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Interview with Fran Manen “The lord of motorcycles”

8 November, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Fran Manen has been considered one of the best motorcycle customizers worldwide. At Cafe Racer World we have had the pleasure of being able to interview him to discover the secrets that hides behind his brand Lord Drake Kustoms.

Fran Manen poses next to "Envy"

Have you always been in love with the world of motorcycles?

It is true that since I was a child I was attracted by an aesthetic related a long time to the world of motorcycle. At that time, in the city where I grew up in southern Spain, it was very difficult to access specialized magazines. It was on television, especially in music videos, that I was fascinated by those groups of Rock and Heavy Metal that appeared very often accompanied by their Harley-Davidsons and Choppers.

It wasn’t until I had 14 years old that I could get my first motorcycle, a Vespino. Already then, I dedicated myself to painting it with flames and covers of the discs of my favorite groups. So, I guess so, it is a hobby that comes from afar.

You are considered one of the best motorcycle customizers in the world. How do you get to that point?

One of my favorite slogans has always been “Great things have small beginnings”. I think that in life you can get what you propose with work, perseverance and humility.

I have not always worked for the motorcycle world. I have been through many jobs and companies to get here. There was a time when, because I am also a great lover of nature, I began to climb mountains professionally. That finally led me to make expeditions all over the world, visiting and climbing to the tops of the Himalayas, Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Morocco, Switzerland, France, Austria, etc.

This learning in the climbing opened the doors to me to found my first company, specialized in vertical and height works.

Fran Manen poses next to "Trending Topic"

And how do you go from a company like that to the world of motorcycle customization?

Well, the vertical work company worked very well, but it also absorbed me completely from my fondness for mountaineering.

But in reality, the change came by several knocks that my life gave me by the year 2000. First a traffic accident that almost ended with me, next a fall in height that had me in bed more than a month. 

From all of this I miraculously recovered, I even organized a last expedition to Nepal. But that year, bad luck played me a bad pass again. Returning from that trip, before boarding the plane that would take me from Pakistan to Paris, I was confused with an Albanian terrorist and imprisoned for 15 days in that country.

That terrible experience made me think a lot and I concluded that it was time to stop climbing and devote myself to my other great hobby: painting and modifying motorcycles.

But that decision involves a great learning from nothing…

Indeed. In Spain, at that time, documentaries on Discovery Channel like American Chopper or Overhaulin begin to be broadcast. Those TV shows opened my eyes. So I didn’t think about it and decided to travel frequently to the US to get to know all that culture firsthand. 

Fran Manen with Cody Connelly of Orange Country Chopper
Cody Connelly (Orange Country Chopper)

I spent long seasons there, visiting all the motorcycle events I could and meeting great personalities from the custom world. But the most important thing is that I was able to establish professional relationships with manufacturers of the motorcycle industry as with the most famous builders.

Fran Manen with Paul Teutul of American Chopper
Paul Teutul (American Chopper)

And that was when you created Lord Drake Kustoms?

Well almost. I returned to Spain and acquired my first Harley, which I quickly got into my garage and began to modify in my spare time. I remember one of the first things I did was hang a banner outside with the name of Lord Drake Kustoms.

Fran Manen with one of his first custom motorcycles

That motorcycle, which took me almost a year to customize, won prizes in all the national competitions where I presented it. The turning point was when it was runner-up in Europe in the Big Twin category at the Harley European Rally in 2017. At that moment it made me realize that this hobby could become a job.

What made you emigrate to the US?

I set up a workshop with a friend in Spain to which I spent my free time in the afternoon. But I soon realized that there was not in my country, at least at that time, an interest in the world of customization. Because, most of the jobs we received were repairs, but few transformations. 

Fran Manen in his workshop

I kept traveling regularly to the United States and finally a business opportunity arose in Miami. I didn’t think twice and sold my vertical work company and almost everything I had to move. 

After many bureaucratic problems I managed to create and be a co-owner of a motorcycle rental and moto tours organization company in Miami: American Rider. 

At the same time I continued with my love for customization until I decided in 2012 that it was time to establish Lord Drake Kustoms in Miami.

Fran Manen in Miami with his "Red Baron"

And how it works?

Well, I think it has been a success since then. The workshop is located in the center of Miami (Coconut Groove) and many stars and artists from the world of film and television have passed through it. Little by little, the name of Lord Drake Kustoms became known in the high spheres of Miami and we had clients such as Tom Kaulitz (from Tokio Hotel), Alejandro Sanz or Maroon 5 among others.

Fran Manen in Miami with one of his custom motorcycles

But that is not important, the best thing was that we did not stop winning championships, including Daytona Bike Week, a benchmark in the world of customization. There we were champions in the Cafe Racer category. We also got two awards at the Rat’s Bike Show which helped us get to know each other worldwide.

Suddenly you decide to open another branch to Spain, what is the reason?

As I say, winning those events made us known also outside the US. Suddenly we begin to receive many orders from Europe. That is why at one point I decided to open a new branch in Spain to better meet the demand of the European continent.

It was a risky bet because I did not know for sure the acceptance that this type of product was going to have in the old continent, despite the increase in orders. But I soon realized that, as in the US, we began to win an escalation of awards. 

In 2014 being runners-up in Europe and in 2015 first and second in Europe. In 2016 we were declared as one of the 10 best customizers in the world in Scrambler style by a Japanese specialized magazine. Also in 2016 we were the 5th in the world in the category of “Modified Harley” in the AMD World Championship, which in 2018 also obtained the 6th and 2nd position. In 2017 double European champion in the HOG Rally Bike Show, of which this 2019 we have again become champion and runners-up … 

Fran Manen with Speedster
“Speedster” was the runner-up at the AMD World Championship 2018

In this last show held in Portugal, I was lucky to meet Karen Davidson (daughter of the owner of Harley-Davidson) who was amazed at the bike I presented considering it as a work of art on wheels!

Fran Manen with Karen Davidson
Karen Davidson delighted with the “Envy” of Lord Drake Kustoms

Definitely, Europe also has a great interest in the world of custom motorcycle.

Your awards showcase is enviable, but 2019 has also been a very special year for you and your company.

Yes, it really has been a year full of unforgettable moments and many surprises.

First, it was an honor when Discovery Channel invited me to the Charity Gala that Antonio Banderas organizes within the Miami Fashion Week. There we auctioned two of my motorcycles for two good causes, raising funds for the Foundation of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the “Tears and Favors” foundation.

Fran Manen with Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas poses next to “Rusty Rush”, one of the auctioned motorcycles

I also had the pleasure of meeting, in addition to Antonio Banderas, great personalities such as Emilio Estefan, Juanes, Nicole Kimpel or Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada.

Fran Manen with Emilio Estefan
Emilio Estefan
Fran Manen with Juanes
Juanes
Fran Manen with Francisca Lachapel
Francisca Lachapel
Fran Manen with Nicole Kimpel
Nicole Kimpel

With the latter I had the great luck of having a interesting conversation that led us to collaborate together on a project that I think has broken many schemes in the world of motorcycle customization.

Fran Manen with Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada
Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada
Fran Manen with the Harley Agathizada
The “Harley Agathizada”

This proyect was the Harley “Agathizada” a motorcycle that has given much to talk about, and it was presented in Marbella at another charity gala, this time against cancer.

Fran Manen and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada at the presentation of the Harley Agathizada
Presentation of the “Harley Agathizada” in Marbella (Spain) at the gala against cancer

Finally, what plans does Lord Drake Kustoms have for the future?

We have a TV project for a few years that we hope will come to light soon, but it is still too soon to give details.

But ultimately we will continue, as i said at the beginning, working with perseverance and humility.

Thank you very much Fran, from Cafe Racer World we wish you good luck in future projects.

Thanks to you, it has been a pleasure.

Filed Under: Interview

A Harley full of color

6 November, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

It is perhaps one of the custom Harley that has given more talk this year. This “Harley Agathizada” it has had its defenders and detractors, you may like it or not, but we can all agree on something: it is the most original modified motorcycle that you will have seen in a long time. 

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

This union of concepts as different as joining the iconography of a designer as well-known and relevant as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada with the world of motorcycles caught us all by surprise. And it works, in the end Fran Manen and his motorcycle modification workshop Lord Drake Kustoms got something that many people would never have bet on.

The conception in Miami

Fran tells us that everything came up in Miami at the beginning of last summer. It was there that he went to present two motorcycles customized by him and that were going to be auctioned at the charity gala that Antonio Banderas performs every year within the Miami Fashion Week for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Foundation “Lágrimas y Favores”.

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

These motorcycles caused great admiration among all the personalities who attended the event, such as Emilio Estefan, Juanes, the organizer Antonio Banderas or Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada among others. It was with the latter with whom he had a pleasant conversation and then the spark arose. The famous designer was delighted with the idea and urged him to talk about the project in Madrid soon.

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada y Fran Manen

Shortly after returning to Spain, Fran received the call from the Agatha design team and traveled to meet them to shape the project. Among all the features that the motorcycle should have to adapt to the style of Agatha, there was one that caught Fran’s attention. The motorcycle should not contain any black! Something that was a great challenge in the world of motorcycle customization. The only place where they reached an agreement to use it was on the tires.

The making of this Harley

Fran quickly got down to work and devised a motorcycle from a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. Many of the motorcycle’s components such as wiring, engine and other parts were colored. Other elements such as the rear fender, the front tire, the handlebar or the air filters were specially created for this motorcycle. And an almost incredible detail is that it created more than 300 hearts in the entire customization process.

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

“It is a Harley that breaks with all the traditional patterns of this world. Frequent elements such as black tones, skulls or eagles have been dispensed with, giving way to hearts, flowers or stars, all brimming with color. ”

Fran Manen
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

He tells us how was the result of that transformation: “It is a Harley that breaks with all the traditional patterns of this world. Frequent elements such as black tones, skulls or eagles have been dispensed with, giving way to hearts, flowers or stars, all brimming with color.”

The presentation in Marbella

It was in another Charity Gala where the fashion designer and motorcycle customizer found the perfect place for their presentation. It was an act organized every year by the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC) in Marbella (Málaga) to raise funds. 

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

On this occasion, the gala was presented by two well-known people in Spanish society such as Ana Obregón and Boris Izaguirre. In addition, great personalities from the world of politics, culture or business were surprised with this peculiar Harley. 

And now… what? 

This will ask some lovers of the motorcycle world. Well, for now, this motorcycle is scheduled to be shown by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada in its fashion shows around the world. In addition, we know that this collaboration does not end here and that there are other projects with the designer of which Fran Manen still does not want to reveal anything. 

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

We do not know if this “Harley Agathizada” will have meant a before and after in the world of customization, what we do know is that it has opened many doors to ideas. It may be that in the future we will see new custom motorcycle models that surprise us.

"Harley Agathizada" by Lord Drake Kustoms and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Filed Under: Custom, Harley Davidson

Soulbreaker, the scrambler that will break your heart…

5 November, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

As the name says, this scrambler motorcycle is “the souls breaker”, the one that will break your heart … and why this name? 

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

As Lord Drake Kustoms owner Fran Manen tells us, the answer is very easy: many told me that it was impossible to make a country Harley or a Scrambler, something so radical! and I knew that when they saw more than one they were going to break their soul; And here you have the answer to your ¡it’s impossible!, the “Soulbreaker”.

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

Fran Manen, who has been living in the United States for long periods, has some maxims that he tries to respect and as he tells us: “There are two rules in Lord Drake Kustoms to which we remain faithful, the first: try to always do different motorcycles and the second: there is nothing impossible.” And this motorcycle is the evidence. 

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

We are tired of always seeing the same bikes in the world of customization and especially with the Harleys, the same style of a lifetime and are even copies of each other. Many tell me that I am a “transgressor” in a world of purists … I simply believe that there is life beyond what we see with our eyes … the world of customization is expanding as never before. You can keep looking back or discover new paths! And what better way to discover new roads, than to put a wheel of tacos on a Harley and enter a dirt road or just go cross country.

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

The Soulbreaker was the first of a series of off road / scrambler type motorcycles that I made. All were different, but focusing on the first one, we wanted to make a motorcycle to open our branch in Europe (more specifically in Malaga, Spain); jobs that speak, and this Sportster has succeeded.

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

And so much that he has had to speak, he was in third position in the Sportster category, in the Harley-Davidson European bike show held in St. Tropez, France, and soon we had two orders to do more of this style. What if! It’s style, that’s what it’s about, to create styles and trends not to copy, copy and repeat.

Soulbreaker is a Scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

Technical data

  • Name: “Soulbreaker”
  • Style: Street Tracker
  • Brand: Harley-Davidson
  • Model: 2006 Sportster 1200 C 
  • Engine: 1200 cc V-Twin 
  • Transmission: converted to chain by LDK
  • Foot controls: media, modified by LDK
  • Brakes: discs DNA brake 
  • Front wheel: 19 ”
  • Rear wheel: Fat Daddy custom tires 18 ” Fat Daddy custom tires
  • Fuel tank: Peanut 
  • Front suspension: modified by LDK
  • Rear suspension: raised +3” air absorbers 
  • Mudguards: manufactured by LDK 
  • Seat: manufactured by LDK 
  • Escapes: 2 in 1 Vance and Hines 
  • Air filter: RSD
  • Mileometer: digital builtin handlebar support 
  • Plate holder: manufactured by LDK 
  • Lighting: headlight, taillight joined fender, front turn signals handlebar, rear indicators led in shock absorbers
  • Other modifications: handlebar, electrical wiring inside the handlebar, cuffs, handles, gas cap, horn cover, footrest, cabl it’s spark plugs, spark plug caps, mirrors … 

Filed Under: Harley Davidson, Scrambler, Sportster, Street Tracker

Bultracker 04 Siebla, a new scrambler tradition

4 November, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Some years ago, Lord Drake Kustoms, presented a new line of scrambler motorcycles called “Bultracker”. With this new line we wanted to offer another scrambler, something different and with a “more retro look” to the previous range (the “Sportracker”, which offered a more street and modern look).

Right view of Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

The first of these was the “Bultracker 13”, which before being finished had already been acquired by a Belgian HD dealership, so Fran Manen, owner of LDK, decided to make another immediately. This second unit called “Bultracker 17”, also found owner in Central Europe as soon as it was finished; and it would be the unit that aroused the interest of the owner of the Harley-Davidson Siebla dealership in Malaga.

Some details of this “Bultracker” scrambler

The owners of the two companies (Lord Drake Kustoms and Harley-Davidson Siebla), after meeting each other, reached a joint work agreement. A few months later, the Malaga dealership orders LDK two units with Sportster 883 base (one cafe racer) and a scrambler: the “Bultracker 04 Siebla”.

Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of the handlebars.
Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of the speedometer and tank.
Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of the seat.
Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of the front wheel.

This new Scrambler, reminiscent of older off-road models, stands out for its 21 ”front wheel, greater height, more retro-looking tank and more classic and elegant colors (in this case red wine candy and silver). The number “04”, is for the 4th anniversary of the company Siebla as owner of the Harley brand in Malaga.

Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of scapes, engine and side number.
Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms. Details of the engine.

About Lord Drake Kustoms

For a few years Lord Drake Kustoms is the company responsible for modifying and making custom motorcycles for several dealers around the world of the American brand. Two of these dealers are in Florida (USA) where LDK has had its facilities for almost eight years. And since the opening of the new branch in Spain (Malaga), almost two years ago, they made custom motorcycles for two Triumph dealers (one in England and one in Belgium) and Harley-Davidson dealers in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. 

Left view of Bultracker 04 Siebla, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms.

The owner of LDK (Fran Manen) is currently closing an agreement with another concessionaire in the United Arab Emirates. LDK has facilities in Malaga, from where it offers service of transformation and modification of motorcycles for all of Spain and the rest of Europe … regardless of the style or brand of the motorcycle and of course with budgets for all budgets! 

TECHNICAL DATA

Name: “Bultracker 04 Siebla”
Base: HD Sportster 883 Custom
Original motorcycle year: 2005
Engine: 883 cc carburetion
Chassis: original modified
Tank: made of metal
Air filter: Drag classic
Escapes: 2: 1 V&HTracker
Handlebar: BMX 1 ”
Transmission: converted to chain
Rear fender: made of metal
Side numbers: made of metal
Front fender: made of metal
Seat: manufactured and upholstered 
Front suspension: modified
Rear suspension: air cushions +3” 
Wheels: 21 ”wheels and 18 ”with off road tires.
Others: license plate holder, odometer, lower headlight, fists, footrests, intermittent fists, etc. 

Filed Under: Harley Davidson, Scrambler, Sportster, Street Tracker

Triumph Bonneville Brat, Black is Black

31 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

It is the color of elegance and good taste. As we all know, black indicates respect and simplicity. This is a clear example of how in Lord Drake Kustoms with very few changes we are able to convert an old Triumph Bonneville Brat, which was doomed to oblivion, to stand out above their expectations.

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

“This time it has been more a case of restoration than customization, since the bike was the year 2002 and only had rolled about 6,000 km and all in the first year. The rest of the time, almost 13 years, was abandoned and in terrible conditions, to the point that when he came to LDK they wanted to send it to the scrap dealer. ” We were told in Lord Drake Kustoms.

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

So according to the owner decided to disassemble it completely, restore everything that was needed and reassemble it but giving it a personal touch that will improve its aesthetics. I did not intend an extreme modification, simply to get an elegant motorcycle, discreet but with a more aggressive air.

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms
Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

All the pieces were pickled and dripped: chassis, engine, tires, absolutely everything and then everything was painted, even the smallest screw in black with some touches of gold.

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms
Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms
Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms
Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

Perhaps the highlight of this bike is the change of rear tire to an 18 “, the seat entirely handmade with black leather and stitching in gold and the backlight embedded. They are small details that add to the game that offers the combination of pearl black, textured black powder and traces of gold, which result in a new, elegant and aggressive Triumph Bonneville…

And the fact is that black is always black.

DATA SHEET

MOTORCYCLE: Triumph Bonneville 800 year 2002
ENGINE: 800 cc of carburetion
CHASSIS: modified on the back
TANK: modified (raised on the sides)
ESCAPES: aftermarket tails and original collectors finished in ceramic layer
HANDLEBAR: low 1 “
REAR / SEAT: handmade seat with metal base, leather upholstery and backlight embedded in the back
LATERAL COVERS: modified
FRONT SUSPENSION: replacement of front springs
REAR SUSPENSION: air cushions of 3 inches more
RIMS: 18 “rear rim and original front rim
TIRES: Firestone Deluxe.
TRANSMISSION: covers pinion and golden chain
PAINT: pearl black and gold on the body. Textured black powder paint and gloss on other components
OTHERS: license plate holder, relocation of ignition key, odometer, front headlight with yellow optics, grips, footrests, turn signals, etc.

Triumph Bonneville Brat by Lord Drake Kustoms

Filed Under: Brat, Cafe Racer, Triumph

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