MotoGP
We speak to a Portuguese builder whose name perfectly conveys his philosophy on bike building.
“Testar, cortar, criar” is the tagline in Portuguese that runs on the Lab Motorcycle website and it’s a slogan that perfectly encapsulates the ethos of owner Pedro Bacalhau.
“Test, cut, create” is its translation and since 2011 Pedro’s been doing just that, crafting one-off, fully bespoke machines to his clients’ individualised wishes.
The turn of 2017 marked a milestone for Pedro and Lab: 50 builds. It seemed like a good time to speak to him and find out where the beginnings of Lab lay, what it’s all about and of course check out some of the bikes…
A deep-seated passion
Like many who live a life that revolves around two wheels, Pedro’s love for motorcycles and all things relating to them started from a very young age.
“It all started when I was small boy. From the first motorcycle I had at the age of 15 I never had an ‘original’ one, I always liked to have something unique and not a motorcycle that had been created by someone I didn’t know.
“In 2010 I customised my motorcycle, which was a Ducati Monster 900, and published the photos on a forum in Portugal. It was well received and that was when I started to customise motorcycles for other people.”
Laboratório de criação e alteração de motos: Lab Motorcycle is born
In 2011, Pedro formed Lab Motorcycle, but it remained a part-time operation until the demand for his services convinced him this was something he needed to pursue full time.
“At first I only worked on the bikes at the weekend because I had another job, but in 2014 I dedicated myself to Lab full time.
“It was difficult at first, because it was a big change for me, and I have always loved taking care of every aspect and detail.
“The process of creation is always a shared one between the future owner of the motorcycle and myself. We share a vision, work on drawings together so that the project has a clearly identified objective.”
Lab Motorcycle in 2017
The philosophy today remains the same as it was when Pedro started Lab.
“After six years it has retained the same simplicity as always. The bikes are made to run and to fulfil the experience of being able to have something unique and personal.”
Check out the Lab Motorcycle website, and follow the workshop on Facebook
