R 100 Brat Style By K-Speed
From an owner of a small custom motorbike parts shop back in 2002 to one of the country's most renowned custom motorcycle builders :
Tanadit Sarawek, aka "Eak K-Speed", in another new collaboration with BMW Motorrad, presents a reimagined custom build based on the "R 100" model.
Tracing back… before the advent of K-Speed
Eak K-Speed
"Selling parts to make a living, but custom building is my pastime."
Growing accustomed to diverse aspects of a two-wheeler ever since he was young by exposing himself to numerous custom motorbike building magazines, especially those with Japanese origin; Eak has gathered tons of custom building ideas that eventually translate into his pastime custom motorcycle builds without an aim for profit in mind. "I really do it out of love" Eak added.
How K-SPEED gains international spotlight.
How K-SPEED gains international spotlight.
"It all started five years ago when I custom-built the 'BMW R80' model, which was later displayed during 'The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride' event. My 'R80' custom was, then, photographed and posted on Instagram and Facebook; and I started to pick up foreign admirers' attentions ever since. So far, they have liked what I do and followed me on all channels. During these years, I've even reached a wider foreign audience when pictures of my custom works were shared on international sites such as 'Pipeburn' and 'Bike EXIF'."
"The first-ever Thai builder who has his ''BMW Motorrad" custom work exhibited in Munich."
"The first-ever Thai builder who has his ''BMW Motorrad" custom work exhibited in Munich."
Another milestone that speaks highly of Eak's caliber is an exhibition of his custom build, "Iron Racer Mark1", in Munich where he was invited to showcase his ideas behind the two-wheeler and also to experience a race first-hand.
A new project: why R 100 and Brat Style?
"I really like the R 100's 'Boxer' engine, which is rightly classified as an in-between-era type of engine that is not too old or too new. For style, the Brat really speaks to me with its naked and minimal custom directions originated from Japan." - Eak K-Speed
A real challenge of looks and originalities
Even to a professional custom motorcycles builder such as Eak, this project has posed nothing short of a challenge. He reveals that 'R 100' originally modeled as a middle ground between old vintage and fresh new styles; so the real challenge here lies in how to improve the bike's looks while presenting a sense of originalities.
Designs without any predefined concept… but rather from a 100% biker spirit
Designs without any predefined concept… but rather from a 100% biker spirit
"Just by the look of it, I can definitely tell how to make this bike looks better; so my modifying methods start there without any predefined concept." - Eak K-Speed
When asking for inspirations or concepts behind this project; he simply replied with the statement above that clearly speaks for itself of a man full of creativity and passion for two-wheelers.
R 100 BRAT STYLE
R 100 BRAT STYLE
From the beginning of the project, Eak spent 45 days to carefully craft and build this 'R 100 Brat Style Custom' that focuses on reducing overall proportions of the bike.
This makeover includes lowering the height; changing the lights to a smaller size; shrinking the seat; restructuring the rear frame, and; modifying the exhaust pipe and the leather cushion. Astounding as it is, the final result leaves only the 'Boxer' engine and the R 100's uniquely designed fuel tank frame untouched.
When asking of highlight features of this 'R 100 Brat Style Custom' he likes the most; he replied with a proud smile: "It's the curved shortened pipe."
Over 10 years of journey… never get bored
"Custom build doesn't make much profit on its own. I keep doing this because of love. I'm happy when my customers are happy with custom works I built for them. Just by seeing them ride my custom motorbikes already fills my days with joy. I've never get bored in this over 10-years journey. I just enjoy what I do and positive results will definitely follow." - Eak K-Speed
When asking about a philosophy behind his work; the statement above clearly discovers his life filled with unrelenting passion for all areas of two-wheeler expertise.
Project in the future
With multiple collabs with BMW Motorrad in the past; we ask about a possibility of the next one and of which model would he like to do a custom build. The answer is the speed king, "S 1000 RR". Be the first to know when this project goes live, follow us on BMW Motorrad Thailand.
