Finally, after several very tough months and countless hours of work, I have completed a project I had been envisioning since 2013 when I finished the famous Red Baron in Miami (U.S.), although with so much back-and-forth across the Atlantic between the U.S. and Spain, it has been very difficult to focus on a café racer project like this.
Tells us Fran Manen from Lord Drake Kustoms
Fran explains: “You can’t imagine the excitement and nerves I feel every time I approach this motorcycle, which I have finally finished… I can’t believe it! I still get butterflies in my stomach when I see it.”
A lifetime’s work
This work is the summary of a stage of my life, my concerns and my aspirations, a cafe racer tribute dedicated to all those people who during all this time have been part of my family, social or work environment … and that I have decided capture it on a motorcycle. We wanted to pay tribute to the famous “Boardtracker” with that peculiar style, so vintage, but giving it a current look; and I think the resulting mix has lived up to our expectations … at least it’s something totally different.
Exclusive Custom Parts and Meticulous Detailing
The tailpiece, the tank, the handlebars, the rear section, the front mask, the fender, and the front grille—these are some of the parts made exclusively for this motorcycle. It’s worth noting that all the wiring is internal (inside the handlebars, frame, etc., etc.). In addition to the countless details, the Twin Cam engine has been enhanced with a set of transparent covers, with leather accents on the footpegs, handlebars, and even on the front face with the integrated headlight.
The number “76” was very easy to choose. For such a special motorcycle it could only be a number with special significance, and what better than the year of birth of a very important person for me and responsible for Lord Drake Kustoms being today what he is: my wife.
This cafe racer was finished on March 10 (Fran’s birthday)… “The best gift possible,” Fran tells us. It was presented to the public a few days later in Spain at the Motor Show “MotoMadrid 2016,” featured on the stand and by the magazines “Biker Zone” and “Classic Motorcycle.” In the coming months (and if it doesn’t sell before), a small promotional tour of LDK events in Europe (Paris, London, Slovenia, Austria, or Germany) will be some of the places where “ENVY” and Lord Drake Kustoms will be present during 2016.
Fran tells us that the acceptance and response from the public to this bike has been incredible, to the point that it has already received two orders to build two units with a design similar to the “Envy,” which will go to England and Eastern Europe.
And remember: “Envy is bad, very bad—envy kills. Don’t envy anything or anyone; just work hard and everything will come… turn envy into inspiration and motivation… that’s the secret!”
Technical Sheet
- Base: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 2001
- Engine: H-D 1450 cc with Twin Cam carburetion
Modifications on…
- Chassis and Swingarm: Transmission converted to chain, hydraulic clutch, internal wiring in handlebars and frame (clutch, throttle, brakes, electrical system, etc.)
- Front Suspension: Replacement of tubes, forks, internal springs, and +3 triple clamps
- Rear Suspension: Lowering kit
- Wheels: Fat Daddy 21″ front and 18″ rear
- Exhaust and Air Filter
- Handlebars, Controls, Odometers, Switches, and Indicator Lights
- Fuel Tank, Rear Seat, Seat
- Oil Tank and Hoses
- Transparent Covers on Engine and Primary Drive
- Front Metal Mask Lined with Leather
- Brake Discs, Front Brake Caliper
- Side Panels, Exhaust Trim, Front Numbers
- Headlight, Rear Turn Signals on Swingarm, Front Turn Signals on Triple Clamps
- Triple Clamp Covers (Racer) with Leather Interior
- Fuel and Oil Caps
- Foot Controls
- Paint: Tank and tailpiece painted; powder coating on the rest of the bike; chrome and gold plating on various parts, and many other details…
