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Art Meets Machinery: The Creative Brilliance of Krom Works’ Harley Sportster

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.

November 27, 2023
Vintage Elegance Meets Modern Performance: The CB750F Café Racer Build

This is the story of a Honda CB750F café racer, a motorcycle that almost didn’t get to see the light of day. The owner, Stan Chen, had to endure an eight-year ordeal before he could even begin working on the bike, and he even had to involve the police.

Stan’s journey with this 1975 Honda CB750F started with the intention of making some simple café racer modifications. He took the bike to a friend’s workshop, and the list of modifications quickly grew. After a year, very little progress had been made, and Stan’s friend stopped answering his calls.

Fast forward six years, and Stan decided to report the bike as stolen at the police station since all previous attempts to retrieve it had failed. He didn’t expect much to come of it. However, to his surprise, the police officer went to the workshop and made Stan’s friend return all the bike’s parts.

The engine breathes through Keihin CR29 carbs with K&N filters and boasts a four-into-two exhaust system custom fabricated by Johnny Nguyen at Upcycle Moto Garage. The CB750F now sits lower and more purposeful with upgraded running gear, including vintage Yamaha alloy wheels, Pirelli Sport Demon tires, and a Beringer disc brake at the front.

The front forks have been lowered and re-fitted into Cognito Moto yokes, and the twin shocks have been replaced with a custom mono-shock setup, complete with a 6-inch swingarm stretch. Custom bodywork includes an aluminum fuel tank and tail section, with a minimalist taillight and a reservoir for the oil storage under the tail bump. The bike has been rewired with a simpler harness controlled by Motogadget.

The cockpit features a PIAA headlight, Motogadget speedo, custom clip-ons, Posh Japan grips, and Beringer clutch and brake controls. The front brake is connected via a custom hose from Spiegler. The bike also has discreet LED turn signals from Morimoto and stylish rear-set foot controls from Cognito Moto. The color scheme is simple and striking, with powder blue, white striping, and a touch of red on the saddle.

November 1, 2023
Heritage Meets Performance: The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a remarkable motorcycle that holds great significance in the world of motorcycling. With its classic design, impressive performance, and superb build quality, it showcases Royal Enfield’s journey, from its roots to its current position, and hints at where it’s heading. The Super Meteor 650’s vintage styling pays homage to the brand’s original cruisers, like the 1952 Meteor and 1956 Super Meteor. Its 648cc parallel-twin engine continues the beloved thumpy character that enthusiasts have come to cherish in the INT650 and Continental GT 650. Moreover, the exceptional fit and finish of the Super Meteor 650 set a new standard for Royal Enfield.

The Super Meteor 650 is a retro-styled middleweight cruiser designed to be both accessible and functional, offering a comfortable riding posture. It comes with a class-leading starting MSRP of $6,999, making it a highly affordable option in the middleweight cruiser category. Designed around Royal Enfield’s beloved parallel-twin engine, the Super Meteor 650 competes with models like the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Honda Shadow line. Although it boasts a smaller engine size compared to the discontinued Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, it is well-suited to fill the void left by that American V-twin.

The motorcycle is powered by a SOHC fuel-injected engine with a 78.0 x 67.8mm bore and stroke and four valves per cylinder, featuring a 9.5:1 compression ratio. It delivers a claimed 46.4 hp and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine has been tuned differently compared to the 2022 Royal Enfield INT650, resulting in slightly varied power delivery. Expect similar results on the dyno when tested.

The Super Meteor 650 features an all-new chassis designed by Harris Performance, a renowned British chassis specialist owned by Royal Enfield since 2015. The tubular-steel frame ensures a low center of gravity and a comfortable seat height of 29.1 inches. With a rake of 27.6 degrees, a trail of 4.7 inches, and a longer wheelbase of 59.1 inches, the motorcycle provides a stable and comfortable ride. The increased wheelbase also allows more space for a passenger. The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with tubeless alloy rims and tires sized 100/70-19 front and 150/80-16 rear.

For suspension, it features a non-adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston inverted fork with 4.7 inches of travel and twin shocks with five-step adjustable preload, offering 4.0 inches of travel. In terms of safety, the motorcycle is equipped with non-switchable ABS. It doesn’t feature other electronic interventions or ride modes, preserving a classic riding experience throughout. The retro-themed instrument panel includes an analog speedometer and a digital information screen displaying a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tripmeters, and a clock. Additionally, the Super Meteor 650 incorporates Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation pod, which connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. To enhance the bike’s visceral feel, it utilizes a mechanical throttle cable that provides a solid, analog connection between rider and machine.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is available in three variants: Astral ($6,999), Interstellar ($7,299), and Celestial ($7,499). The Astral model offers a choice of three colors (green, black, and blue), while the Interstellar variant features a two-tone paint scheme in green or gray. The Super Meteor 650 Tourer is available in Celestial Red or Celestial Blue and includes a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and pillion backrest. The bike’s iconic cruiser styling is further complemented by a 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank with a metal gas cap. Additionally, all models come with LED lighting, marking a first for Royal Enfield.

October 22, 2023
Classic Meets Modern: The BMW R75 Gets an Electric Makeover

Electric motorcycle conversions of classic bikes are gaining momentum. Paris-based custom shop Mototherapy has introduced ‘Ride Mercury,’ an electric motorcycle conversion project that targets classic BMW boxers, and they’ve rolled out their prototype, the ‘R01.’

The R01 is based on the timeless BMW R75 motorcycle, which has been carefully restored, preserving most of its original charm.

Mototherapy’s objective with the ‘Ride Mercury’ project is to revive classic motorcycles by adding electric drivetrains. Company founder Jean-Marie Raymon emphasizes that functionality is at the heart of their efforts, aiming for a practical enhancement rather than creating a mere showroom novelty.

To achieve this, Mototherapy’s team has ingeniously designed a full electric drivetrain that seamlessly fits into the BMW R75’s chassis, without the need for any frame modifications. This plug-and-play system keeps the essence of the original motorcycle intact.

The electric motor delivers up to 20 kW of power, producing a maximum of 340 Nm of torque and 30 hp, driving the rear wheel. The current range on a single charge is approximately 150 km (93 miles), and the onboard 1.8 kW charger takes about six hours for a full recharge.

All the essential components are neatly packaged within custom-made aluminum enclosures, with structural elements crafted from steel. Two of the four batteries are housed in cases designed to resemble the boxer’s iconic cylinder heads, while the other two are positioned closer to the front of the bike. The electric motor is located where the original transmission used to be and is directly connected to the BMW’s original driveshaft.

Because Mototherapy handles all design aspects in-house, the layout is continually evolving. A second-generation design is already in the works, featuring ‘cylinder heads’ positioned a bit lower for improved ventilation.

It’s essential to note that the R01 serves as a proof of concept. This explains the use of Ride Mercury’s prototype ‘engine block’ design and the fact that many other aspects of the bike remain original. The objective is to demonstrate that an electric drivetrain can be retrofitted onto a vintage motorcycle without requiring a complete overhaul of the machine.

Only a few components have been upgraded, such as the headlight internals and the digital dashboard that connects to the motor’s controller. Currently, the original fuel tank is an empty shell, but the team is exploring options to convert it into storage space or integrate an enhanced charging port.

For those looking to get their hands on one, the entire package isn’t available as a ‘crate’ system yet. However, Ride Mercury will assemble a complete electric BMW R75 for a starting price of €29,500 (around $31,233). Pre-orders for the R01 will open next week, with the first deliveries expected in the second quarter of the coming year.

October 12, 2023
Audi A3 Car: Where Style Meets Performance!

Are you looking for a car that combines style, performance, and affordability? Look no further than the Audi A3, a remarkable vehicle that ticks all the right boxes. In this article, we’ll explore the Audi A3, its special features, design, price, and why it’s an excellent choice for your next car.

The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that offers a perfect blend of sophistication and practicality. Its sleek and modern design is sure to turn heads wherever you go. Audi, a renowned German automaker, is known for its commitment to quality, and the A3 is no exception.

One of the standout features of the Audi A3 is its elegant and aerodynamic exterior. The car boasts a Singleframe grille, signature LED headlights, and a beautifully sculpted body. Whether you choose the sedan or convertible version, you’ll enjoy the same level of design excellence.

Inside the Audi A3, you’ll find a spacious and well-crafted cabin designed with the driver in mind. The materials used are of high quality, and the overall interior design exudes a sense of luxury. The seats are comfortable, providing support during long drives, and the dashboard is intuitively laid out, featuring a user-friendly infotainment system.

The Audi A3 comes equipped with a range of special features that enhance your driving experience. The Audi Virtual Cockpit is a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster that replaces the traditional analog dials. It allows you to customize the information displayed, including navigation, speed, and more.

Safety is a top priority for Audi, and the A3 is no exception. It includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking to help keep you safe on the road.

Audi offers an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system for audiophiles who appreciate high-quality sound in their vehicles. You’ll enjoy a concert-like experience every time you turn up the volume.

For those seeking enhanced traction and stability, Audi offers the Quattro all-wheel-drive system as an option. It ensures optimal grip, especially in challenging road conditions. Stay connected while on the go with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system.

Audi A3 offers a choice of powertrains to suit your driving preferences. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers peppy acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. There’s also a more powerful S3 model available for those who crave even more performance. The A3’s handling is sharp and precise, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough surfaces.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Audi A3 is its competitive pricing within the luxury car segment. While it offers a premium driving experience, it doesn’t come with the steep price tag typically associated with luxury vehicles. The exact price of the Audi A3 can vary based on factors like trim level, optional features, and location. The starting price for a base Audi A3 sedan was around $33,000.

October 4, 2023
Rolex Watches: Where Luxury Meets Durability

These days, we don’t need a separate handwatch to keep track of time. A smartphone can do the job perfectly well. Yet, people continue to wear wristwatches, and they come in a wide price range, from as low as BDT 20 to costing millions of dollars. Among luxury watch brands, Rolex stands out as a global favorite.

The Rolex brand’s soaring prices can be attributed to several factors, and it all started with a man named Hans Wilsdorf, who had a deep passion for watchmaking. His dedication eventually led to the establishment of the Rolex brand, which has now become an iconic institution in the world of horology.

Rolex is a company with a brand value of a staggering 8 billion US dollars. One key reason for the high prices of Rolex watches is the use of 904L grade steel, known for its exceptional durability. This choice of material not only enhances the watch’s longevity but also contributes to the comfortable feel of a Rolex watch when worn on the wrist.

Additionally, Rolex offers some models crafted from precious metals like gold, although many of these are custom-made to the specifications of wealthy individuals.

Rolex takes great pride in the craftsmanship that goes into creating its watch dials and bezels. Skilled artisans meticulously finish each watch with the utmost care and precision. Remarkably, Rolex manufactures its watches entirely by hand, eschewing the use of machines or robots in the process.

This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is backed by rigorous testing. Rolex watches undergo extensive examination to ensure they meet the highest standards, resulting in nearly all watches passing the tests without defects.

One remarkable testament to Rolex’s reputation in the luxury watch market is the sale of its most expensive watch in 2017, which fetched a staggering $17.8 million.

For those seeking a Rolex timepiece, the Oyster Perpetual is the most affordable option on the market, priced at 5 lakh 45 thousand rupees. Rolex takes pride in making all its watchmaking tools in-house, reflecting its dedication to precision craftsmanship.

Furthermore, Rolex invests substantially in research and development, making its research team well-funded and capable of driving innovation in watchmaking.

September 26, 2023
Oppo’s A1 Pro 5G: Where Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Affordability

Whether you’re staying updated on social media trends or capturing special moments, a good camera is essential for a smartphone. When it comes to phone cameras, Oppo is often one of the first names that come to mind. Oppo designs its phones with a focus on younger buyers, offering modern features, stylish aesthetics, and pocket-friendly budgets.

For those looking to purchase a high-quality smartphone at a relatively affordable price, the Oppo A1 Pro 5G smartphone is an attractive option. It boasts ample storage, with options going up to a whopping 1 TB, and delivers excellent camera quality. Oppo has consistently outperformed several competitors in the camera department. Additionally, the battery backup is commendable, allowing you to snap photos throughout the day. Many consider the A1 Pro 5G to be one of the best smartphones offered by the company.

The A1 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inch display with an impressive 120 Hz refresh rate. At the heart of this mobile device lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset processor, while the operating system is Android V13. Regarding memory and storage, Oppo offers options with 8 GB of RAM and a remarkable 1 TB of storage.

The Oppo A1 Pro 5G boasts a robust 4800 mAh battery, ensuring you have enough power to tackle your daily tasks. With 67W fast charging, you can charge approximately 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes. Additionally, this phone supports a USB Type-C port for convenient charging.

Moving on to one of the most pressing questions for smartphone users – the camera. The phone features a dual-camera setup, with a remarkable 108-megapixel primary camera. Additionally, it includes a 2-megapixel depth camera for enhanced photography capabilities.

As for pricing details, while the specifics were not available, Oppo has tailored its pricing strategy to cater to the Indian market’s preferences. Hence, you need not worry about affordability. The estimated price of the Oppo A1 Pro 5G phone is around $280 to $290 USD. You can conveniently purchase this phone from Amazon, where you may also find attractive discounts on offer.

September 9, 2023
Nokia 2660 Flip: Dual-Display Design Meets Budget-Friendly Price!

HMD Global, the company behind Nokia, has recently introduced the Nokia 2660 Flip in Europe, and this phone is now available for purchase in India as well. The phone comes in two color options: Pop Pink and Lush Green.

The Nokia 2660 Flip stands out with its unique dual-display design. It features a primary screen of 2.8 inches and a secondary screen of 1.77 inches. Despite its flip-phone design, it supports 4G connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2.

For those interested in the price and specifications of the Nokia 2660 Flip, the good news is that it comes at an affordable price point. The phone is priced at just Rs 4,699 in India. The sale of the phone commenced on August 24th, and interested buyers can purchase it from the official Nokia website or the popular e-commerce platform Amazon.

Considering its price range, the Nokia 2660 Flip offers some notable features. Its primary screen measures 2.8 inches, providing a decent visual experience, while the secondary screen measures 1.77 inches. Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Unisoc T107 chipset.

In terms of photography, the Nokia 2660 Flip boasts a 0.3-megapixel camera with an LED flash, ensuring basic photo capabilities. The phone is equipped with a 1450mAh battery to keep it powered throughout the day. Notably, the phone comes with Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) support, catering to individuals with hearing impairments. This feature offers assistance to those who may have difficulty hearing, enhancing their overall phone experience.

Moreover, the Nokia 2660 Flip is designed to have a longer standby time, ensuring that users can rely on it throughout their day. The phone also includes an emergency button, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience for users.

August 28, 2023