Jim Giuffra, the co-founder of AFT Customs, a world-renowned metric bike building company, believes that accomplishment requires the belief in a concept and the ability to follow through with it. Credere, the name of their latest creation, is derived from the Italian verb "to believe" and embodies this philosophy. Credere, a Honda VTX1300 cruiser, is a celebration of the female form and Giuffra's sculptural vision.

Credere's midnight-blue exterior is reminiscent of legendary coupes of the 1930s, such as the Bugatti Atlantique and Delahaye 135MS Aerodynamique, and exudes a seductive panther-like aura. Giuffra's Italian heritage is evident in Credere's sensuality and style, which echoes the legacy of Figoni and Falaschi, the leading coachbuilders of their time.

AFT's belief in its vision has earned them widespread acclaim, including the first place in the Radical Metric class at the October 2006 Grand National Bike Show. AFT explores new dimensions with Credere, which is a statement of sophistication and refinement, rather than just being bad.

The VTX1300 was the perfect choice for Giuffra, as no one else has ever customized it. AFT removed the chrome and added their own glamour, starting with the black nickel finished wheels by Weld. The entire bike is adorned with black nickel bolts and features a retro Formotion diamond clock in the steering stem.

AFT worked with Kewl Metal to create specific items for the VTX1300, including a triple tree set that allowed a 45-degree rake in the front fork without having to cut or weld anything on the frame. Modifications included converting from shaft to chain drive, a hydraulic clutch, and their own swingarm. Credere employs Kewl Metal's Air Ride system with air bladders, allowing the rider to adjust the ride height and firmness with the flick of a switch.

The pipes are by HackerPipes, and the 6-piston calipers were provided by HHI for the left-side brake and rear setup. AFT concealed the aluminum radiator, fan and sensor under the seat, along with hoses, electrics and the air suspension pump to keep the silhouette clean.

Credere's sumptuous blue hue was achieved by 100 hours of painting by long-time collaborator Scott Hultquist of Riff Raff Customs. Every piece of the motor was painted in old-school military-gray, while the brake discs and heads were polished for a similar retro effect.

Giuffra believes that there is a new generation of baby boomers who believe that metric customs can be just as cool as Harleys, and Credere is a testament to that belief. Women play a crucial role in AFT's design and technical team, and AFT creates motorcycles specifically for them. AFT wants to be visionaries rather than trend followers, and Credere is a perfect example of that.