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Sportracker, a scrambler with V-Twin heart

23 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Knowing that every day the request for Scrambler models is increasing, it is a shame to think that Harley is not ready to extend the XL family with an Off Road version. Luckily for us an for all this type of motorbikes lovers; there will always be someone willing to do it…

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

At the sales level, Triumph Scramblers work very well; Ducati has just released one that they are going to treat as an independent brand that those of Borgo Panigale are sure that they will give a lot of “cane” in the sector, and if we add that they already begin to hear rumors that point to a Japanese brand is going to open its “trunk of memories” to surprise us very soon with a retro model that will satisfy both the urbanites daily and scares the weekend rabbits, it means that the Scrambler segment is going to get the most entertaining. And more than it would be if those of Milwaukee decided to join the parties instead of letting some of their most prestigious dealers develop new products at their own risk, although that is another story that today is not about .

Lord Drake Kustoms, or Fran Manen who owns it, is not a Harley dealer nor has an interest in being so, but a transformer with workshops in Europe and across the Atlantic, in Florida to be more exact, who knows so well what They want their customers that not long ago made a Scrambler project using an XL as a starting point.

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

And the invention liked it so much and it had such a good reception on a commercial level that it has been encouraged to develop a complete kit with which the owner of a Sportster can transform it without having to wait for those of Milwaukee to decide to do so.

Although, of course, the less “tricky” in mechanical matters can always order Fran the complete bike already finished or to transform theirs.

How it was made

The kit in question was developed on this Sportster 1200 custom carburetion, in which the first thing we notice is that its height has increased considerably with respect to the original model thanks to new fork bars and RFY gas shock absorbers with separate tank .

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

By giving that feeling of greater height so characteristic of any field motorcycle, the subframe supplement installed under the seat also contributes to which a rear fender with integrated LED pilot is attached, located in a position very far from the Continental Twinduro tire of 80 and 150mm wide profile.

The choice of this rubber by Fran was due to the fact that this XL is one of his private motorcycles and he uses it almost exclusively for excursions on the mountain and dirt roads, so that a mixed tire would have made no sense.

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

The seat’s design, in the shape of a banana, along with a X cross handlebar holded to the top triple tree with LDK risers enables to have a comfortable and relaxed position on the motorbike and at the same time, that enables to move it easily at low speed.

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms
Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

To be perfect, the foot plate should not have been brought forward but it was part of the choice of Fran, who already told us that for the “comercial kit” he has already considered other options to consumers.

In the Sportracker they also replaced the rims by new black anodized ones of 40 that turn out to be lighter than the original ones, ande the driving position, as it was for former motorcycles, the decided to eliminate all the extras with the exception of the speedo which is centrally located in the superior post, offering a perfect view.

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

As the V-Twin, Sportster is the typical motor that is used for almost all motorcycles, for this new off road version, Fran decided to make only a few changes: set up a new air cleaner and to recalibrate the carbuetor to adapt the fancy new RSD 2 in to 1 exhaust. 

Sportracker, a scrambler by Lord Drake Kustoms

For a future version, if he finally decides to take part with a Sportster in Baja style races, he will probably replace the ratios of the gearbox, but for now he is convinced that the secondary chain transmission is enough to satisfy all the customers who the Milwaukee brand doesn’t seem willing to please with a Scrambler.

Filed Under: Flat Track, Harley Davidson, Scrambler, Sin categoría, Sportster, Street Tracker

BMW R65, the green cafe racer

22 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

There are lots of BMW motorcycles with which Lord Drake Kustoms had worked, but this Cafe Racer based on a BMW R65 has meant a start for this new future with this brand.

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

“Everyone who knows me knows that I am a Harleys fan; and until that I had only worked with two BMW motorcycles (one R 1200 S and one R 1150 S)”, Fran Manen, owner of Lord Drake Kustoms, told us.

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green
BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

This R65 was the first BMW classic to fall into the hands of Lord Drake Kustoms. Its owner, Ana, a native of Granada (Spain) , is a lover of motorcycles and with her father she has a small collection of old motorcycles.

Ana arrived at the LDK workshop in Malaga to meet Francisco, driving a 48 Sportster, but she did not modify the Harley, she went to modify a BMW R65 that her father had given her. Although the bike was in excellent condition and despite the instructions of his father warning him not to touch her, she was clear that she wanted a very elegant and aggressive cafe racer.

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green
BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

“A few weeks later it would be Ana herself, the one who would bring the motorbike to our workshop in Malaga, driving it from Granada and there the story began …,” Fran pointed out.

“THE GASOLINE DEPOSIT WAS REPLACED BY THE MODEL OF THE R100 AND IT WAS PROCEDED TO MODIFY THE WHOLE SUBCHASIS”

How it was made

We started by disassembling the whole bike to blast it and paint the chassis, engine and other parts in black. Then the fuel tank was replaced by the model of the R100 and the entire subframe was modified to adapt a tail car made to measure for this occasion. To give it a more aggressive touch, higher air dampers were placed and the front suspension was lowered. The color was simple, an elegant color, all black and the green body (Racing Green) with the brown touch of seat made to measure “.

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green
BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

“THE COLOR WAS SIMPLE, A ELEGANT COLOR, ALL BLACK AND THE GREEN BODY (RACING GREEN) WITH THE BROWN TOUCH”

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green
BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

Just leave this motorcycle from the oven of Lord Drake Kustoms, it seems that BMW lovers agreed to start sending their machines to LDK in Malaga, because they are currently customizing a K100 and an R100 and in the coming weeks will begin to work with two other BMWs (one R100rs and one K1) that are apparently going to have to talk … we’ll see!

BMW R65 Cafe Racer Green

Details:

Motorcycle: BMW R65 Motor: 650 ccDepository: BMW R100
Escapes: Aftermarket and original collectors
Handlebar: Half-handlebars
Rear wing and tail: Handmade made of fiber
Subchassis: Modified
Front flap .: Modified original
Seat: Custom made and upholstered in perforated synthetic leather
Front suspension: Modified
Rear suspension: Modified with longer air shock absorbers
Wheels: Original wheels painted in matt black powder
Other: digital kilometer counter, LED pilots, cuffs, gas cap, artisan license plate holder, LED tail light, modification of the ignition cylinder, etc.

Filed Under: BMW, Cafe Racer

Cream, the “crème de la crème” of Cafe Racers

21 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

With the “Cream” the owner of Lord Drake Kustoms, Fran Manen, intended to make a cafe racer in the purest style, without the motorcycle losing the classic touch and doing at the same time something different and especially elegant … a motorcycle to attract glances.

Yamaha XS "Cream"

The Yamaha XS model

The XS arrived in our country in the eighties, with a level of advertising in the magazines of the sector that achieved the objective of opening their eyes to products arriving from Japan. The truth is that we had lost (because of import protectionism) excellent Japanese motorcycles of the sixties and seventies, but many models with these acronyms were unpublished, absolutely unknown to the vast majority, when they were originally created for internal consumption and even destined to countries like the USA One of them is the one used in this case by Fran Manen. It is a very special model, aesthetically similar to that sold in Spain with a DOHC engine, but with one less cylinder: the Yamaha XS750.

Yamaha XS "Cream"

The great exclusivity of this model is due to the configuration of its engine and its origin. He chose the Triple USA Custom model; one of the limited three-cylinder models of these XS that was only marketed in the USA and where this unit came from.

How it was made

And here the changes begin. The rear tail is made of metal – and by hand – in the image and likeness of the fuel tank, as the angles remain faithful. The rear turn signals have been embedded in the subframe bars that have been modified by losing their double seat support function, to accommodate only a single seat and single seat.

Yamaha XS "Cream"

The front suspension was also shortened, to give the general line to this motorcycle, now much more in line with the cafe racer standards. The result is greater rigidity in its suspensions despite the greater rear travel with a pair of shock absorbers with separate gas tank. The new more aerodynamic driving position is achieved with a two-piece handlebar anchored directly to the suspension bottles.

Yamaha XS "Cream"

Technical data

Name: “Cream”
Style: Cafe Racer
Brand: Yamaha
Model: XS750 Triple USA Custom
Year: 1981
Engine: 750 cc
Transmission: Gimbal
Front wheel: 19 ”Wheel with copper paint powder effect
Rear wheel: 18” Wheel with powder paint copper effect
Tires: Firestone Deluxe Champion
Fuel tank: Original
Front suspension: Modified by LDK
Rear suspension: Rise +3 ”air absorbers
Front fender: Manufactured by LDK
Rear seat: Manufactured by LDK by hand and in metal
Seat: Manufactured by LDK
Exhausts: 3 in 1
Air filters: K&N
License plate holder: Manufactured by LDK
Rear turn signals: Inserted in the chassis
Lighting: Front light, rear light incorporated into fenders, front turn signals and rear LEDs on seatposts and dampers
Other modifications: Handlebars, cuffs, handles , gas cap, mirrors …

Filed Under: Cafe Racer, Sin categoría, Yamaha

Trending Topic, the Harley of Hashtag (#)!

18 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Fashion, accessories, elegance, a lot of class and of course “trending topic” were the key words to carry out this project.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

A few months ago, David Muñoz, contacted Lord Drake Kustoms in Malaga to tell them the idea he had about becoming a motorcycle based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce, which he had just acquired. Curiously, this project coincided in time with David’s launch of a new fashion and accessories brand called “Trending Topic”.

“It should be something different from what is usually proposed for Softail Deuce, and especially when this machine was to be used as a corporate image”

After the meeting held by David and Fran Manen, the owner of LDK, both concluded that this motorcycle should be something different from what is usually proposed for the Softail Deuce, and especially when this machine was to be used as a corporate image at launch of the clothing brand.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Fran’s challenge was excited by the possibilities he offered and because in addition the Softail Deuce is his favorite Harley, for being the first one he had and because with it he started in the world of customization. And since that first unit, he had never returned to work with another Deuce.

The owner of Trending Topic made it clear that he wanted the motorcycle with a Penaut-type fuel tank, that he should keep the original lenticular tire (which characterizes the Deuce models) and that he should wear the logo of his brand (hashtag).

The proyect

From there Fran began working on the project and after several tests it was determined that the motorcycle should wear a black suit, with the exception of the gas tank that would be white, the usual color of the shirts that accompany this guy of costumes … a significant detail and how well reference to the brand of accessories that he was going to represent.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

“To give an elegant and dark touch we chose to use darkened turn signals incorporated into the cuffs and mini dimensions for the rear.”

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

It began by modifying and adapting a “Penaut” tank, replacing the ignition and contact and replacing the handlebar with a flat one to give the motorcycle width. Afterwards, the rear part of the chassis was modified and the bobber-type rear fender with the integrated LED pilot was manufactured, as well as the floating spring seat with the “Trending Topic” mark inserted in the back.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Apart from many other details such as the front tire, the digital odometer, etc., three elements that would break with the typical bobber look that the motorcycle was acquiring so far and which are: a dome, were incorporated in the front of the motorcycle. a keel-spoiler and a front grill. To give an elegant and dark touch we chose to use darkened turn signals incorporated into the cuffs and mini dimensions for the rear.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

The result, a motorcycle that, like the accessories and clothing of the brand it represents, is giving and will give a lot to talk about and that wherever it goes it becomes a “trending topic” of the event … and so much that they are some twins like a tie or even this magnificent motorcycle.

Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Thank you very much, good luck and above all that you are “Trendig Topic” for a long time!

DATA SHEET

Base: 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce
Engine: Twin Cam 1595 cc injection

MODIFICATIONS:

  • Subframe
  • Wiring: inside handlebars
  • Front suspension: change of inner springs, with outer covers between seatposts and bellows in bars
  • Rear suspension: Lowering kit
  • Wheels: 21 ”Fat Daddy wheels in front
  • Escapes: Santee
  • Air filter: Drag Classic
  • Handlebars, levers, odometers and indicators (witnesses)
  • Fuel tank: Penaut type
  • Mudguard
  • License plate support: lateral
  • Headlight and dome
  • Spoiler and front grille
  • Ignition and contact reset
  • Rear turn signals, front, fuel cap, foot controls, paint and graphics and a very long etcetera.
Deuce "Trending Topic" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Filed Under: Bobber, Custom, Harley Davidson, Old School, Softail

Daredevil (the scrambler) is a tribute to Evel Knievel

17 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Daredevil: Reckless, who enjoys doing dangerous things.
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms

Fran Manen (owner of Lord Drake Kustoms) had been listening for a long time to his good friend Frank Mahieu, owner of the Belgian company “The Motocyclist”, to discuss his idea of ​​paying tribute to Evel Knievel.

Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel in action – Some rights reserved

One afternoon they were chatting about the new electric bicycles and suddenly the “Evel Knievel” spark that had been out for some time jumped … Not everything is going to be bicycles, it’s time to do something with more gas and that’s when Frank commissioned Lord Drake Kustoms who will begin to shape a motorcycle, tribute to the famous American jumper.

Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms

So was the beginning of the return journey of “Daredevil” to earth. The base was a Sportster 1200, but this time the acronym HD did not mean Harley Davidson … they said: Harley Daredevil, which came as a ring to the finger. To give a more retro scrambler air, the modified Peanut-style tank was combined with a 21 ”front tire.

Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms

The graphics and colors were very easy to choose, the helmet and the cape served as inspiration. And as always you had to meet the three essential requirements of LDK for your bikes: simplicity, elegance and class where “less is more”.

Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms
Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms

Currently this scrambler is in Belgium attending various events related to the world of two wheels.

Daredevil, a scrambler custom motorcycle by Lord Drake Kustoms

Filed Under: Flat Track, Harley Davidson, Scrambler, Sin categoría, Sportster, Street Tracker

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