Many people will scoff with the idea of customizing a small commuter bike. But in countries like Taiwan, where 150cc bikes like the Kymco KTR 150 are popular, this makes a lot of sense. These handy machines are not only cheaper to license, but are also easier to buy and even easier to repair.
This Kymco KTR 150 almost didn’t make the list. First purchased in 2004, it was ridden for a decade before being retired—and then stored away for another decade. When it landed at 2LOUD Custom The workshop in Taipei was so rusted that the wheels couldn’t even turn.
“After checking the bike, we suggested that it would be better to find another one to save money,” said the shop’s founder, Ma ‘Max’ Yicheng. “But the shop owner insisted that the project should be based on this bike… and use the same license plate.”
There’s a good reason behind these requests from 2LOUD’s client. The KTR 150 originally belonged to his father, who passed away some time ago. He wanted to get it back on the road as a tribute to his dad—so as long as 2LOUD kept the original frame and license plate, they were free to replace everything else.
The rusty Kymco engine was too old, so Max and his team started by trashing the whole thing. A brand new Chinese-made 255cc engine was installed, secured with custom engine mounts and fed by a Keihin CVK32 carburetor. 2LOUD also added a sleek exhaust, mounted via a hanger in the company’s signature style.
2LOUD’s ever-expanding range of bolt-on parts includes a swingarm for Kymco and SYM 150cc models, so that was the next part to go. Not only is it stronger than the stock unit, it also adjusts the bike’s wheelbase and rear suspension angle. An adjustable shock, from Taiwanese suspension company GJMS, supports the rear.
The new 19F/18R rims are laced to Kymco hubs with stainless steel spokes and wrapped in classic-style Duro tires. The front brake calipers, brake and clutch controllers, and hydraulic clutch converter are all from Frando.
Next, it was time to redesign the KTR 150 accordingly. “The idea was to salute the Bonnevilles of the 70s and 80s—to take a KTR that you can see anywhere in Taiwan and make it look like 2LOUD,” Max told us. “Not just to make it simple and classic, but also to make it beautiful and easy to ride.”
Aiming for the classic British Trials look, 2LOUD fabricated long aluminium fenders with stainless steel brackets. The lovely teardrop tank is another handcrafted part, and the side panels are modified 2LOUD catalogue items often fitted to modern Triumph Bonnevilles.
In typical 2LOUD style, this city mixer Detail on detail. The 5.75” headlight is held in place by a bracket that wraps around the lower handlebar to also support the front turn signals. The cockpit features a set of 2LOUD handlebars, equipped with vintage switches and new grips, and all wiring runs internally.
At the opposite end of the bike, the rear turn signals sit on custom bars that hang from the upper shock mounts. The shorter seat stops just before the rear frame loop, with a Lucas-style taillight finishing things off. All the bare metal has been polished to a satin finish, before being treated to a clear powder coat.
Line and Circle Custom Studio painted the tank and side panels. The paint scheme uses various shades of silver in a hypnotic spiral pattern, along with gold foil stripes and 2LOUD logos for added flair. The design is reflected in the piping and stitching of the leather seats, provided by Hoffman Bygone Custom Seat Upholstery.
The whole package is a fresh take on the classic scrambler theme—an approach that 2LOUD seems to excel at. And the fact that this dream machine has a strong family connection makes it that much more special.
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