Many would scoff at the idea of customizing a small commuter motorcycle. But in countries like Taiwan, where 150 cc bikes like the Kymco KTR 150 are prolific, it makes a lot of sense. These utilitarian machines not only qualify for cheaper licensing fees, but they’re also easy to acquire and even easier to work on.
This particular Kymco KTR 150 almost didn’t make the cut though. First bought in 2004, it was ridden for a decade before it gave up the ghost?and then stashed away for another decade. When it landed at 2LOUD Custom’s workshop in Taipei, it was so rusted that the wheels wouldn’t even turn.

?After checking out the bike, we suggested that it would be better to look for another one to save some money,? says the shop’s founder, Ma ?Max? Yicheng. ?But the owner insisted that the project be based on this bike… and use the same license plate.? There was a good reason behind these requests from 2LOUD’s customer. The KTR 150 had originally belonged to his father, who had passed away some time ago. He wanted it back on the road as a tribute to his dad?so as long as 2LOUD kept the frame and the original plate, they were free to replace everything else.

The rusty Kymco’s engine was too far gone, so Max and co. started by throwing the whole thing in the bin. A barn fresh 255 cc Chinese-made mill took its place, secured by bespoke engine brackets and fed by a Keihin CVK32 carb. 2LOUD added a sleek exhaust too, attached via a...