There are two sides to every tale and as the timeless phrase goes, to each their own. Where some prefer their stretched bling machines, others tread lightly in search of a more understated path. While understandably the subdued cues of a modest-custom may not initially catch your eye, it's that second glance that will keenly captivate you.

Loren Canepa's 2008 Gixxer 1000 happens to be just that--understated insanity. A quick glance and your eyes might catch the blue accents, icy paint and carbon bits. But we'd bet you probably missed the carbon fiber BST wheels at first reference. We'd go as far as to say you might have missed the under-slung Taylormade exhaust, custom CNC machined rear rotor, the Galfer rotors up front and possibly even the Sato rearsets.

It's true, buried deep within the typical sea of excess, we almost missed this carbon fiber rocket. It was the wheels that stopped our forward progression through a crowded bike night however.

The Suzuki also sports such go-fast necessities as Spiegler brake lines, a Power Commander III and an hlins steering damper. Being the critical sort that we are, the lack of suspension mods seemed the only weakness on an otherwise tidy package. Undeterred by our scrutiny, the owner was quick to prove that his paper-plated Gixxer was in need of more mileage before its new underpinnings were to be fitted. "I'm waiting to put a few more miles on it before I fit the new suspension--it's only got 100 miles on it right now and I'm waiting to make my own judgment about the stock setup. I've heard good and bad things about it out of the box."

Wondering if this white widowmaker would be forever relinquished to mantelpiece status or actually put to the test, Canepa added that the bike would not soon collect dust. "My K5 is setup for track duties, so I built this one as a streetbike to be ridden."

Buyer's Box
2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Front End: BST carbon fiber wheel, Spiegler stainless steel braided lines, Galfer Wave rotors, Michelin Pilot Power tire, Pyramid carbon fiber front fender, Magical Racing carbon fiber gauge cluster cover, Moto Wizard preload adjusters

Rear End: BST carbon fiber wheel, Spiegler stainless steel braided line, custom CNC machined OEM rotor, Michelin Pilot Power tire, Vortex sprocket, Pyramid rear hugger

Motor: Taylor Made exhaust with carbon shroud, Power Commander III, BMC Race air filter

Accessories: Puig windscreen, Pazzo short levers, hlins damper, Sato rearsets, Carbon Works tank top and sliders, Powerbronze carbon fiber tank sides, Suzuki gel seat, Vortex fuel and oil caps

Owner/Builder: Loren Canepa