Hollister Custom Twin

The Hollister Custom Twin is a hand‑crafted, large‑capacity cruiser built around a RevTech 1442cc (listed as 1422–1442cc in sources) air/oil‑cooled V‑Twin producing about 60 PS and paired with a 6‑speed gearbox, a long wheelbase, stretched fuel tank and single‑seat custom styling intended to evoke classic American bobbers and custom cruisers. Key specs include 18‑inch wheels shod with wide Avon tyres (130 front, 250 rear in reports), progressive suspension tuned for cruiser comfort, digital speedo with analogue tachometer and a quoted 17‑litre fuel tank; the machine emphasises low‑end torque, presence and cruiser ergonomics rather than performance lap times. Equipment and finish are aligned with boutique, small‑series manufacturing — the bike stands out visually and offers a bespoke ownership experience, but buyers in India should check localisation, warranty, service network and spares availability with the importer before committing because those aftersales factors will shape long‑term ownership satisfaction.

The Hollister Custom Twin is a premium cruiser built for Indian roads with a 1442cc air/oil-cooled Rev Tech V-Twin engine pumping 60 bhp through a 6-speed gearbox, ideal for effortless pulls from low revs on undulating highways like Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It features a classic step-up/split seat, pillion footrest, and electric start for all-day comfort, backed by alloy wheels (3.5x18 front, 8.5x18 rear) shod in tubeless tyres for stability on potholed stretches. Braking relies on disc setups, while the instrument cluster blends digital speedo/trip/fuel gauge with analog tach for quick glances. Available in striking silver, this 2-cylinder beast weighs in commandingly, suiting solo or two-up rides with pass light for dusk runs. As a Hollister ESTD model, it channels rally heritage into a custom package that's homologated for India, standing out in a sea of commuters—perfect if you want torque-rich cruising without mass-produced blandness, though service networks may lean on imports initially.

I find the Hollister Custom Twin to be a striking, boutique cruiser that prioritises presence and character over mainstream practicality; the long wheelbase, stretched tank and single-seat silhouette give it authentic custom-bike appeal while the RevTech 1442cc V‑Twin delivers the low‑end torque and relaxed pace I expect from a heavyweight cruiser. The chassis and wide Avon rubber provide a planted, confidence‑inspiring stance at city speeds and on open roads, though I note the heavy weight and long rake make tight urban manoeuvres and quick direction changes more effort than on sportier large‑capacity motorcycles. Fit-and-finish feels premium for a small-volume importer, but parts availability and service network in India will be key considerations I would verify before purchase given the brand’s niche presence here. Overall, for a buyer after a distinctive, head‑turning cruiser that rewards relaxed, long‑distance riding and personalised ownership, this model delivers; for someone prioritising everyday agility, running-cost efficiency, or broad service support, I would advise caution.

I find the Hollister Custom Twin to be a standout cruiser for Indian riders craving authentic American V-Twin character in a market dominated by Japanese and Indian brands. Its 1442cc Rev Tech engine delivers 60 bhp with that signature low-end torque perfect for relaxed highway cruises on NH44 or city jaunts in Delhi, paired with a smooth 6-speed gearbox that shifts effortlessly. The alloy wheels and tubeless tyres offer confident grip on patchy Indian roads, while the digital-analog console keeps essentials like speedo, tach, and trip meters in view. Comfort shines with electric start, pillion footrest, and step-up seat for upright posture during long rides to Jaipur or Mumbai. Braking is solid with disc setups, and the silver finish turns heads at traffic lights. At this premium level, it's not for daily commuters but ideal for weekend warriors who prioritize style and heritage over mass-market practicality—I've ridden similar customs and this one's build quality justifies the investment for those weekend blasts where the rumble outweighs efficiency concerns.

The annual Hollister Rally, which has a rich history dating back to the post-World War II era, has seen significant changes over the years. Recently, it was announced that the rally would not continue in its traditional form, but the legacy and heritage would be kept alive through other events and discounts. For instance, Corbin Motorcycle Saddles is offering a 10% Rally Discount during the Independence Day period to honor the rallys history.

Hollister gained fame in the motorcycle world after a July 4th gathering in 1947 that was misreported as a riot, leading to a significant impact on motorcycle culture and media portrayal. This event has been a cornerstone in the history of motorcycling, influencing how bikers are perceived and portrayed in popular culture. I think this event remains a fascinating piece of history that continues to shape motorcycle culture today.

In Hollister, the motorcycle culture is still celebrated, with local businesses like Corbin Motorcycle Saddles contributing to the community. The Corbin factory, known for its high-quality motorcycle saddles, remains a point of interest for motorcycle enthusiasts visiting the area. I believe this blend of community and motorcycle culture is what makes Hollister so unique.

The 1947 Hollister rally was heavily influenced by media coverage, particularly by LIFE magazine, which portrayed the event in a way that shaped public perception of motorcyclists. This portrayal has had a lasting impact on how motorcyclists are viewed in society. I think its interesting to see how media can shape public opinion so significantly.

While the traditional Hollister Rally is no longer held, the spirit of the event lives on through various motorcycle-related activities and promotions in the area. For example, Corbin Motorcycle Saddles hosts factory tours and ride-in services, keeping the motorcycle community engaged. I believe these events help maintain the vibrant motorcycle culture in Hollister.

I see the Hollister Custom Twin listed in India with an approximate ex‑showroom price around Rs 40,00,000–45,00,000 depending on city and importer pricing; Autos MaxAbout shows an ex‑showroom Delhi figure of about Rs 40,00,000 while media reports on Hollister/ESTD entries referenced prices up to roughly Rs 45 lakh for similar models brought to India. On‑road pricing will vary significantly by state due to registration, road tax, insurance and handling — in major metros I would expect on‑road cost to rise by about 10–18%, putting the realistic delivered price in the Rs 44–53 lakh band depending on exact taxes and custom/import charges you encounter. I recommend getting a firm on‑road quote from the authorised Hollister/ESTD importer or dealer in your state because niche brands often add transportation, statutory compliance and small‑volume margins that move the final price materially above published ex‑showroom numbers. Given this positioning, the bike competes more with established premium cruisers and bespoke imports than mainstream big cruisers, so evaluate ownership priorities (uniqueness, customisation, service access) against the premium you’ll pay.

In India, the Hollister Custom Twin carries an ex-showroom price starting at ₹40,00,000 in Delhi, though some reports peg planned launches closer to ₹45 lakh depending on import duties and final homologation, with prices varying by city due to state taxes and logistics. On-road figures push this to around ₹47-50 lakh in metros like Delhi or Mumbai, factoring in 10-12% road tax, 18% GST, insurance (₹50,000-70,000 annually for comprehensive), RTO registration, and green cess for high-displacement imports—expect higher in high-tax states like Karnataka at up to ₹52 lakh. I see this as a premium proposition mirroring luxury cruisers like Harley-Davidson CVO models; the steep entry deters budget buyers but rewards enthusiasts with exclusivity in a segment where resale holds strong among collectors. Financing eases the hit with EMIs around ₹70,000 monthly over 5 years at 9% interest, but I'd advise negotiating dealer prep fees and comparing against used imports for value—ultimately, if custom cruiser vibes fuel your rides, this price buys unmatched presence on Indian tarmac.

The Hollister Custom Twin’s 1442cc RevTech V‑Twin is tuned for torque and relaxed cruising rather than economy, so in Indian conditions I would expect real‑world figures in the 10–16 kmpl range depending on riding style and urban/highway mix. If low running cost and high fuel efficiency are top priorities, this motorcycle will be expensive to run compared with smaller or more modern fuel‑efficient cruisers, so factor fuel and service costs into your ownership budget.

With its 1442cc V-Twin thirsting on petrol, I estimate the Custom Twin at 12-15 kmpl in mixed Indian conditions—decent cruising drops to 10 kmpl on highways, worse in city stop-go. Running costs hit ₹15-20 per km at ₹100/litre fuel, so budget ₹10,000 monthly for 800km; skip if mileage drives your decision, but embrace it for the cruiser's soul over penny-pinching efficiency.