Many people will not consider a small commuter bike a good sponsor for a custom project. They are often cheap, convenient, and bland; hardly a food for a cafe racer. But they’re also reliable and easy to use, and they set the bar so low that any changes can only improve them.
K-Speed in Thailand are well versed in customizing small bikes. Although they have also worked on many large displacement bikes, it is their Honda Cub and Monkey style that keeps us coming back to learn more. It helps custom work isn’t their core business; K-Speed is indeed a major importer and manufacturer of motorcycle parts.
To prove that the company can work its magic on almost anything, K-Speed’s boss, Eak, pulled a 2001 Suzuki GD 110 into the workshop. The GD 110 is a small, modest 113 cc single-bike that is mainly available in Asian countries. It’s virtually indistinguishable from the number of delivery bikes and passengers it shares—which is exactly why Eak chose it.
He wants to prove that he and his team can turn a motorcycle with a “delivery bike” into a “baby”. And kudos to K-Speed, for they completely succeeded in the summary.
Right out of the gate, it’s clear that none of the Suzuki GD 110’s bodywork will come into view. But it also peels off the subframe, airbox, wheels and entire lighting system. K-Speed backs it up with a mix of custom parts and items from their own catalog.
However, they did not mess with the engine. A new carburetor and velocity stack was born, along with a new exhaust from K-Speed’s Diablo accessories line.
Next, K-Speed made some pretty drastic changes to Suzuki’s stance. The new rims are attached to OEM drum brake calipers and covered with vintage serrated spikes from Vee Rubber. At 4.00×17” at the front and 4.50×17” at the back, they add some visual flair to the skinny GD 110.
The bike was hit so badly that it was walkable. K-Speed shortened the front fork and added rubber guards, then fitted a pair of rear chrome-plated springs.
Sitting at the top is a new subframe. Shorter than before and ending with a neater rear loop, it cuts a much cleaner line than the original setup. K-Speed has also added a slim custom seat, an available taillight and license plate holder, but a few other things; there are no rear fenders and no visible parts to clutter the area under the saddle.
Although the fuel tank looks like that of a classic Suzuki, K-Speed actually built it from the ground up. The paintwork and graphics have a period vibe to them, but for the matte black finish matches the rest of the bike.
Like the tail section, almost nothing happens in the cockpit. K-Speed added a custom bar set, welded directly to the upper yoke without a lift bar. They get a new throttle, lever and grip… but that’s it.
There’s no speedometer and no visible switches—not even a start button (thankfully the GD 110 still has a start lever). Even the new LED headlights are mounted near the steering axle to take up as little space as possible. There is no front fender, and even the chain guard has been dumped in the trunk.
Squatting and backing up almost less than necessary, K-Speed’s Suzuki GD 110 is a lesson in harnessing unexpected potential.
Is it practical? Are not. But do we love its unrepentant rudeness in its minimalism? Absolute.
K-Speed | Instagram | Image of cinematography
