Small electric motorbike facing big hole icons this week. In one corner, a custom electric car from Indonesia and a golf-themed Super73 S2. On the other hand, a perfect Katana and a spectacular Norvin.
EV1K electric motorbike of Katalis . Company We were delighted to see Katalis’ foray into electric mobility unfold. They are a multidisciplinary design studio based just south of Jakarta, Indonesia, with a deep interest in motorcycles. Their first electricity bicycle, EV.500was a success — and now they’ve taken the concept a step further with the EV1K.
Like its predecessor, the EV1K is a compact electric bike, encased in an aluminum body that blends sci-fi elements with cues taken from wartime aircraft. However, it is not a direct copy of the EV.500 and it is clear that Katalis has refined the design in key places.
More importantly, the EV1K’s powertrain has been upgraded — from a 500W motor to a 1500W hub-mounted unit. It is reported to be good for 65 km/h [40 mph] top speed, respectable for a bike this size. Juice from 48 volt Lithium battery, works well within 50 km [31 miles].
The EV1K is a city bike, through and through. It has 14-inch wheels at both ends, with a tight wheelbase of 1120 mm. A conventional fork hugs the front end, with a redesigned monoshock at the rear. Ground clearance is also quite good; 255 mm.
It’s also a sleek-looking design, wrapped in black and gold with LED headlights protruding up front and taillights tucked away in the rear storage box. Finishes include low-mount mirrors, discreet LED turn signals, and a lift bar that extends to bring the handlebars into place.
Katalis is also planning a limited production of these. As a quirky fugitive who doesn’t look like anything else parked outside your local coffee shop, are you tempted? [Katalis Co. Instagram]
Suzuki Katana in dB Customs As far as the rest About iconic Japanese motorcycles, Darren Begg’s creations are high on the list. The Canadian builder not only loves them but knows how to make them look great and go fast. And this Suzuki Katana is one of his best builds.
The Katana is packed with worthwhile upgrades, and even features an engine swap – something we’ve come to expect from Darren. At its heart is the Suzuki GSX-R1127 powerhouse that is punched up to 1,216 cc, and features Megacycle cams, Wiseco pistons and a headpiece reworked by Xtreme Motorsports. There’s also a Setrab oil cooler in the mix, fitted with custom trims and accessories.
Powering the engine is a Yoshimura muffler with velocity stacks. The four-in-one titanium exhaust system comes from Racefit, and it all sounds business.
The chassis has not been neglected either. Darren fitted Öhlins suspension at both ends and traded the swingarm for a Suzuki Bandit part. OZ Racing Piega R wheels wrapped in Michelin Power 5 tires are held back by Brembo brakes with Spiegler lines.
Above the cockpit are custom spokes, new clip-ons, a Koso dashboard and MotoGP-inspired switches from Woodcraft Technologies. Smaller customization details abound; a bit of carbon fiber here, a CNC machined front sprocket cover there.
The paintwork is also inspired – classic Katana silver, with a clear carbon fiber finish on the front fenders and rear. The orange logos take their colors from the Lamborghini Huracan and are painted by Sketch’s Ink; No vinyl stickers here.
We’re hot guys for Darren’s work and the restored Katanas, so this is a double prize for us. Rumor has it he’s working on another one, so our eyes are peeled off. [dB Customs]
Norvin by Millet Racing Everyone knows what a Triton is, but have you ever laid eyes on Norvin? That’s what you get when you cram a Vincent engine into a Norton frame — a concept initiated by legendary commissioner John Sur in 1954. And it’s been successfully reinterpreted by brothers Sylvain and Franck Millet proficient here.
Their father, Jean-Louis Millet, was a talented sidecar racer, team manager and founder of the Millet Racing exhaust company. He started this especially inspired by Norvin cafe racer project some time ago, but then sadly passed away. So his sons decided to complete it in his honor.
Unable to handle the project alone, they needed a team to work on the bike. So they appointed their father’s close friend, Bruno Silvestre, as team leader – then assembled about 15 experts to tackle different aspects of the project. It’s not difficult, thanks to their father’s deep roots in the industry.
Sylvain said: “The purpose is to pay tribute to Jean-Louis Millet for all he can do for the world of motorcycling. “We didn’t want to just build another Norvin, but a unique motorcycle.”
Built over three years, the 1,000 cc Vincent twin-engined bike is mounted to a custom aluminum frame modeled after the iconic Norton Featherbed design. The team used 3D models to figure out how to cram the giant Vincent engine into it — and work out the suspension geometry. There’s also a custom swingarm at the rear, linked together via a bespoke suspension design that uses twin shock absorbers located under the seat.
Most bicycles are built from scratch, with only a few removable parts that hold it together. Not only does it look amazing, but it also weighs 330 pounds (dry).
Both charming and quaint, this Norvin is as good as it gets. We’re sure Jean-Louis would be proud. [Via]
Topgolf Super73 S2 The idea of an e-bike company partnering with a golf company sounds odd, but we found it hard not to love the Super73’s newest customization. The California outfit’s in-house special projects division recently teamed up with sports entertainment brand Topgolf, to create a zesty-themed golf sled.
The team’s creative drive came from re-imagining the venerable golf cart as a two-wheeler. Plus, they wanted to create a golf cart that could quickly and easily be turned into a weekday commute.
Super73 chose their S2 model as the base, then set about adding the necessary additions. On the right side is a golf bag holder that bolts to the frame, but can be removed in seconds. On the opposite side is a custom fabric panel, which is used to attach the cooler — which also helps balance the weight of the golf bag when it’s filled with cold drinks.
Other additions include a Saddlemen seat, Super73’s own ‘McFly’ handlebars, and a Speaqua Bluetooth speaker shaped like a golf ball. With the luxurious white and gray Vee Speedster tires mixed in two different greens, it is sure to catch the eye.
We don’t really go golfing around here. But if we can get around this small number problem, we can just give it a try. [Super73]
