Flat trackers make for a compelling argument as practical, everyday street bikes. They’re lightweight with comfortable ergonomics, but don?t tower seven feet off the ground like dirt bikes. So it’s a mystery why more manufacturers don’t make factory-issue street trackers.
Someone else keen on the flat track style is Irwann Cheng, of the Malaysian custom bike outfit FNG Works. He’s just worked his magic on a customer’s bone stock MLE XTM 200; a Chinese-made supermotard sold in Malaysia.

The project was a well-timed one. With the world slowly shutting down a few years ago, Irwann was forced to take on motorcycle work that he didn?t particularly love. Sure, it paid the bills?but it was smothering his creative flame. Luckily, a customer approached FNG Works for a flat track-style bike. It was just the right project to rekindle Irwan’s love for customization?especially since the customer gave him full creative control.

Street trackers are all about stance, so this is where Irwann started. The stock front end was lowered internally by four inches, and the wheels were wrapped in new dual-sport rubber. Irwann chose to stick with the 17? wheels, as he thought that matching 19? wheels would be disproportionate?and it was a good way to keep the cost down.
The MLE’s swooping bodywork design is unusual, but there’s a particular thought process behind it. ?The frame of this bike is a twin-spar type,? explains Irwann. ?I have seen othe...