Many would scoff at the idea of customizing a small commuter motorcycle. But in countries like Taiwan, where 150 cc bikes like the Kymco KTR 150 are prolific, it makes a lot of sense. These utilitarian machines not only qualify for cheaper licensing fees, but they’re also easy to acquire and even easier to work on.
This particular Kymco KTR 150 almost didn’t make the cut though. First bought in 2004, it was ridden for a decade before it gave up the ghost—and then stashed away for another decade. When it landed at 2LOUD Custom’s workshop in Taipei, it was so rusted that the wheels wouldn’t even turn.
“After checking out the bike, we suggested that it would be better to look for another one to save some money,” says the shop’s founder, Ma ‘Max’ Yicheng. “But the owner insisted that the project be based on this bike… and use the same license plate.”
There was a good reason behind these requests from 2LOUD’s customer. The KTR 150 had originally belonged to his father, who had passed away some time ago. He wanted it back on the road as a tribute to his dad—so as long as 2LOUD kept the frame and the original plate, they were free to replace everything else.
The rusty Kymco’s engine was too far gone, so Max and co. started by throwing the whole thing in the bin. A barn fresh 255 cc Chinese-made mill took its place, secured by bespoke engine brackets and fed by a Keihin CVK32 carb. 2LOUD added a sleek exhaust too, attached via a hanger that shows off the company’s signature style.
2LOUD’s ever-expanding range of bolt-on parts includes a swingarm for 150 cc Kymco and SYM models, so that was the next part to go on. It’s not only stronger than the stock unit, but it tweaks the bike’s wheelbase and rear shock angle too. Adjustable shocks, from the Taiwanese suspension company GJMS, prop up the rear.
New 19F/18R rims were laced to the Kymco’s hubs with stainless steel spokes, and wrapped in vintage-style Duro treads. The front brake caliper, brake and clutch controls, and hydraulic clutch conversion are all from Frando.
Next, it was time to restyle the KTR 150 accordingly. “The concept was a salute to 70s and 80s Bonnevilles—to transform a KTR that you can see anywhere in Taiwan into 2LOUD’s elegant style,” Max tells us. “Not only to make it simple and vintage, but also to make it nice and easy to ride.”
Aiming for a classic British trials bike aesthetic, 2LOUD fabricated long aluminum fenders with stainless steel brackets. The adorable teardrop tank is another handmade part, and the side covers are modified 2LOUD catalog items that normally go onto modern Triumph Bonnevilles.
In typical 2LOUD fashion, this city scrambler has details upon details. The 5.75” headlight is held in place by a bracket that wraps around the lower yoke to also support the front turn signals. The cockpit wears a set of 2LOUD handlebars, fitted with classic switchgear and new grips, and all of the wiring runs inside the bars.
At the opposite end of the bike, the rear turn signals sit on custom tabs that hang off the upper shock mounts. The abbreviated seat stops just short of the rear frame loop, with a Lucas-style taillight finishing things off. All of the bare metal parts have been buffed to a satin finish, before being treated to a clear powder-coat.
Line and Circle Custom Studio painted the tank and side panels. The livery uses varying shades of silver in a hypnotic spiral pattern, along with gold leaf striping and 2LOUD logos to add finesse. The design is echoed in the leather seat’s piping and stitching, courtesy of Hoffman Bygone Custom Seat Upholstery.
The whole package is a refreshing play on classic scrambler themes—an approach that 2LOUD seems to excel at. And the fact that this dreamy machine has a strong familial connection attached to it makes it that much more special.
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