In our previous article we saw how the first Harley Scrambler bikes from Lord Drake Kustoms gained worldwide recognition.
Next we will tell you how the custom bikes called Bultracker were born and why they became a brand in itself for Lord Drake Kustoms.
The arrival of the Bultracker
In 2015, Fran Manen decided to continue with the scrambler motorcycle project, but this time he wanted to do something with a more retro look. It was then, when he remembered the Spanish motorcycles Bultaco, specifically in his model Bultaco Matador. And hence the name of Bultracker emerged to define these custom bikes that would arrive later.
The first was the Bultracker Ring 13, which ended up doing with a good Belgian friend (owner of an HD dealership in Brussels). The name Ring 13 comes from the location of that dealership.
Bultracker Ring 13, the first LDK Bultracker
The Bultracker 17 also ended up in Belgium, as another client ordered it after seeing the results of the Ring 13.
Bultracker 17
Another Harley dealership, this time in Malaga, commissioned the third Bultracker, the Bultracker 04 Siebla. The name Siebla comes from the name of the dealer and the number is for its fourth anniversary.
Bultracker 04 Siebla
And so a great number of Scrambler models based on these Bultracker were happening over the years.
As you can see, each new Bultracker has a number assigned. This is not random, but has to do with a client request.
However, there was a Bultracker in which Fran Manen decided to self-dedicate it, baptizing it with his year of birth. This is the Bultracker 75.
Bultracker 75
In 2019, the latest Bultracker model was realized so far. This is the Bultracker 47, a motorcycle that was based on the Soulbreaker at the request of the client, a great follower of Lord Drake Kustoms years ago. He also wanted this motorcycle to take the colors of the classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Bultracker 47
HD Scramblers with a more modern or contemporary line.
Finally, if we had to choose a couple of HD scrambler models outside the Bultrackers, maybe they would be Urbantracker and Seventy.
These two models presented more modern design lines, away from the retro style that the Bultrackers represented.
Seventy, is based on the design of rally racing cars between the 70s and 90s. Martini Rossi sponsored these rallies and that is why this motorcycle takes those characteristic three-color bands with blue, light blue and red.
Seventy front view
Seventy rear view
Urbantracker by his side, plays more with the surfer and Californian details. A motorcycle that could well be seen on the beaches of Malibu … and with that number …
Urbantracker
Both models were awarded at different Harley-Davidson festivals. Seventy won the 6th place in the modified Harley category at the AMD World Championchip held in 2018 in Cologne (Germany).
We are proud to see so many happy customers with their Scramblers out of our workshops at Lord Drake Kustoms. If we can assure you of anything, we will continue customizing scramblers in the future.
And you? Are you from Scrambler? What is your favorite model? Leave us your impressions in the comments.
Lord Drake Kustoms has extensive experience building Scrambler motorcycles from Harley-Davidson. You could say that they are a symbol of their brand due to the large number and quality of these custom bikes. In this article we will see how that idea came about (when nobody bet on it) and how it has evolved to this day.
A Harley Scrambler / Off Road
In 2014 and having just returned from Miami (USA) to open his new workshop in Malaga (Spain), Fran Manen decided to bet on a type of custom motorcycle almost nonexistent at that time. Tired of seeing custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles always in the same styles, he thought it would be great to be able to take your Harley-Davidson to the field. And so the idea was born that would lead him to modify a large number of Harley motorcycles in Scrambler style and would reap so much fame and prizes.
The Soul Breaker
The first Scrambler motorcycle he made was the “Soulbreaker”, named like that (soul-breaker) in homage to all those who thought such a project was impossible. All these bikes would be based on Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 or 1200 models. This scrambler won third place in the European Bike Shop held in Saint Tropez (France).
Soulbreaker, the first Harley scrambler of Lord Drake Kustoms.
Some time later this off road motorcycle continued with the Soulbreaker 2.
Soulbreaker 2, a successor of the original.
Sportracker, a harley scrambler more sporty and contemporary.
Just after the first Soulbreaker began working on a second scrambler motorcycle, this time with a more street and modern line. It was the Sportracker, a motorcycle also based on Harley XL models.
Sportracker, a scrambler with a more urban touch.
A tribute for Evel Knievel
One day, Fran Manen was making sketches of ideas about motorcycles and remembered the famous acrobatic motorcyclist Evel Knievel. It was then, as on many other occasions, that his son, who at that time was only 9 years old, helped him choose the colors. Fran sent the sketch to several clients and fans who followed him and had an interest in his motorcycles. And it was Michel, a Frenchman from the west coast of France, who quickly got in touch with Fran and said – “That’s the motorcycle I want!”
Soon, these first three motorcycles (Soulbreaker, Sportracker and Evel Knievel) became popular in such a way that they came to be considered by a Japanese magazine among the top 10 in the world in 2014.
Inside of Club Harley Magazine (Japan)
Soon more Scrambler bikes
So far the first chapter of this article about LDK Scrambler motorcycles, in a few days we will continue with the famous Bultracker. All a badge of Lord Drake Kustoms. Do not miss it!
Cafe Racer is one of the most used terms in the world of custom motorcycles, but for a neophyte, it may be a bit confusing. In this article we will clarify the origin of these words and what are the main characteristics of this custom motorcycle style.
Where does the term Cafe Racer come from?
We have to go back to the 50s in the United Kingdom, specifically in its capital London. At that time an urban tribe known as the Rockers was born. They were young rebel lovers of Rock & Roll music and motorcycles.
His style is well known and was based on fashion prevailing in great actors of the time such as Marlon Brando or James Dean. Leather jackets usually full of studs and badges, jeans and boots.
These young people frequented cafes to listen to their music and chat about the races on the Isle of Man. Some of those cafes are still active today as the famous Ace Cafe.
Ace Cafe (London)
Keep in mind that in those years Rock & Roll was not yet broadcast on radio stations and there were no concert halls for that music like today. So these young people depended on the Jukebox machines of certain coffees to be able to enjoy Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley or Buddy Holly.
Another important aspect of the Rocker culture was mobility. To move from Cafe to Cafe, they needed a fast and light means of transport. World War II was over a few years ago and some of these young people could afford to buy some new or used motorcycles. They modified these bikes to make them faster.
And from this point begins the legend of the term Cafe Racer. On the one hand it is logical to think that it arose naturally through these races between Cafe and Cafe. In fact, it is said that they did speed competitions to get from one cafe to another in the time that a song lasted on the Jukebox.
Another legend says that it was the truck drivers who stopped in those cafes (many of them on the road) who baptized those kids who challenged each other with the races. They used Cafe Racers disparagingly to refer to them. But little by little the Rockers adopted it for themselves.
At that time, a similar movement emerged in the United States that was based on modifying motorcycles used in war such as Harley-Davidson or Indian. From these customizations emerged the Bobber and Chopper styles.
Let’s see now how the transformations were to turn a motorcycle into Cafe Racer style.
Features of Cafe Racer motorcycles
As we have said before, the Rockers used motorcycles of the time that they modified to make them faster and lighter.
They were usually English motorcycles like Royal Enfield or Norton. These bikes were not designed to acquire high speeds, so they customized them to achieve precisely the opposite and be able to win in their races.
These were the changes they used to make to those bikes to gain more speed:
Get a classic motorcycle racing look, although they were designed for short distances.
Remove any unnecessary items, sacrificing comfort.
Modify the chassis to make the bike less heavy.
Change the engine for a more powerful one.
The tank used to change it for an elongated one (typical of the motorbikes of that time). They also used to adapt it in its shape to facilitate the comfort of the legs.
Trumpet style exhaust pipes.
The seats were single-seater, located in the tail and aligned with the tank.
The handlebars or semi-handlebars were short and low.
And the footrests were as far back as possible to get the pilot to have a position as aerodynamic as possible.
The evolution of Cafe Racer motorcycles
There was a time when this lifestyle and motorcycle fell into oblivion. This was mainly due to the lower prices of vehicles and the emergence of Japanese motorcycles, much more affordable.
However, a few years ago today, an interest in this culture and this style of motorcycle has been reborn again. That is why Cafe Racer is once again on everyone’s lips and has crossed borders all over the world.
But some things have changed compared to the originals. Any base is currently used to create Cafe Racer motorcycles. In addition, because today it is easier to get pieces, the styles are much more varied and mixed together.
The big brands have not wanted to be left behind and have also adapted to this style in some models. Both American and European or Asian brands have released models based on the Cafe Racer style. Or at least they have adopted elements of it.
The Cafe Racer motorcycles by Lord Drake Kustoms
Lord Drake Kustoms is a Cafe Racer style motorcycle specialist. Throughout these years he has created and modified many of them from brands such as Harley-Davidson, BMW, Triumph, Ducati or Yamaha.
Here are some examples of these beautiful machines.
BMW K100 Racer
Ducati 999 “Neoracer”
Speedster
Dyna “Red Baron”
Scarface
Cafe Racer: an object of desire.
Finally, we could say that the Cafe Racer style has become a culture that unifies man and machine. A love for speed and Rock and Roll. For a more aggressive and far from established life. But above all, for an unconditional desire for a unique motorcycle.
This 2019 has been a great year of production of custom motorcycles for LDK. Looking in perspective, we think it was an eternity ago when we worked on “V-Rod Oliver” in early 2019.
It was a work of customization from a Harley-Davidson V-Rod, the result you can see for yourself.
BMW R65 Cafe Racer
It wasn’t the first BMW we worked with, but it was the first of many of this 2019 and we presented it at the beginning of April. The transformation to Cafe Racer from this classic motorcycle of 1978 still enchants us with the result. That green (racing green) keeps catching us.
Sportster Black
The client that now owns this elegant Sportster Black arrived from the Canary Islands. We presented it in the month of May and did a customization job from a Harley Davidson Sportster 883 to a Bobber and Old School style.
The first was a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Shovelhead from 1980 and based on a Vintage Classic.
Fran Manen with the Harley Davidson Electra Glide Shovelhead
The second is a Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 that was converted to a mixture of Cafe Racer and Bobber styles. We baptize her with the name of Rusty Rush.
BMW R100 Cafe Racer
Our second BMW Cafe Racer this year (and there are still more). This time it was a commission from a client who wanted a motorcycle with style, so we opted for a silver finish that gave it that elegant touch.
BMW R100 Scrambler
And we continue with our collection of BMWs of 2019. The client wanted a more Scrambler or Brat type motorcycle, so we got to work to create this custom motorcycle in black that ended up attracting all eyes.
This project came about when Fran Manen coincided with Ágatha at the Miami Fashion Week. It was there talking when the idea of creating a Harley-Davidson based on the colors and shapes of the famous fashion designer was forged.
A couple of months later the motorcycle was ready and has not stopped generating controversy between the purists and the most daring. You may like it or not, but it is clear that it will attract attention.
Autumn began with this BMW, another Cafe Racer but this time based on the K model of the German brand. Specifically in a BMW K100 of 1984. Its shapes and colors make it spectacular.
BMW R100 CAFE RACER DM
The final result of this custom motorcycle contains lines of Cafe Racer, Bobber (or vintage) and a touch of Scrambler due to the used tires.
Bultracker 47
They have become a personal seal for Lord Drake Kustoms. Throughout his career, this customization company has made a multitude of Harley-Davidson Scrambler, also called Bultracker.
This year couldn’t be less and we have transformed this Bultracker 47 of which both its owner and we are very proud.
We have to confess that we had a great time with this project, especially when testing it cross-country. It is a very fun motorcycle that will delight its owner for sure.
And in 2020 much more …
Exactly, we are looking forward to showing you all the new custom bikes we are preparing.
Our goal is to surprise you even more in this new year that is about to begin.
So stay tuned and don’t give up … curves are coming!
The entire Lord Drake Kustoms team wishes you aHappy and biker year 2020!
In recent years there has been an upward trend in the choice of the famous BMW brand as the basis for motorcycle customization. In this article we will explain why they are ideal to build (or build you) your own BMW Cafe Racer or Scrambler.
A history note of BMW motorcycles
BMW R32, the first BMW motorcycle in history.
The mythical German brand began its journey with the manufacture of motorcycles back in the 20s. This barbarian company began manufacturing aircraft engines, which can still be seen in its logo that symbolizes blades over the blue sky.
It was precisely this aeronautical engineering applied to the engine that led them to include it in their first motorcycle in 1923. It was the BMW R32 that mounted the engine on a double-tube chassis and transmitted the power to the wheel through an articulated propulsion or cardan joint.
This structure is the basis of the motorcycle models that BMW manufactures today.
And what makes BMW so special?
For starters, it is a brand associated with security. Everyone knows that, whether we talk about their four-wheelers or two-wheelers, everyone agrees that this firm has managed to combine the robustness of its designs and elegance in its finishes, creating a deserved reputation for vehicles High-end very safe.
But focusing on the field of motorcycles, another factor that is usually taken into account is the high availability of parts to combine and be able to assemble your own custom motorcycle. Unlike other brands that can be an extra effort to find pieces that fit well.
The latter are important characteristics, but perhaps the one that has more weight is the characteristic retro style that these motorcycles have taken over time. Especially those created in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Best models to have a BMW Cafe Racer
As we have said before, vintage models are preferred for modifications. BMW has several lines of models defined by letters. But the R and K models are the most ideal for our purpose.
BMW R models
BMW R50 (1970)
The R models were designed to create motorcycles that serve both field and road. Japanese companies were squeezing hard in this segment in the late 60s, which is why BMW reacted by creating the R50/5, R60/5 and R70/5 series. These models already incorporated the mythical two-cylinder boxer engine.
During the 70s and 80s, these bikes were preferred for adventure trips. In fact they were the most viewed in the Paris-Dakar editions.
In its advertising of that time, slogans such as:
“A motorcycle transports us to new dimensions, the world wins in colors and becomes wider. A motorcycle must be lived. As long as there are men who appreciate intense contact with the most sophisticated technology, there will be motorcycles. Motorcycles as BMW builds them ”
These models meant a lower weight for the motorcycle and greater agility. All this without losing power (up to 50CV in the R70/5 model) with a large tank and low consumption.
Lord Drake Kustoms has worked on these models, obtaining splendid results in all of them.
These models were highly appreciated for their powerful engines and groundbreaking design. They were a great revolution thanks to its four-cylinder in-line water-cooled engines.
Although, really what BMW did with these models was to incorporate all the leading technologies that the Munich brand was developing.
These improvements were, for example, the ABS anti-lock braking system, the first electronic speed control for motorcycles, the electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) or the heated seat.
The BMW K100 Racer has been our Cafe Racer made from a BMW K100.
BMW K100 RACER by Lord Drake Kustoms
Conclusion
BMW motorcycles, with almost a century of existence, remain a safe value for their comfort, power and safety.
That is why, you choose the one you choose, to carry out your customization, they will be the perfect base for a custom Cafe Racer or Scrambler dream motorcycle.
The XT models are motorcycles that have begun to be customized for a few years and this time Lord Drake Kustoms has touched a 2001 Yamaha XT 600 E, coming from an Algeciras driving school and in a horrible state.
The client was very clear about what he wanted: scrambler with stud wheels, all black except the gas tank and inverted fork in silver.
From there, the rest of the work was in the hands of the motorcycle transformation team in Malaga, which has LDK and directed by Fran Manen (owner of Lord Drake Kustoms) has shaped this fun scrambler based on the Yamaha XT.
The first thing that was done was to disassemble the motorcycle completely, then the chassis was modified and the inverted fork was adapted with a 19-inch wheel. In this model, several modifications have been made to the chassis in order to adapt the fuel tank without disturbing the oil filler cap that these motorcycles normally carry on the upper bar of the chassis.
Subsequently, the seat, the front fender, the air filter box and part of the exhaust manifold were manufactured. All this accompanied by a BMX type handlebar, a 5.75-inch headlight with a yellow lens and many other details such as intermittent fists.
To improve the front suspension, it was decided to replace the series shock absorber with a somewhat longer one with an air bottle.
Finally all the parts were sent to paint in gloss black or textured black powder, except the fuel tank that has been painted in a military green color similar to that used by the Spanish army in one of its vehicles.
This motorcycle has been transformed into the cafe racer and custom workshop that Lord Drake Kustoms has in Malaga; and in a few days you can see it rolling through the streets of Algeciras from its owner.
If you want something similar or looking to customize your motorcycle in any other style, do not hesitate to contact us for our facilities in Miami (USA) and Malaga (Spain).
Technical Sheet
Base: Yamaha XT 600 E
Year: 2001
Engine: 600 cc Carburetion
Chassis: Original modified
Deposit: Honda
Air filter: Artisanal
Exhaust: 2:1 modified with Spark tail
Handlebar: BMX 1″
Rear fender: Made of plastic
Mudguard front: Made of metal
Seat: Manufactured and upholstered
Front suspension: Inverted fork
Rear suspension: Air shock +1”
Wheels: 19″ front and 17″ rear tires with off-road tires.
Others: Headlight, License plate holder, Odometer, cuffs, turn signals in fists, etc.
Gallery
Photos: Fran Manen
You can order your model now!
BASE: Yamaha XT 600 E STYLE: Scrambler, Street Tracker SHIPPING: Worldwide. TIME: 60 days aprox.
Our client was in love with the motorcycle transformation work we do at LDK and has been our follower for almost 7 years. And finally, as Teddi himself tells us, “my dream of having a customized Lord Drake motorcycle has come true”. He fell in love since he saw our first Harley Davidson Scrambler, the “Soulbreaker”, and now he has his own … the “BULTRACKER 47”.
Teddi wanted a motorcycle as close to the “Soulbreaker” without copying it, but especially with a very peculiar color scheme. He wanted us to use the cream color and some light blue. There are people who think that these colors are inspired by a surfer or beach style, but in reality the client wanted these colors because they are colors that usually carry many classic Harley motorcycles of which he is a lover.
Building the Harley Scrambler
In principle, normal-spoke tires were going to be used, but as the project took shape, Fran Manen decided that to take the motorcycle to another level it would be better to put the “Fat daddy” tires and add some details such as the number carriers lateral.
Very soon you can see through the streets this wonder of Harley scrambler customized and transformed into the custom motorcycle workshop in Malaga that has Lord Drake Kustoms.
Lord Drake Kustoms currently has one of the largest Cafe Racer motorcycle transformation workshops in Spain and Miami (USA)
Datasheet
Motorcycle: Harley Davidson Sportster 883 R
Year: 2005
Displacement: 883 cc
Exhaust: RSD 2:1
Air Filter: RSD
Shock Absorber: LDK air suspension with artisanal trims.
Fork: Original modified + top covers
Odometer: Digital Motogadget
Hand controls: Handlebars, grips, front brake pump, etc.
Foot controls: modified by LDK
Tires: Custom Fat Daddy
Tires: Continental
Fuel tank: original modified
Seat: handcrafted seat LDK
Front fender: handmade LDK
Rear fender: handmade LDK
Number plate: handmade LDK
Chassis: License plate holderSubframe modified by LDK
Lighting: turn signals front cuffs, pilot and rear turn signals LEDs, witnesses, etc.
Paint, graphics and powder coating.
Gallery
All photos by Álvaro Manén
You can order your model now!
BASE: Harley Davidson SPORTSTER XL 883/1200 or any Sportster’s model STYLE: Scrambler/Street Tracker LOCATION: This bike is at our Europe location (Málaga, Spain). We can do the same bike at our USA location (Miami, FL) for the american market. TIME: 60 – 90 days aprox. SHIPPING: Worldwide. Free shipping to USA & EUROPE.
With this bike Lord Drake Kustoms continues its custom work with BMW base. The end result contains lines of Cafe Racer, Bobber or vintage and a touch of Scrambler due to used tires. That is why it is finally a custom BMW R100.
This work was commissioned by a local client and follower who went to the motorcycle transformation workshop in Malaga by Lord Drake Kustoms. Once there and after a quick conversation everything was closed and ready to begin with this transformation project of BMW R100.
How this BMW R100 Cafe Racer and Scrambler was made
As always in this type of motorcycles, the first thing was to disassemble it and remove everything unnecessary. The next thing was to modify the front suspension to give it the desired height, choose and place the rear shock absorbers and the handlebar, and with all this we would begin to see what would be the silhouette and final height of the motorcycle, which should be as low as possible.
Subsequently, the front and rear fenders, the seat support and the seat itself, the battery box, license plate holder, headlight holder and some other parts were handmade.
In the aesthetic part it was easy, all the paint from the fuel tank was left until it was left in the original metal, which after being polished was lacquered in matt. For the rest of the motorcycle parts, practically powder paint (electrostatic paint) was used combining matte black with textured black.
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. All the powdercoating works made by Metal Colors (www.metalcolors.com)
Gallery
All the photographs by Álvaro Manén.
You can order your own BMW R100 Cafe Racer now!
MODEL: BMW R100 Cafe Racer DM BASE: BMW R100 STYLE: Cafe Racer, Bobber, Scrambler.
Lord Drake Kustoms has collaborated in the 2020 Solidarity Calendar of the “Asociación Esperanza” (hope association). It is an association of women against breast cancer in the region of Axarquía (Málaga).
The “Asociación Esperanza” does an important job in this community, helping all women who suffer from this disease, as well as their families, in a physical, psychological and social way. Through this type of support and with the services it offers, such as a physiotherapy service or its volunteer program, they get these people to obtain a better quality of life.
This calendar has been made by the photographer Álvaro Manén and it includes members of the association accompanied by Fran Manen and the Harley “Agathizada” (the first motorcycle Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada). It is not the first time that this custom motorcycle, unique in its category, has participated in an event against cancer. Last August it was presented by Fran Manen and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada at acharity event in Marbella of the AECC (Spanish Association Against Cancer), surrounded by a multitude of personalities.
From here, we want to thank and congratulate Álvaro Manén for inviting us to collaborate on this important project, and the “Asociación Esperanza” for the great work they do every day in their fight against breast cancer.
Today we want to thank and recommend to the company specialized in powdercoating Metalcolors for the excellent powdercoating service that he has given during these years to Lord Drake Kustoms.
With facilities in Madrid and Malaga, this company has been responsible for the perfect finish on various parts of the cafe racer, scrambler or Harley Davidsonmotorcycles that we have transformed.
Metalcolors offers a wide range of services for individuals and companies. In addition, they have extensive experience, since they were formed in the US where this type of paint application is most used in sectors such as automotive or nautical.
What is powdercoating
Powdercoating is ideal for restoration, modification and customization of motorcycle parts. The application in parts such as chassis, tires, spokes, screws, suspension bottles, springs, handlebars and a long etc. is essential to achieve a correct finish. In addition, it provides a hardness and resistance that traditional painting does not give.
The method
The method of applying powdercoating begins with a chemical treatment and sandblasting, and then goes on to a wash and dry. Once the pieces are dry, the parts that should not be painted are carefully covered and protected. Coated parts, powdercoat is applied and when necessary, primer and / or final lacquer is applied for better quality and protection. Finally, the piece goes through an oven where the paint dries at the necessary temperature and time.
The Metalcolors work process includes both the collection and delivery of parts to the customer. This is important, since they can accept jobs from anywhere in Spain. This is achieved through courier or personalized collection. In addition, the process of packing the pieces is quite professional and safe, getting the customer to receive their order with complete peace of mind.
The magic of powder painting is the finishes. There are many types, such as smooth, rough, metallic effects, glitters, matt, chrome, textures, etc … Currently they have 250 finishes and effects in stock and more than 6,000 on request.
So from here we encourage all motorcycle builders to use powdercoating. We want to continue creating these two-wheel wonders with perfect finishes.
