The Art of Modded Motorcycles

What is a modded motorcycle? If you wanna know more about that, this is the perfect text for you. We searched about that and made some interviews about what it is and how you can make one.

Motorcycle Modding Culture in India

GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN INDIA

In India, motorcycle modding is the process of altering a bike from its original factory state in order to further improve its performance, sound, or appearance. This culture began many years ago when riders, particularly army personnel and highway riders, modified motorcycles like Yezdis and Royal Enfield Bullets to handle rough roads and long-distance travel. These pragmatic adjustments gradually evolved into a style-based culture influenced by global trends, which is why motorcycle modding is now common in India. The Royal Enfield Classic models, Bajaj Pulsars, KTM Dukes, Yamaha R15s, and Honda CB series are among the bikes that are frequently modified by young riders. For instance, KTMs are modified for a sportier appearance, whereas Royal Enfield bikes are frequently selected for café racer or bobber builds. While modifying is creative and enjoyable, it also requires some technical knowledge and lots of responsibility.

In India, replacing the exhaust system is one of the most popular changes. For a deeper or louder sound, many Royal Enfield owners swap out the stock silencer for an aftermarket exhaust. In actuality, riders who use loud exhausts that go over noise limits are frequently fined by traffic police in places like Bengaluru and Kochi. In theory, the exhaust aids in the removal of gases from the engine; a poorly constructed exhaust can harm the engine and lower performance. Engine modifications are made to boost power or speed. In the past, some riders bored the cylinder of older Royal Enfield Bullets to increase their engine capacity for highway touring. For improved throttle response, some riders now remap the ECUs on motorcycles like the KTM Duke. These adjustments are dangerous because many of them are restricted by Indian law, and improper tuning can result in overheating, engine failure, and increased pollution.

Upgrades to the suspension and brakes are typically made to increase safety and comfort. To better handle rough roads, for instance, many Pulsar riders upgrade their rear shock absorbers. For better stopping power, some excursion riders install larger disc brakes. However, in actual instances, improperly fitted brake kits have resulted in brake failure, demonstrating the need for caution when making such adjustments.

Additionally, body parts, seats, wheels, and tires are frequently changed. Fitting wider tires on bikes like the KTM Duke or Yamaha R15 to give them a sporty appearance is a typical everyday example. Although this increases grip, handling may be affected and mileage usually decreases. Converting Royal Enfields into café racers by changing the seat and handlebars which occasionally means removing the rear frame, making it structurally unsafe, is yet another common modification.

Modifications to the lighting and electrical systems are also common. For night riding, riders frequently add LED headlights, indicators, or auxiliary lights. Highway fog lamps are often installed by touring riders. In certain actual cases, poor wiring can result in battery drain or electrical failure during longer journeys. Certain lights that are excessively bright or the wrong color are also prohibited. Modding motorcycles calls for the right equipment along with skilled mechanics. Electrical testers, welding machines, and torque wrenches are utilized in custom workshops.

In India, motorcycle modifications are regulated by the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Real-life enforcement can be seen during police drives where bikes with modified exhausts or altered frames are seized or fined. Many riders have faced cancellation of registration due to illegal mods. Insurance is another serious concern. In real accident cases, insurance companies have rejected claims when they found undisclosed modifications such as engine tuning or frame changes. This makes illegal or undeclared modding financially risky.

Interview with a Swiss motorcyclist

Custom motorcycles are popular in Switzerland because many riders want a bike that is unique. I interviewed my colleague Noah Frei, a 23-year-old from the canton of Zurich, who is passionate about custom motorcycles.

Noah explains that custom motorcycles are individually modified bikes. Common changes include the handlebars, seat, exhaust, and paintwork. These modifications make each motorcycle look different and reflect the rider’s personality.

In Switzerland, customizing motorcycles is allowed, but strict rules must be followed. Safety and official approval are very important. Especially in summer, many custom riders can be seen on the roads and at events.

For Noah, custom motorcycles are more than a hobby. They are a passion and possibly a future career.

Interview transcript in English (PDF, Original)

Inspiration

Most the inspiration for a project about custom motorcycles comes from the own experience as a rider. When I’m on the road, I feel freedom, creativity, and a strong connection to my bike and the nature. Custom motorcycles show personality they are more than just machines. I like the idea that I can create my own motorcycle and can make it as pricey as I want. I’m inspired by the unique designs, the sound of the engine, and the craft that goes into building a bike that truly reflects the rider. The culture around custom bikes, from classic café racers to modern builds, also motivates me and gives me ideas for my project.

Custom Bike Fabrication Essentials

1. Structural/Fabrication Base
Steel Tubing (Mild Steel): This is the bread and butter. You need various diameters and wall thicknesses for the frame modifications (like chopping the rear loop) or building handlebars and engine mounts.
Steel Plate: Essential for custom brackets, battery trays, and maybe even fabbing your own fenders or side covers.
Aluminum Sheets: If you’re going for a lighter, more classic look (Cafe Racer), you’ll need these for a custom fuel tank or seat cowl that you hand-form.

2. The Big Bolt-Ons (The Look)
These are the major components that instantly define the bike’s style. You’re usually buying these pre-made, then adjusting them.
Wheels & Tires: Are you switching to classic spoked rims or sticking with modern casts? The tires—chunky knobbies for a Scrambler, or sleek, vintage tread for a Cafe Racer—are huge.
Handlebars: The style makes the bike! Clip-ons for racing posture, Ape Hangers for cruising, or wide Tracker Bars.
Seat: A custom solo seat with springs (Bobber), a flat Brat style bench, or a fiberglass hump (Cafe Racer).
Fuel Tank: You often need to source a classic-looking Peanut tank or a narrow Sportster tank to replace the stock one.

3. Aesthetics & Lighting
Minimalist Lighting: Tiny LED turn signals that hide, a small Bates-style headlamp, and a simple LED strip taillight. You don’t want big, ugly stock lights.
Electrical Supplies: Lots of wire, shrink tubing, and connectors to completely re-wire the bike and hide the harness.
Controls: New grips, levers, and maybe bar-end mirrors to clean up the cockpit.
Exhaust: Stainless steel or mild steel piping and a new muffler/silencer (Megaphone or Shorty) to get that custom sound. Don’t forget the exhaust wrap if you want that rough, raw look.

4. The Final Coat
Paint: High-quality primer, color coats, and clear coat. Decide if you’re doing a gloss, matte, or maybe a metallic flake finish.
Powder Coating: For the frame and wheels—it’s way tougher than paint and gives a perfect, uniform finish.
Upholstery Material: Leather or high-quality marine-grade vinyl for the seat.

Design

1️. Main Design Concept

Theme:

Neo-Cafe Street Racer → A bike that carries the slim café racer shape but with modern elements such as LEDs, lightweight parts, and comfortable street riding ergonomics.

The Picture of Motorcycle Custom Concept

Character:

Minimalist
Sporty
Handcrafted look
Functional for short touring or city riding

Design Philosophy:

To create a motorcycle that feels like an extension of the rider—not just a machine. Every part is shaped to express freedom, craftsmanship, and the builder’s personal touch.

2️. Component-by-Component Design Details

A. Frame & Structure

Built with tubular mild steel, the rear section is shortened and fitted with a new, more compact rear loop.
The subframe is made narrow and streamlined, a signature café racer style.
All additional brackets (battery tray, ECU holder, light mounts, exhaust bracket) are made from 3–5 mm steel plates.

Effect: A lighter, more proportional, and professionally finished bike.

B. Wheels & Tires

Spoked rims (17-inch) for a vintage aesthetic.
Tire choice:
- Front: 110/70 – sporty handling
- Rear: 140/70 – keeps the bike nimble and balanced

Effect: A clean mix of classic looks with modern performance.

C. Handlebars & Controls

Clip-on handlebars for a sportier riding posture.
Matte-black leather handgrips.
Minimalist bar-end mirrors.

Effect: A clean café racer cockpit with a sporty feel.

D. Custom Seat

Single-seat design with a small café-style cowl on the back.
Material: Premium synthetic leather with diamond stitching or horizontal lines.
Color: black or dark brown depending on the theme.

Effect: Elegant and iconic café racer identity.

E. Fuel Tank

A peanut-style tank or narrow Sportster tank.
Paint scheme:
- Matte black base
- Thin gold/bronze stripe
- Small custom logo (airbrush)

Effect: Simple, elegant, and refined.

F. Lighting & Electrical

LED headlight (5–7 inches), round but modern-looking.
Micro bullet LED turn signals.
Thin LED brake light integrated under the seat.
Hidden wiring for a clean look.

Effect: A futuristic yet classic style that stays neat and functional.

G. Exhaust

Short Megaphone stainless exhaust.
Optional: black/grey exhaust wrap.

Effect: Deep sound and a rugged style (still must follow local noise laws).

H. Finishing Touches

Frame: Gloss black powdercoat.
Tank & cowl: Matte black with gold accents.
Engine: Heat-resistant gunmetal paint.

Effect: A premium, modern, clean overall appearance.

3️. Motorcycle Identity (Feel & Mood)

This design represents:

Freedom on the road
A blend of old-school charm and modern engineering
The rider’s personal expression—simple, bold, elegant
A moving piece of art, not just transportation

4️. Why This Design Is Good for Beginners and Intermediate Builders

✔ No extreme engine fabrication
✔ Focuses on style and ergonomics
✔ Easy-to-find aftermarket parts
✔ Frame remains structurally safe
✔ Easier to keep within legal modification rules

Media

Photo Gallery

We have some examples of how it can look before and after its modded.

Before and After the Motorcycle Customization

Experience and Reflection

Working as a team was a positive experience. Everyone contributed ideas and shared their knowledge. We supported each other and communicated clearly during the project.

Some tasks were challenging at first, but by working together we found good solutions. Each team member had different strengths, which helped us improve the final result.

Overall, the teamwork was successful. We learned that good communication and cooperation are important to achieve a common goal. In the future, we want to plan our tasks even better and continue working as a team.

Thank you for reading !

Authors

Lion Kim Burri
Lucas Eduard Freytag
Abhinav R.
Abdullah Rafif Zaahir
Wildan Yoandito Pratama
Diyah Ayu Pratiwi

(Reviewed by Sol Facal, THE ! ambassador)

Sources

Content (text): The sources are from self experience, interview, and internet.

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