When one buys a motorcycle, they buy into a way of life and a whole assortment of accouterments that come with it. While many companies have offered their take on these essentials, these often fall short and feel more like a piecemeal solution than the lifestyle consumers deserve. But thanks to the collaboration between sunglass label Dom Vetro and Chad Hodge in the creation of Cardinal Motors, cyclists can now find a fully designed experience; with a helmet and leather goods tailored made for a custom built BMW R-100/7. Hodge, a Brooklyn-based motorcycle builder, has embedded within his sleek design a sense of style to match the contours of Dom Vetro sunglasses. The bike features a dedicated pocket for Dom Vetro eyewear, wonderfully integrated into a leather strip that runs from the fuel tank down to match the plush seat. The bike itself is wonderfully built and minimal, with a café racer aesthetic in mind. But besides the stunning bike, the helmet is what truly shows off Hodge’s sense of taste, akin to his earlier design of the Bell Bullitt helmet, which won him much acclaim. The helmet’s white and dark red color scheme works seamlessly with the bike, matching the contrast of the white and leather beautifully. When worn while riding the R-100/7, the pairing gives you a sense of the completion you’re meant to feel on a motorcycle. This sense is further amplified by the other leather goods of the Cardinal Motors brand, and overall proves the importance of bringing a cohesive narrative to every element of a design product. Images courtesy of Chad Hodge.
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