In the heart of Italy’s thriving custom motorcycle scene, Gallery Motorcycles of Brescia has once again affirmed its reputation as one of the world’s elite builders. At the 2025 Motor Bike Expo in Verona, the renowned workshop delivered a standout performance, earning the coveted Top Builder title, the prestigious King of Verona award, and the Hot Bike Pick—all for a single machine. That bike was Lucifer, a breathtaking Harley-Davidson WLA board track–inspired racer that blends historical reverence with modern craftsmanship.

The vision behind Lucifer belongs to Damiano Roncaglioni, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and avid collector of Harley-Davidson and Ducati machines. Roncaglioni is no stranger to historically inspired builds. His previous project, Goodness of Speed, paid tribute to racing legend Joe Petrali. With Lucifer, however, the goal was even more ambitious: to honor Harley-Davidson’s early racing heritage while showcasing the full creative and technical capabilities of Gallery Motorcycles.

Drawing inspiration from the raw simplicity of early board track racers, Lucifer is a masterclass in handcrafted design. Nearly every component—including the fuel tanks, fenders, forks, and countless small details—was fabricated entirely in-house. This hands-on approach reflects Gallery Motorcycles’ commitment to authenticity, precision, and old-world craftsmanship, while still embracing modern engineering standards.

One of the most demanding aspects of the build was the frame. Its distinctive curved structure required exceptional skill and patience to execute correctly. “It was a real challenge for both my customizer Gallery Motorcycles and the frame worker,” Roncaglioni explained. “But in the end, we achieved a perfectly straight and fully functional frame.” Every weld and contour was meticulously refined, ensuring both visual impact and structural integrity.

At the heart of Lucifer sits a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA 750cc engine, extensively reworked for improved performance. A 6-speed Ultima gearbox replaces the original hand-shift setup, offering enhanced control and rideability. A Dell’Orto racing carburetor improves throttle response, while lightened pistons help sharpen acceleration. Each modification was carefully chosen to preserve the bike’s racing DNA while elevating it to modern performance expectations.

The road to Verona was not without pressure. With the Motor Bike Expo fast approaching, the Gallery Motorcycles team worked relentlessly against the clock. In fact, Lucifer was still incomplete the night before the show. Fueled by passion and determination, the crew worked through the final hours to ensure the bike was ready for its debut. The result was nothing short of triumphant, as Lucifer captivated judges and attendees alike.

While the accolades are significant, Roncaglioni hints that this is far from the end. “I always have a project in my dream drawer,” he shared. “We’re already working on something new—top secret, of course.”

The success of Lucifer stands as a testament to Gallery Motorcycles’ ability to seamlessly blend heritage, innovation, and artistry. As the bike prepares to appear at prestigious shows around the world, one thing is clear: Gallery Motorcycles has once again raised the bar for custom motorcycle craftsmanship on a global stage. HB

Photos: Polina Krasnova