How to Reuse an Old Motorcycle as Decoration
Motorcycle design is so stylish that it’s become a work of art within the automotive world. But you probably just think of it as a means of transportation. Today, we’re going to show you that a motorcycle can also work great as decoration. Keep reading to learn how to reuse its parts to liven up your home.
Lots of older models of motorcycles were gorgeous. That has led to a lot of reproductions, and people consider the original models collectors items.
Getting their hands on a good-condition antique motorcycle is a dream for many people. If it doesn’t run anymore, that doesn’t mean you can’t still use the motorcycle to make decorative accessories.
Does this seem like too wild an idea to you? Stop and think about it for a second. Motorcycles are made up of parts with simple, elegant designs. This gives them a lot of potential as a decor item. If you like the sound of that, take a look at some of our ideas and try using your old motorcycle as decoration.
How to reuse a motorcycle as decoration
Make a mirror out of the tire
Motorcycle wheels and tires have lots of different possibilities when it comes to decoration. Their perfect roundness gives them a striking visual appearance, which can help you spice up certain decor elements. One of the simplest, best examples of that is using them as a mirror frame.
To do this, you can either use the wheels from your old motorcycle or even just go to a junkyard and look around till you find the perfect piece. The best part of that is that just about every motorcycle has different wheels, so you have lots of options to choose from.
You don’t have to toss out your old motorcycle: there are other ways to put it to use.
A high-speed book holder
This DIY project is perfect for anyone who loves speed, books, or both. If that sounds like you, you’re going to love having a book holder made with old motorcycle gears. Here’s what you’ll need to make yours:
- Two 6×6 inch wooden boards.
- Superglue.
- Black paint (optional).
- Motorcycle gears; you can also use other things like the disc brakes or cogs.
It’s super easy to build your book holder. You just have to glue the boards into an L, at a 90-degree angle. Once the glue has dried, you can use the black paint to really make the gears stand out.
Lastly, you’ll glue the motorcycle parts onto your wooden L. The final result is a totally original-looking book holder. It’s the perfect way to give a vintage, industrial touch to your shelves.
Make a lamp out of shocks
Motorcycle shocks are extremely beautiful, simply because of their design. What they do is help a motorcycle balance, muffle vibrations, and help it deal with any big bumps.
The spiral around the cylindrical piece gives it a really dynamic, modern look. The fact of the matter is, it’s an absolutely amazing decorative piece.
One good way to reuse it is to make it into a lamp base. The cylindrical form makes it a natural candidate for that part of the lamp, and if you want it as a table lamp, you just need to put some kind of flat surface under it.
There are lots of kinds of shocks on the market. Like with the wheels, that variety will allow you to find the perfect piece for the aesthetic you’re looking for.
If you really want to round out the motorcycle aesthetic of your lamp, you can also add other pieces like a disc brake or wheel as a base.
A planter with personality
So, do you have an old motorcycle gathering dust in your garage? Why not use that motorcycle as decoration in your yard, or garden? One innovative way to do that is by using the back part of the motorcycle as a planter.
It might sound weird to be talking about using a motorcycle as yard decor, but there are some styles, like the Vespa, that have become a reference point for vintage design. Whatever kind of motorcycle you have, you can reuse the back part and make it into a gorgeous place to store your plants.