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Bobber

A BMW R100 Cafe Racer and much more

14 November, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

Text: Cafe Racer World, Photos: Álvaro Manén

No one can deny that we are facing a fashion in terms of custom bikes based on BMW models. A motorcycle that the German firm developed in the 80s designed to carry out long trips. On this occasion we started with a BMW R100 DM from 1981.

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

What Lord Drake Kustoms has achieved with this motorcycle is surprising, since he has managed to combine several styles into one. That is why we can quickly see strokes of Cafe Racer in its structure and Bobber or we could say a vintage touch. But even if we look at their used tires we could talk about a whole Scrambler. 

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

Many are the details that make this custom motorcycle an object of desire. And it was precisely a desire like this that led a client and follower of Lord Drake Kustoms to visit his facilities to order the motorcycle of his dreams. 

The meeting was very fast and Fran Manen and his team of Lord Drake Kustoms were soon ready to begin the work of customization.

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

Fran tells us “The client was very clear what motorcycle he wanted and we were also surprised that he was looking for this type of Cafe Racer or Scrambler motorcycle in Malaga, because it is not very normal to see them even here.”

The customization process.

The LDK team began by disassembling the original BMW R100 and pushing away everything unnecessary. Then they went on to modify the front suspension in order to achieve the necessary height. Once the rear shock absorbers and the handlebar were placed, they managed to see the final shape and height of the motorcycle. It was important that it be as low as possible.

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer
BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer
BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

From there, they began to manufacture by hand all the elements that they were going to include, such as the seat and its support, the front and rear fenders, the license plate holder, the headlamp support, the battery box and many other pieces.

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer
BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer
BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

All the original paint was removed from the tank until it reached the metal. After polishing it well, a matt lacquer was applied for the final finish. As for the rest of the pieces, it was the company Metal Colors who applied the powder coating (electrostatic paint) with a combination of matte black and textured black. 

BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

Technical Data Sheet

  • Motorcycle: BMW R100
  • Year: 1981
  • Displacement: 1,000 cc.
  • Exhaust: Original modified with custom tails.
  • Shock absorbers: LDK air suspension.
  • Fork: Original modified.
  • Odometer: Digital Motogadget.
  • Hand controls: Handlebars, grips, controls and pinions of lights, levers and front brake pump, etc.
  • Foot controls: modified LDK.
  • Rims: Originals with powdercoating.
  • Tires Continental.
  • Fuel Tank: Original.
  • Seat: support and craft seat LDK.
  • Front mudguard: artisan LDK.
  • Mudguard: artisan LDK.
  • Number plate: artisan LDK.
  • Lighting: spotlight, intermittent Front LEDs on cuffs, pilot and rear turn signals LEDs under saddle.
  • Paint and finishes: Deposit in matt lacquered steel and a combination of matte black and textured black with powdercoating on the rest of the motorcycle.
BMW R100 DM Cafe Racer

Filed Under: BMW, Bobber, Cafe Racer, Scrambler

“Sixty-Nine” the sexy bobber

24 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

The “69”, the truth is that I do not know if this name has it for the year of manufacture or because it refers to the acrobatic amatoria posture… perhaps for both reasons.

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

I opt for the second option because it is a bobber motorcycle that as I was working on it seemed more daring, sexier and maybe even something rampant and radical. Yes, but with elegance!

The year also counts because it is still a reference to the old school of that time but adapted to the moment and tastes of the market now.

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

What I was sure was that I wanted something striking and at the same time simple and elegant. That is why I combined the luminosity of white with the classicism of black, with a golden touch aged between the two, but without abusing because I did not want to fall into making a vulgar motorcycle or “chavs”.

“It’s simply the” 69. ” Sometimes it relaxes you, and sometimes it puts you a hundred. ”

Fran Manen

With a very casual style and for all audiences (for bikers and non-bikers, for young and less young people), something to roll on any promenade in the purest Californian style, and that people look at you when you pass, with a powerful sound and lively. Of course, the somewhat radical stance that encourages you to give your fist to the entrance of a highway! It is simply the “69”. Sometimes it relaxes you, and other times it puts you a hundred.

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

Modifications of the original

Regarding the changes, the belt has been replaced by a chain kit designed by LDK, something more appropriate to the new style. The height of the rear suspension has also been reduced by two inches and the front one modified.

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms
"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms
"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

The escape is also a work of Lord Drake Kustoms, as well as both fenders and the mandatory license plate holder, also replacing numerous parts such as handlebars, turn signals, cams, fists, footrests, spark plug wires, mirrors …

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms
"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms
"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms
"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

This motorcycle has been in second position in the “Sportster” category of the European Harley-Davidson Bike Show “Eurofestival” held in May 2014 in Saint Tropez (France).

Technical data of “Sixty-Nine” bobber

Name: “Sixty Nine”
Style: Old School / Bobber / Cafe Racer
Brand: Harley-Davidson
Model: Sportster 1200 C
Engine: 1200 cc
Transmission: Chain kit by LDK
Controls: Forward controls
Brakes: DNA discs
Front wheel: 21 ”Rims Fat Daddy
Rear wheel: 16 ”Rims Fat Daddy
Fuel tank: Peanut 3.3 gallons
Front Suspension: Modified LDK
Rear suspension: -2 ”lowered
Front fender: LDK
Rear fender: LDK
Seat: H-D
Escape: from LDK
Air filter: Drag
Speedometer: Joker Machine
License plate holder: LDK
Lights: Headlight, pilot, turn signals …
Others: Handlebars, grips, cams, gas control, footrests, spark plug wires, mirrors …

"Sixty-Nine" a bobber by Lord Drake Kustoms

Filed Under: Bobber, Cafe Racer, Custom, Harley Davidson, Old School, Sportster

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

Softail Springer “SDT Vintage” by LDK

11 October, 2019 by caferacer Leave a Comment

One day the world will run out of things to do with a Softail, but there’s no sense of that happening any time soon. 

We shouldn’t be that surprised. Folk around the world have been changing bits of a tiny range of motorcycles for generations now, and still keep coming up with new combinations of parts! Okay, some bits won’t necessarily be original, but then a good custom bike is always more than a combination of its parts. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Take this simple Springer Softail as a case in point. No rose-tinted, retro pastiche this, it looks aggressive with its steep stock rake, and that short flat hugger mudguard foreshortens it further: it’s on the short side of squat and spoiling for a fight. In fact anything that might visually stretch it out a little has been modified! 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

The powdercoated hot-rod red DNA Fat Daddy wheels with blacked-out spokes do nothing to soften its lines but tie in nicely with the blacked-out Springer forks and the red race number on the round oil tank, and the abraded and distressed steel of the tank beneath a layer of semi-gloss clearcoat lends it a purposeful look.

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Why’s the oil tank black? Because it’s right! Commissioned by SDT Graphics and built by Lord Drake Kustoms, whose work we’re seeing more of, it’s an example of the sort of cross-over styling that is resulting from new ideas coming across. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Fran Manen has got a name for himself locally as a café racer man, and a builder of low, lean Triumphs but he likes to wrong-foot those who would typecast him. We’ve seen his Rat’s Hole-winning Dyna, 883R Sportster Racer and it was always going to be to see what he’d do with a Softail. 

It’s as close to an ‘old school’ custom as you’ll get from LDK, and is based on a 2005 FLSTSC – a Springer Classic – which was specifically chosen because he didn’t want to use “typical and cheap aftermarket Springer forks”. It had to be authentic: it had to be more authentic and more radical. It also came with black forks already, which was a bonus. 

There’s nothing much that hasn’t been messed with in some form or other and having stripped the bike down far enough to get the original oil tank out – leaving just left the motor in, and even that lost its covers while they were refinished – he lopped the fender horns off and got busy. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

The engine covers were the easy bit: lose the chrome and apply a textured black powdercoat, and finish them off with RSD’s ‘Clarity’ covers: there was no place for chrome on this machine and it’s a miracle the fork springs and damper came out unscathed. 

The tighter rake of the FL forks combined with the 120/70 Avon Venom wrapped round the 21-inch rim to pick the front end off the ground and set the stance, and with a set of near flat bars in place of the near beach bars of the original bike, one of the primary triangulation points was in place: the top of the headstock. 

Yes, technically, the top of a headstock is the top yoke which is physically in touch with the steering heads bearing’s cone, but visually here it isn’t. Springers don’t have a highly visible slab of cast or billet aluminium to guide the eye, and you choose where you want the eye to be drawn to. Here it is the handlebars, as though they were bolted to a notional top yoke. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

With a lower tank, those flat bars would look like drag bars on straight risers – which, technically they are – but by lifting the modified XL tank above the frame, using a neat trick to hide the production economies of a part of the frame that was never intended to be seen by the public, its spine is visually raised, and indeed you eye is drawn to the top line of the tank which flows from the bars to the rear wheel spindle in a single curving arc: the second triangulation point. 

The straight line from headstock to spindle is often held as a panacea: a throwback to the days of rigid frames and inherently right! And while not cast in stone, it works more often than not and Fran has got that line with a difference: while most such curves are gentle, the SDT Vintage is aggressively steep. It’s punctuated only by the minimal solo seat – upholstered in the same leather that Ferrari use to trim their cars – fitted rigidly and sympathetically aligned. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

To keep the bike level, height has been added at the rear, and the overall effect is of a bike that was already compact looking even shorter! 

What bodywork LDK didn’t make, they modified to get the lines they were after, which included the tank and its raised mount, the ignition relocation bracket, the oil tank with all fittings and the entire seat. And while they ordered-out when dressing the motor with a few RSD bits – in the form of rocker boxes and the air cleaner on the fuel-injected 88B motor to match the clarity covers – they also made the wrapped short exhausts which play along with the ‘short’ theme, barely reaching the transmission. 

The speedo relocator, halfway down the front leg, on the primary side came from Joker Machine, as did the LED indicators and the shifter link – you can’t make everything, or at least it doesn’t make much sense to when the right bit is available – and you might spot there’s still a trace of the original Springer Classic in those Vintage footboards, except they would have been the squarer Electra Glide type rather than these half-round ones. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

And the simple tank has been finished off with a simple graphic, even if it has been topped off with some contrast-cut RSD billet. 

All-in-all, not your average Softail custom, and it’s certainly not your average Springer Softail, but who wants average? 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms
Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

And it’s not a Café Racer either … at least not in the conventional sense, or even the emerging style. Well, not stylistically: I reckon it’ll lend itself to that head down, hunched over stance: well, a man has got to have his vices. 

But old school? Well, old is relative. It’s going to be interesting to see whether this style makes it across the Atlantic, but with LDK has set up a European operation in southern Spain, there are at least be one outlet promoting such crossover customs. 

Springer "SDT Vintage" by Lord Drake Kustoms

Data Sheet

Original motorcycle: H-D Softail Springer Classic FLSTSC 
Year: 2005
Builder: Fran Manen
Company: Lord Drake Kustoms
City: Miami, FL (USA)
Engine: 88 Twin Cam 1,450 cc 
Exhaust: LDK
Oil tank: LDK
Handlebar: LDK
Rear mudguard: LDK
Filter: RSD
Tires: DNA Fat Daddy (16 “back and 21” front)
Tires: Avon 
Front Suspensions: Springer
Rear Suspension: trimmed 1 inch 
Fuel tank: Peanut 3.3 gallons (modified by LDK)
Tank base and location on: by LDK
Seat and base: by LDK
Repositioning reels: by LDK 
Painting and rest of finishes: by LDK
Others: RSD caps, Leds flashers, relocate speedometer, H-D Vintage footrests, Avon cuffs …

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

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