Crafting art from steel and soul

Inspired by his country’s heritage and resilience, Libyan custom builder Khairy Shaban creates bikes that tell a story

Words and photos by Amani Mahdi

In the heart of Tripoli, where dust and conflict swirl, one man has carved out a space where creativity knows no limits. Khairy Shaban, a photographer and artist, is one of Libya’s most innovative custom bike builders – using Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles as his canvas. As the owner of the only garage dedicated to custom Harley-Davidson builds in the country, Khairy has become a symbol of resilience and passion, and his garage, Vandals, is a testament to defiance, freedom and the transformative power of art.

Khairy’s journey into the world of custom motorcycles began in the isolation of the Covid-19 lockdown. He found himself stuck at home with little more than time and a burning desire to create. Armed with limited tools and no formal training, Khairy dove into the art of customisation, his only guide being his imagination. “I knew nothing about bike building at first, but I figured it out as I went along,” he says. Vandals – named after the ancient Germanic tribe who once ruled over Libya – became a sanctuary where Khairy’s creative spirit could run wild. “I was drawn to the idea of creating my own style and introducing Libyan traditions into the design; I wanted my bikes to tell a story that blended modern craftsmanship with the rich history of my country.”

His first major project was a 2013 Harley-Davidson Road King^®, which he transformed into a raw, battle-worn “rat bike”. His inspiration came from the desert cityscape around him, with a military aesthetic resonating deeply with Khairy’s vision. “I wanted to capture the look of something that had been through a storm but still had the strength to keep going,” he explains. Stripping the bike down to its frame, Khairy sanded off the chrome finish and repainted it using custom car acrylics. The result? A matte look that radiated resilience. The seat was replaced with a Road King Police solo seat for added storage and custom military-style saddlebags were wrapped around the rear. To complete the look, Khairy shaved down the handlebars for a sleek, minimal silhouette that echoed the utilitarian spirit of his homeland. “For me, it’s not just about building a bike, it’s about creating something that feels personal,” he reflects. “When you ride something you’ve built with your own hands, it’s an experience and not just about getting from A to B.”

Emboldened by the success of his Road King, Khairy set his sights on a 2005 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy^®. This time he embraced the minimalist ethos of the bobber style, stripping the bike down to its essentials and focusing on what truly mattered. “A lighter, faster bike that felt more agile,” he says. “But I also wanted it to have a vintage, almost hipster flair – something that’s not your everyday custom.”

Every part of the Fat Boy build was meticulously crafted. “When I’m building, I’m always thinking about how everything fits together, how it flows. It’s more than just the bike; it’s the story it tells and the freedom it represents.”

Though Libya’s custom bike scene is still in its infancy, Khairy’s work is already making waves. “Most people here love chrome and the polished look, but that’s not my style,” he says. “To me, a custom bike is a statement. It’s about having the guts to stand out, to make something that’s truly your own. It’s not easy to fabricate bikes with no formal training and limited resources, but I became the first person to explore different styles here, and I hope that will encourage others to do the same.”

Indeed, Khairy’s work has already begun to inspire a new generation of riders. “Whenever I take my bikes out, people are amazed and shocked when they find out I built them myself,” he laughs. “Other times, officers at checkpoints have asked me what movie I’ve escaped from because they’ve never seen anything like it. They have been so mesmerised by the bikes that they’ve forgotten to check me and instead asked for my picture.”

The road to success hasn’t been without its challenges. In a country with no official Harley-Davidson dealership and political instability affecting trade, sourcing high-quality parts is one of Khairy’s biggest hurdles. “It’s not easy,” he admits. “Sometimes it takes months for shipments to arrive, and even then they often get stuck in customs. But that’s part of the challenge. I’ve learnt to be resourceful.” Despite these setbacks, Khairy’s commitment to his vision remains unwavering. His garage has become a gathering place for local motorcycle enthusiasts, who come not only for parts but also for inspiration, and in the future he envisions building more than bikes.

“I want to create a concept store – a place where like-minded riders and creative souls can come together to experience the bikes as works of art, each one with its own story,” he says. “The custom bike scene in Libya is still young, but I see so much potential. There’s a lot of untapped talent here, and I want to help nurture that. I want to show people that they can create something beautiful with their own hands.”