Many individuals wouldn’t take into account a small commuter bike an excellent donor for a customized venture. They’re often low cost, utilitarian and bland; hardly café racer fodder. However they’re additionally dependable and simple to work on, they usually set the bar so low in inventory kind, that any modifications can solely enhance them.
Okay-Velocity in Thailand is well-versed in small bike customization. Though they’ve labored on loads of huge bikes too, it’s their Honda Cub and Monkey customs that maintain us coming again for extra. It helps that customized work isn’t their core enterprise; Okay-Velocity is definitely a large importer and producer of motorbike components.
To show that the corporate can work its magic on absolutely anything, Okay-Velocity boss, Eak, dragged a 2001-model Suzuki GD 110 into the workshop. The GD 110 is a small, unassuming 113 cc single that’s largely accessible in Asian nations. It’s barely distinguishable from the scores of supply bikes and commuters that it shares the street with—which is exactly why Eak picked it.
He needed to show that he and his workforce may convert a bike with “supply bike type” right into a “child brat.” And kudos to Okay-Velocity, as a result of they completely nailed the temporary.
Straight out the gate it was clear that not one of the Suzuki GD 110’s bodywork was going to make the reduce. Nevertheless it additionally shed its subframe, air field, wheels and all of its lighting. Okay-Velocity constructed it again up with a mixture of customized components and objects from their very own catalog.
They didn’t mess with the engine although. A brand new carb and velocity stack went on, together with a brand new exhaust from Okay-Velocity’s Diablo vary of components.
Subsequent, Okay-Velocity made some fairly drastic modifications to the Suzuki’s stance. New rims have been laced to the OEM drum brake hubs, and shod with classic sawtooth treads from Vee Rubber. Measuring 4.00×17” within the entrance and 4.50×17” on the again, they add some visible heft to the thin GD 110.
The bike’s been slammed so far as it’ll go too. Okay-Velocity shortened the entrance forks and added rubber gaiters, then fitted a pair of chromed shocks out again.
Sitting up high is a recent subframe. Shorter than earlier than and completed off with a tidy rear loop, it cuts a a lot cleaner line than the inventory setup. Okay-Velocity additionally added a slim customized seat and an off-the-shelf taillight and license plate bracket, however little else; there’s no rear fender, and no seen parts to litter up the under-seat space.
Though the gasoline tank seems prefer it’s from a classic Suzuki, Okay-Velocity really fabricated it from scratch. The paint and graphics have a period-correct vibe to them, however for the matte black end that matches the remainder of the bike.
Just like the tail finish, there’s hardly something happening within the cockpit. Okay-Velocity added a set of customized bars, welded on to the highest yoke with no risers. They’re fitted with a brand new throttle, levers and grips… however that’s it.
There’s no speedo and no seen switches—not even a starter button (fortunately the GD 110 nonetheless has a kickstart lever). Even the brand new LED headlight has been mounted near the steering stem, to take up as little house as potential. There’s no entrance fender, and even the chain guard’s ended up within the bin.
Squat and pared again to nearly lower than the necessities, Okay-Velocity’s Suzuki GD 110 is lesson in exploiting surprising potential.
Is it sensible? No. However will we love how unapologetically bratty it’s in its minimalism? Completely.
Okay-Velocity | Instagram | Photos by Hipmotography
