Andika Pratama, a talented custom motorcycle builder from Indonesia, recently gained international recognition for his exquisite creation—a Harley Sportster custom commissioned by the M.A.D. Gallery in Geneva, Switzerland. The M.A.D. Gallery, affiliated with the innovative watchmaking company MB&F, sought Andika’s expertise to bring an artistic and neo-futuristic touch to the world of custom motorcycles.
Hailing from South Jakarta, Andika is the mastermind behind Krom Works, a three-person operation known for its imaginative and meticulously crafted machines. The collaboration with the Swiss gallery added a new layer to Andika’s already impressive portfolio, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend artistry with mechanical prowess.
The project began with a call from the M.A.D. Gallery, known for its carefully curated collection embodying the intersection of art and machinery. For Andika, this presented an opportunity to showcase his signature style, characterized by organic forms crafted from manipulated metal, resulting in imaginative machines that bridge the gap between art and functionality.
Choosing a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 as the base, Andika retained the V-twin motor and reimagined the rest. The bespoke frame, a standout feature of the build, was meticulously crafted from stainless steel plates, creating a unique design that gracefully traverses the engine and between the split tanks, enhanced by brass cladding for contrast.
Andika emphasizes the importance of a strong basic concept in custom bike building, evident in the meticulously designed line that connects the front to the back of the motorcycle. The overall aesthetic balances classic and futuristic elements, showcasing Andika’s keen eye for detail.
Customization extends to the front suspension, featuring a girder-style arrangement crafted from handmade aluminum components. Hand-built handlebars, adorned with leather-wrapped grips and trimmed levers, add to the motorcycle’s unique character. Brass detailing, including a concave grill over the recessed headlight and fastener caps on pivot points, enhances the overall design.
The rear of the motorcycle reveals more custom elements, including a braced aluminum swingarm with a unique linkage system. Brass accents continue, with a hand-built shock seamlessly integrated into the rear part of the frame. A tight rear fender, flared at the end, houses an integrated taillight behind a brass grill, mirroring the headlight design.
The wheels showcase Andika’s attention to detail, with 21F/18R spoked rims laced to mid-80s Honda CBX550F hubs. The inboard ventilated disc brakes, designed to resemble drum brakes, add a modern touch to the classic appearance. Firestone and Coker tires complete the wheel package.
