Lord Drake Kustoms has contributed by donating 1,000 masks and 70 medical gowns to help fight COVID-19 to the Velez Malaga City Council so that they can be used in those areas of the Municipality where they are most needed.
Fran Manen met with the mayor of Vélez-Málaga, respecting all the security measures decreed by the Spanish government, to deliver this essential material.
We all must contribute what we can to fight the situation caused by COVID-19. For this reason and because in life there are more important things than motorcycles … #stayathome
This is one of the classic motorcycles most difficult to find in Europe and especially in Spain. The Suzuki GS750 is a more common model of the North American market and this time it has arrived at the Cafe Racer workshop in Malaga of LDK so that we can make a brutal transformation.
A classic Suzuki from the late 70’s
The owner of this bike, Jose (from Madrid), called Fran Manen to interested in the work of transformations motorcycle of Lord Drake Kustoms. Subsequently, he indicated that he was interested in transforming his motorcycle into a Cafe Racer and indicated that the exact model was a Suzuki GS750 of 1979.
Fran loved the idea of customizing a motorcycle that was so exclusive and difficult to see on Spanish land. In addition, this classic motorcycle has a long history behind it; since its owner passed a real adventure to be able to take it and send it from Mexico to Spain … hence the love he has for this Suzuki motorcycle.
Thanks to the fact that we have our own motorcycle pick up and shipping service, it didn’t take long for us to get to the motorcycle to the transformation workshop we have in Malaga where we started to work immediately.
The transformation process of this Suzuki GS750 Cafe Racer
The first thing was to replace the original handlebar with a mid-handlebars and lower the front suspension. Then the upper triple clamp was modified. The original fuel tank with a very Cafe Racer style has been preserved and then the entire custom rear tail piece was made in metal with the integrated Led pilot and the seat.
To give a more sporty silhouette to this Suzuki Cafe Racer, we installed a rear air cushions. At the same time, to preserve the most classic look, tires were placed that could be perfectly be valid for a Scrambler motorcycle.
No side numbers on this Cafe Racer motorcycle, some metal side covers with aluminum grilles were manufactured where the emblems of the GS750 were installed. In the painting and airbrushing of this motorcycle a pearl silver color has been combined with a red candy dark separated by a pinstripingblack.
The result has been a beautiful Suzuki Cafe Racer, which maintains the soul and spirit of an authentic Cafe Racer motorcycle and at the same time a classic motorcycle.
Lord Drake Kustoms was invited yesterday (02/24/2020) to participate in the “Hoy en Día”, a morning show of Canal Sur TV, the regional television of Andalusia (Spain).
This morning news and entertainment program is presented by Fernando Díaz de la Guardia and Paula Sánchez where they review daily news and discuss current affairs with live connections anywhere in Andalusia.
Fran Manen presented on the set of “Hoy en Día” three of the most iconic motorcycles created in Lord Drake Kustoms: the “Envy” and “Urbantracker” which have won great international awards and the “Harley Agathizada” of which, surely they already know, since It has been one of the custom bikes most talked about this past year.
In addition, his son of only nine years, was invited to take the stage to show that he is willing to follow in the footsteps of his father.
This event, that will take place in Cologne (Germany), is one of the most important worldwide of custom motorcycle. In it, all the great builders and customizers come from all countries to participate.
In addition to being a mandatory element, the motorcycle helmet is our best ally to avoid lesions and even death in case of accidents. In today’s article, we will see the essential characteristics that helmets must have for any type of custom motorcycle.
Buying a motorcycle helmet is an important decision for any biker. There are many types and a variety of helmet on the market, each one focused on certain circumstances. Today we are going to see which are the best helmets if you already own or are going to buy a custom motorcycle, be it Cafe Racer, Bobber, Brat or Scrambler.
What to keep in mind when buying a motorcycle helmet
There are many factors why choosing a helmet or another can be decisive when it comes to optimal driving on a custom motorcycle. In addition to protecting our lives, a helmet can prevent us from poor visibility, environmental noise caused by the wind or that all kinds of insects crash against our face.
Let’s look at some aspects to consider when purchasing a helmet.
That are homologated
This is a very important aspect and mainly affects the quality of the helmet. That this object has passed all security controls by an official body potentially increases our security. Keep in mind that for them to be officially approved, the helmets have undergone several stress tests. Each manufacturer is required to perform various durability and safety tests on each of its products.
Therefore it is very important that you look whenever the helmet has an official identifier or seal. In the case of the European Union, said seal is ECE 22-05. In other countries like the US they will carry others like DOT and Snell.
Helmet with a good fixation
It is useless to wear a good helmet if the fixation fails, that is, the straps and anchors are not good and the helmet can get out of the head.
It is essential that you check that the fasteners are reliable and fasten well to the chin.
Custom motorcycle helmets, as we will see later, are usually open. So good support is indispensable.
Choose helmet size
Like the support you have to choose the correct size. The helmet should fit us well in the head, without tightening, but without being too baggy so that we can get out. In addition, it must be comfortable to wear.
Helmet comfort
Other aspects to take into account regarding the comfort of a helmet for a custom motorcycle are ventilation and padding.
Many helmets have ventilation systems that allow air to enter inside. In this way we avoid excessive heat and sweat, especially on long trips.
Another interesting aspect is the inner padding. Ideally, this padding should be as comfortable as possible and sweat repellent. In addition, if it can be removed and put in order to wash it from time to time much better.
Visibility
Good visibility is a very important aspect also linked to safety. However, here we find a paradox; And the greater the visibility, the less secure the helmet is.
Open helmets or Jet type, are usually the most used in custom motorcycles. These helmets, having our face exposed, offer excellent visibility. However, for the same reason it exposes us to greater damage to our face.
On the contrary, full or closed helmets, protect us much better from any blow, but subtract us from the visibility field. With these helmets, the pilot should move his neck further to see at the sides or up and down.
Our advice is that depending on the trip to be made on your custom motorcycle, you use one or the other. That is, for short trips and at low speed, a Jet helmet can be more than enough.
But for long trips on the road or off-road and higher speeds it is much better to use a full-face helmet or one focused on enduro for motocross.
Helmets visors
Like the helmet itself all must be approved. There are many models according to the manufacturer’s brand, but they should all be protected against UV rays, be resistant to scratches and not soak easily.
Types of helmets for custom motorcycles
Although any approved helmet is used to drive a custom motorcycle, the truth is that aesthetics is important when we drive. After all, we have invested in giving a unique and special image to our cafe racer motorcycle. Are we not going to take care that the helmet is consistent with our motorcycle?
So, finally fashion generally imposes three types of custom motorcycle helmets that we will see below:
Jet type helmets
They are the most common in the custom world. Almost all the best known brands have models of this type. They are ideal to personalize them by painting or stickers.
Also and, as we have already mentioned above, they are the least safe. So it is advisable to use them at not very high speeds and on short distances.
These helmets have a very good visibility, since they keep our face exposed. They can be used comfortably with glasses and screens or protective masks can also be attached.
The integral helmets are closed. Offer a better protection of our head since they protect our face from possible blows.
They usually carry the retractable visor already incorporated into the same body. There are also many brands and variants. They are designed for longer trips and higher speeds.
In Lord Drake Kustoms we are fans of Steve McQueen. There has been no other actor in Hollywood who better embodies that love for the engine. He said on many occasions that he did not know if he was a competing actor or a acting pilot.
The fact is that Steve McQueen owes scenes that are already mythical in the history of cinema and motorcycling. That is the case of the famous final scene of The Great Escape, where he tries to escape with a Triumph (actually camouflaged as a German motorcycle of the time).
Final scene of “The Great Escape”
It was precisely during the filming of this film in the Bavarian region of Germany, when the causes for which, two years later in 1964, Steve McQueen and a group of friends participated in a motorcycle race in the German Democratic Republic.
The race in East Germany
Bud Ekins was a great film specialist and a great friend of Steve McQueen. They met when the famous actor moved to live in Hollywood. Ekins then had a small mechanical workshop in the San Fernando Valley, where he rented motorcycles to film studios.
Steve McQueen had him double for the most dangerous action scenes in many of his films. For example, Bud Ekins is in charge of making the jumps between the fences in the previous scene of The Great Escape.
It was during filming of that scene in the fall of 1962, when Ekins obtained permission to participate in the ISDT, a race organized in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, very close to Munich. In that race, Bud won his first gold medal.
When he returned to the shooting set, he told his friend Steve McQueen his exploits during the race and he was impressed. That was when they decided to set up an American team for the next race.
This team materialized two years later, in 1964. It was during the 39th edition of the International Six Days of Trials, held from September 7 to 12 in Erfurt, in East Germany.
The North American team was formed by Bud Ekins, Steve McQueen himself, Cliff Coleman and Dave Ekins (Bud’s brother). John Steen completed the group as a replacement pilot.
Steve McQueen with number 278 competing in the Erfurt ISDT in 1964
They brought the Triumphs from England, scrambler models adapted for that kind of motocross Olympiad.
The weather was very bad, with a lot of rain and cold. A very different environment than this team normally enjoyed in California. Nevertheless, the first two days of the championship managed to finish all their careers.
The third day, despite an improvement in time, was fatal for Bud Ekins and Steve McQueen, both had to leave. Ekins for breaking his ankle when he hit a rock and McQueen for smashing the front tire with another crash.
Coleman and Dave Ekins had more luck and managed to finish the race with a gold medal each.
Steve McQueen’s discovered photos.
This famous motorcycle race was widely documented in its day, especially by the French photographer François Gragnon and also by Lynn Wineland, one of the most famous racing photographers.
Recently, and through a German collector, new photographs of that event have been found. The photographer’s name is unfortunately unknown, but these images help us get a better idea of those days.
In its latest issue, the French magazine Cafe Racer on the world of custom motorcycle, has published a special report on Steve McQueen. In this dossier he develops several related articles and the publication of these anonymous photos.
Some of the unseen images published by the French magazine Cafe Racer
Our tribute to Steve McQueen
As we talked at the beginning, we are big fans of Steve McQueen. A few years ago we made a custom motorcycle tribute to his figure. For this we rely on his film about Le Mans.
In this film he was driving a Porche 917 K with the number 20. We wanted to pay tribute to him with a Harley Sportster converted to Cafe Racer. His name: Racing is Life.
“Racing is Life” next to Porche 917 piloted Steve McQueen in Le Mans.
This name is based on one of the most famous phrases of that movie: “Racing is life … anything that happens before or after is just waiting”.
We continue with our new batch of articles where we try to offer an answer to the different styles of custom motorcycles. Today we have to talk about one of the most demanded styles in recent years: that of Scrambler motorcycles.
“Scramble” is a term that means mixing, but also “fighting” or “short path”.
Thus, it is easy to assume that this word defines a type of motorcycle that serves both road or unpaved roads (offroad).
Let’s see below how and why these custom bikes were born.
Origins of Scrambler motorcycles
Although its origin can be traced to the Second World War, it was in England in the 60s when we witnessed its rise. The stage was the same where the famous Cafe Racer were born.
As we explained in a previous article about the history of the Cafe Racers, in the 50s and 60s an urban tribe of young rebels appeared in London who modified their bikes to win competitions. They were the Rockers.
These boys competed with each other with their custom bikes both in short journeys and in more official competitions, many of them held on the Isle of Man.
Many of them thought about shortening cross-country paths in their careers. That is why they put their bikes back in their garages to adapt them to the country environment.
It was in this way that those motorcycles evolved to what is now known as Scrambler style.
Already in the 60s and 70s, official motocross, enduro and trial competitions began to be held. These competitions help you to the popularity of this type of motorcycle.
Also recognized brands of motorcycle manufacturers began to market models based on this style such as Ducati or Triumph.
Cinema and music also helped to make Scrambler motorcycles known. It is only necessary to think about the famous scene of the escape of Steve McQueen in the movie The Great Escape or Elvis Presley playing an advertisement for Triumph Scrambler.
Steve McQueen in one of his races with a Scrambler
Elvis Presley poses for a Triumph Scrambler ad
Let us now know the characteristics that define this style.
Scrambler style features
We have already seen that to be a Scrambler motorcycle it is necessary to be modified for offroad roads. But for this to be possible, it is necessary that this motorcycle be light, robust and reliable.
Let’s see how these three essential factors are achieved:
Simplicity. Scrambler motorcycles are not designed to have all the details, their adventurous character drives them to keep only those essential details.
Weight reduction. Like their cousins, the cafe racers, these bikes need to do without unnecessary items.
Reduced tank. It is one more way to reduce the weight of the motorcycle.
Taco wheels. It is logical that a motorcycle that is destined to roll on dirt, dust, water or mud roads should have an excellent grip.
Padded seat. The comfort and the reduction of the impact before the bumps of the road are grateful for the pilot.
Wide handlebars. The maneuverability and a more comfortable position for the pilot was improved.
Exhaust pipe elevated. In this way it is avoided that you can suffer damage from the impact of stones due to the irregularity of the terrain.
Raised fenders. To prevent dirt and dirt from accumulating on the wheels.
Number plate. This detail is given by its competitive nature.
Today, custom motorcycles in Scrambler style are still one of the most demanded by our customers. This is due to its versatility by being able to have a motorcycle valid for both road and to get lost on unexplored roads.
Are you a Scrambler motorcycle lover? Tell us in the comments.
And if you want to have a motorcycle like this, we can help you with the project. You can bring us your motorcycle to do the transformation or we can also look for one. Contact us and we will advise you without any commitment.
The Brat style was born in Japan in the 90s, so it is also known as Japan Style. Its creator, Go Takamine, mixed the concepts of the english Cafe Racer and american Bobber to create a lighter and more urban motorcycle.
They are usually custom motorcycles with a retro or vintage air, although today it is usual that this rule does not have to be fulfilled. Like Cafe Racer, they dispense with any added element, maintaining a minimalist appearance. However, it differs from the latter in that the comfort of the pilot also prevails.
Already in his workshop, Takamine developed a “modus operandi” of a different design than usual that ended up being imitated throughout the world.
This style was democratized under the name of bratstyle, so the name of its store “Brat Style” ended up becoming generic.
Brat style features
As we have said before, the Brat style collects elements of both Cafe Racer and Bobber. However, it brings its own differences, which makes these custom bikes a style in its own right.
Let’s look at some of the common features of Brat style motorcycles below.
Based on medium displacement motorcycles. The first Brat-style models that Takamine manufactured, were based on Japanese brand bikes. But the main reason for choosing medium displacement bikes is that the result is as light as possible.
Low Bikes. It is usual to lower the suspensions to balance the shape of the motorcycle, so that the line under the tank and the seat is as parallel to the ground as possible.
Wide tires and equal diameter to each other.
Spoke wheels.
Small diameter headlights.
Fine and flat two-seater seat. These bikes admit companion, since their seat is quite elongated and flat. They also tend to dispense with any type of tail.
The handlebars are usually higher than those of the Cafe Racer (designed for better aerodynamics with the inclined position of the pilot). In the case of Brat Style motorcycles, enjoyment and driving comfort prevail.
In summary, the Brat style looks for a fun, urban motorcycle with good maneuverability and retro look.
Brat Bikes today
As with other styles such as Cafe Racer, Bobber or Scrambler, today they mix with each other or provide new details.
This custom Triumph motorcycle like Cafe Racer and Brat was commissioned by Tom Kaulitz (leader of the Tokio Hotel group) and made a video where you can see him in action.
The Sportster models of the famous Milwaukee manufacturer have always been an excellent base for transforming these motorcycles into Bobber style.
Lord Drake Kustoms has made various customizations from this model to create some of the best Harley Sportster Bobber.
Recently, we published an article where we explain exactly what the Bobber style is. Today we are going to see how the Harley Davidson Sportster range has evolved over the years.
The history of the Harley Sportster
The Sportster model is one of the most famous of the Harley Davidson brand. This motorcycle has been manufactured tirelessly for over 60 years with the code XL (eXperimental Light).
This code refers to its ease of handling and modification, which makes it a perfect candidate to be customized.
The previous features combined with its low price, made it become an instant success, being a perfect model to enter the brand.
Since then it has not stopped evolving to this day, creating mythical bikes such as the Sportster XR 750 in the 60s, which won countless races.
Over the decades, it has continued to gain popularity, while evolving at the pace of the improvements offered by new technologies.
Some of the best-known Sportster models are the Sportster Iron or the Harley Davidson Forty-Eight. The latter with a factory Bobber air.
The Harley Sportster Bobber Motorcycles by Lord Drake Kustoms
Let us now review the best Harley Sportster Bobber style motorcycles that Lord Drake Kustoms has made in recent years.
Sportster “SDT”
This was one of the first Bobber air motorcycles that LDK customized. Totally black combined details in gloss black and matte, make it a most elegant Bobber. It is built from an HD Sportster 1200.
Based on a Softail Springer, this modified motorcycle was created in the workshops that LDK has in Miami (USA). This time gray predominates over black and its red accents give it a sportier look.
With a more “casual” and at the same time elegant style for its combination of black and white colors, this motorcycle was created to be enjoyed by all ages.
Sixty-Nine
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Also in black and white, it is perhaps one of the most spectacular motorcycles that Lord Drake Kustoms has made in these years.
His name comes because it was a commission for a store with that branding. But at the same time it adjusted perfectly to his spirit, since it was a motorcycle that gave much to talk about.
The story of this custom motorcycle has a special peculiarity, and its transformation was carried out in just 48 hours. The basis for modification was a Harley Sportster 1200 C.
This project was carried out in Miami and was made for a good cause. The finished motorcycle was donated to raise funds for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Tears and Favors Foundation at the Miami Fashion Week Charity Gala 2019.
The Bobber style is, together with the Cafe Racer and Scrambler, one of the most demanded when making a custom motorcycle. Born in the first half of the twentieth century, Bobber motorcycles accompanied the beginnings of custom culture in North America.
Although it is usually located in the 40s, its origins really go back to the 20s. Looking for an improvement of the performance and style of the Harley-Davidson “J” of that time, the “bob-job” style appeared in United States.
This style was characterized by the suppression of any expendable element to relieve the weight of the motorcycle. From there it was modified to lower the height of the seat and shortened the distance between the wheels, creating that typical diagonal line.
These types of transformations were applied especially for motorcycle racing in the 30s. Since then, this style evolved and was simply called “Bobber”.
In the 40s, especially after the Second World War, the culture of motorcycle transformation began to settle. Thus, the characteristics of this Bobber style were applied to American motorcycle models such as Harley-Davidson, Indian or Triumph.
Let’s see in depth what were the characteristics of these Bobber motorcycles.
Keep in mind that the following characteristics are general and are not always met when customizing a motorcycle in this Bobber style.
The diagonal line
It is the first track to recognize a Bobber motorcycle. Due to the low height of its seat, the peanut-shaped tank and the high handlebar, a very characteristic ascending line of these models is created.
Also, starting in the 40s and 50s, the wheels begin to separate (unlike in the beginning), which is why they are often called their “long and low” shape.
As we said before, it is one of the characteristics inherited from its early days. Making the bike less heavy was essential to gain speed.
Already in the 40s and 50s, the soldiers who returned from the war sought to modify their motorcycles to have the maneuverability of the motorcycles used in the front. The commercial bikes of those times were much heavier.
Use of classic engines.
It was usual to mount classic motorcycle engines to those of that time, especially Harley-Davidson engines. Some of these iron hearts were the famous OHVs like the Knuckleheads or Panheads.
It is also a very characteristic aspect of the Bobber. It is usually a triangular single seat. Docks under the seat cushion road bumps. Being low, forces the pilot to keep his back straight.
Fuel tank
They are usually of low capacity, but the characteristic is their ascending form, in the form of a peanut in some occasions.
The high handlebar
It is another factor, next to the low seat, that forces a straightness in the rider’s back when driving this motorcycle. They are usually high handlebars, also called “hang monkeys”.
They are usually quite separate and have the same diameter. Lightning radios and thick tires are also often used. Typical tires in this style are white-painted tires on their sides.
The Fenders
At first the fenders were non-existent (especially the front ones), but today they are optional. Of course, if you choose to include them on the motorcycle, they are usually quite short and very close to the tire.
The Exhaust pipes
If you’ve ever heard a Bobber motorcycle accelerate, you may have noticed the noise they make. That is because their exhaust pipes are usually open and trimmed.
The painting
As a general rule it is normal to remove the chrome plating to leave them in matt. In this way, it is easier to apply paint on certain parts of Bobber motorcycles.
If you like Bobber motorcycles, you’re in luck. Lord Drake Kustoms is the best motorcycle workshop in Malaga and Miami, specialized in Custom Motorcycles, Cafe Racer, Scrambler, Bobber and any other style you can imagine.
In addition, we are experts in Harley-Davidson, BMW, Ducati and many more.
If you want to have your own Bobber motorcycle or any other style, do not hesitate to contact us without obligation. We also have Bobber for sale!
