiful Country”, because of the beauty and mixture of its landscape, and because of its world’s largest artistic patrimony. It is said that the people are as beautiful as the country itself. Reminds me of the time when a couple of Harley buddies when on an Italian beach vacation and returned with sore necks.

Aldo Querio Gianetto of AQG Custom Motorcycles can be added to the list of Italians who has made significant contribution to the world, particular in the custom motorcycle industry. He believes in producing custom motorcycles that are functional and appealing, but yet affordable. “This is a great business, but as builders we must be careful not force ourselves out of business with overpriced custom motorcycles, particular those that look great, but runs poorly”, said Aldo.

Aldo live and work in the Northern town of Colleretto Castelnuovo, Italy, which is where his shop is located. He was born in 1972, and is the only member in his family who rides motorcycles. He started riding the two-wheel machines at age of 15, an age where most youngsters think they are grown, and he quickly developed a desire to produce custom motorcycles. His hobbies include aeronautics and theatre.

This bike feature originally appeared in Barnett’s Magazine issue #50, September 2006.