Motorcyclist USA — September-October 2017

86 | september | october 2017

Another project in process, a Ducati

Sport Classic, awaits bodywork. Resting

beside the welding table is Sofi’s first

build, “Frank,” which is on leave from

its owner, who is overseas. Vintage

headlights, with pedigree enough to

make their way to a restoration project

or repurposed onto a full custom, line

up atop cabinets. To make more room

amid the tight quarters, Sofi wheels a

beautifully restored 1961 BMW into

the driveway.

GT-Moto, which is named for Sofi’s

dad, was forged in 2013 shortly after

George was diagnosed with throat

cancer and given four months to live.

An aggressive regimen of radiation

treatments was prescribed by doctors

to save his life. Seeing her father’s

health, body, and spirit deteriorate,

Sofi did everything she could to keep

his mind and body active in their little

garage. Whether it was the develop-

ment of a part or simply tightening

a single bolt before succumbing to

exhaustion, the problem solving and

creation involved in constructing a

custom motorcycle helped George

persevere, and he ultimately beat the

cancer ravaging his body.

Rewind roughly three decades to

nearby Addison Airport. George—an

aircraft maintenance mechanic, a shop

owner, a motorcycle enthusiast, and

a new single father—is trying to figure

out how to give his squirming infant

daughter a ride aboard his 1973 BMW

R90S. As with most situations, the

logical solution was duct tape. Riding

with her father up and down the taxi-

ways of the airport, literally adhered to

top of the gas tank, instilled the love of

motorcycles in Sofi.

The level of meticulous detail

of George’s work led the likes of

above / left George and Sofi Tsingos plan on making the move from their well-organized

albeit full-to-capacity two-car home garage to a larger dedicated workshop at some point in the

future, but their current address has thus far served them well. When asked about her idea of

their destiny as custom motorcycle builders, Sofi explained, “I want to create a place where an

employee can be genuinely happy and provide for their family. I want to establish a community

for creative people.”

below Father and

daughter, the early

years: Sofi’s two-

wheel education

began while she was

still in diapers.

BRANDON LAJOIE

MCY1017_WREN.indd 86 7/25/17 2:22 PM