When VW Combi transformed into a custom motorcycle

After seeing in the online-media that the Jogjakarta's Kustomfest 2020 event was already held. As quoted from the organizer's website, this year's event titled 'Kustomfest 2020 #Unrestricted' held at Jogja National Museum and took place from December 15 to 31, 2020. As usual, the annual event held in Jogjakarta will certainly feature various kinds of custom motorbikes and cars made by automotive craftsmen from all over Indonesia.

Volkswagen Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle built by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

So on this occasion we will not talking the custom motorbikes or cars shown off at this year's event, but only want to make a flashback of a unique Volkswagen-engined motorbike that also appeared at the same event a few years ago. Here's the review:

All-started when Lulut Wahyudi showcased one of his unique works in the Jogjakarta Volkswagen Festival 2017 (JVWF), held on Sunday, November 19, 2017. According to the owner of Retro Classic Cycles workshop who is also the founder of Kustomfest event, that he brought a custom motorcycle named Volkswagen Motorcycles.

As the name implies, this custom motorcycle is built by using a base of VW 1600 dual port engine commonly used by VW Combi. The machine is mounted on the 1.25 and 1.5 inches of the custom made DOM tubing chassis. To provide accuracy between dimensions and engine weight, he deliberately placed a rake angle of 30 degrees.

The machinery process is done thoroughly. One of them by redesigning the transmission system into four acceleration and can be operated by the rider's foot, just like riding a motorcycle in general.

Left side view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

"This custom motorbike was dedicated to the world of Indonesian custom culture by exploiting my fondness on the VW and then is made in the figure of a custom motorcycle. All the design of the frame until the modification of the transmission system is done in his workshop with a variety of accuracy that still aims to remain comfortable riding," said Lulut, on Sunday, November 19, 2017 as quoted from Kompas.

Engine block view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

The existence of craftmanshift on the bodywork is indicated by the selection of body material made using the aluminum materials. In order seen cool, the chassis construction is given the color of the Red Flat, which is also equipped with an accent of the touch of pinstriping art and lettering from Danny Hacka.

Rear side view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

"We want to prove through these Volkswagen Motorcycles, that automotive work is born from the thinking and process of the production of resources owned by Indonesian. Let's talk with the work," said Lulut further.

 

To maintain performance while riding, the Volkswagen Motorcycles are supported with 41 mm telescopic hardchrome front forks of Mid USA and the rear used the Ohlins adjustable. All of the work process from material to become a custom motorcycle done by Lulut with his team in a short time, that is only one month.

Now, the Kustomfest 2020 event was held, and those unique VW-engined motorbike once again appears on the Kustomfest's Instagram pages such above. For those of you who are interested in seeing the annual automotive event at the Jogja National Museum.

Here's our appeal; Today, We are on the Covid-19 pandemic, so that the event runs smoothly as planned until December 31, 2020. Let's maintain an order by always paying attention to the health protocol in effect. Always to remember! Do not to forget to wear the mask, avoid the crowd then wash oUr hands often.

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Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh KUSTOMFEST (@kustomfest)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA (27112017) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMFEST | KOMPAS]

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The Vespa 98 'Serie 0' classic scooter replica made in Indonesia

Having a legendary scooter such the Vespa 98 'Serie 0' (the first scooter model made by Piaggio in 1946) is like a dream, and many scooter enthusiasts in the world are eager to have. However, to make it happen is not easy, because it is constrained by the scarcity factor and the fantastic price. Especially for those ordinary people who always have financial limitations like Me and You.😉

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' built handmade by an Indonesian builder named Hery Widodo. (Cautions: This is just a replica, not a real one.) (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

How's not. As quoted in our previous article, in early 2017 there was an original Vespa 98 'Serie 0' being offered at a Catawiki's auction event with a price range of $268,150 - $348,600 or the equivalent of Rp.3.5 - 4.5 billion at that time. Look, it's a fantastic row of numbers, right? Although in the end, the highest bidder was below the desired price range above, which was around $195,748 or approx Rp.2.6 billion only. From this, we can see that not just anyone can own the first scooter model made by Piaggio.😢

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' uses a 2-stroke 150cc engine taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then what about those of us who want to own a scooter like this? Maybe the solution for us is limited to have a replica only was okay. So on this occasion, we will take you to see an Indonesian craftsman who specializes in making replicas of the Vespa 98 'Serie 0.'

He is Hery Widodo, a Banyumas-based craftsman who has been making replicas of the legendary Piaggio's scooters since 2018. Amazingly he made a the scooter replica by handmade from scratch (except for the tires and rims) which is forged manually by using a 1.2 mm galvanized plate for the whole of bodies while a 1.5 mm-plate for its chassis.

Starting with the production of the iconic Vespa 98 scooter in 1946, and for more than 70 years of the Piaggio's journey in the world's automotive industry, it turns out has produced hundreds of models. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34CJ1uW)

As quoted from Motorplus-Online, Hery Widodo told how he started to build the replica scooter business of his owned. Initially in 2012 he casually posted the process of making a Vespa 98 replica on his Facebook page. He further said that at that time the entire manufacturing process was carried out only based on images without having the correct sizes. Unexpectedly then he was contacted by Vespa Italia and sent him the manual.

Even though now, he has the correct sizes, he cannot be careless in the manufacturing process, because according to him the process of making the replica scooter has a high level of difficulty and requires a high level of accuracy as well. All parts were custom made by hand, ranging from the handlebar, seats, headlights, front fenders to the gear stick.

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' parts such the horns and electrical switches, they are made as similar as possible to the original but with a slightly larger size and placed on the right handlebar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

While the engine used for the replica is not a similar 98cc engine, but has been swapped with the larger one of 150cc capacity  taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s and mated with the four-speed manual transmission system. To make it look similar to the original scooter, so on the replica pinned a gear stick as is generally installed on motorized vehicles in the 1940s for gear shifting.

On some parts of the body of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' replica looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans and only the front fender, the right-left of the bodies, a little parts that near the fuel-cap and under the seat were painted. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then for another parts such the horns and electrical switches, they are made as similar as possible to the original but with a slightly larger size and placed on the right handlebar. While the seats are wrapped in genuine leather and also made as closely as possible with the 1940s Vespa 98 scooter models.

Because it carries the theme to be similar to the original Vespa 98 scooter, on some parts of the body of this replica it looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans. The part that is touched by the paint is only the front fender then the right-left of the bodies, a little that near the fuel-cap and under the seat. Besides that there's another slight drawback, due to this replica uses a larger engine that makes it look like not fit and protruding out of the right-side of the body. It could be that makes it look uncool, for those of you who like something colorful.

But at least when we return to the original purpose of making this replica, the first, it is made as closely as possible to the original Vespa 98 'Serie 0,' and most importantly of all, its price might be affordable with our pocket.

Indeed, this Vespa 98 replica much cheaper bro! It said to cost you only $4,891 or Rp. 71 million (source). If you're interested to have one, please contact Hery Widodo at his workshop in Jl. Raya Jatilawang no 32 Banyumas Purwokerto, Central Java - 53174.👈

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORPLUS-ONLINE | MOTORCUSTOM]

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Katalis EV.1000, the latest Indonesian e-bike inspired by the P-51 mighty fighter plane

When electric vehicles become a trend that is actually practiced by automotive industry players in many countries in the world today. This also invites automotive industry players in Indonesia. But now we will discuss two-wheeled electric vehicles which are done specifically by an Indonesian design studio called Katalis Company which is fully supported by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Industry.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition, an electric-powered bike built by Katalis Company, an Indonesian design studio for an exhibition in the City of Dream, Macau on September 25, 2020. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35PXPIZ)

This electric bike is named Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale specially made to appear at an exhibition in the City of Dream, Macau on September 25, 2020. It is also mentioned that the electric motorbike is the result of collaboration between Katalis Company with The Arsenale, an online-portal for the world's independent creators that offers transportation means and other products that prioritize design and technological innovation.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition designed by Julian Palapa of Katalis Company, an Indonesian design studio in collaboration with The Arsenale. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FPqG5r)

Previously, in April 2020 the Katalis Company had released a prototype electric-powered motorcycle with a similar design but with less power called the Katalis EV.500. By carrying out the same design inspiration, namely from the design of an old fighter plane P-51 Mustang with a strong and fierce impression.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition is built by using aluminum for the body and frame including the swing arm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FPqPWx)

However, there are some obvious differences between the two, as seen in the EV.1000 body which is painted in a matte black with orange-colored graphics which is meant to give a fierce aura, then there is installed an upside-down fork to hold tight its front-wheel while the EV.500 still uses a telescopic model. Then the next difference is in the electric motor which is now spew more bigger power.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition uses an electric motor capable spew of 1,000 watts of power with a 48V-45Ah lithium battery. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35SLP9v)

The electric motor installed on the EV.1000 is capable of delivering up to 1,000 watts of power with a 48V-45Ah lithium battery. So that it is able to carry this EV. 1000 motorbike to run up to a top speed of 70-80kph with a maximum distance of 90km.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition e-bike is inspired by the design of an old fighter plane P-51 Mustang with a strong and fierce impression. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35PXPIZ)

This electric motorbike is built using aluminum for the body and frame. In addition to the body (1mm aluminum) and frame (3mm aluminum), 3mm thickness aluminum is also used to make the swing arm in a boxy shape. 

Interestingly, each of the Katalis EV.1000's body panels is attached using rivets, so that it resembles the body of the aircraft which is the source of its inspiration. As quoted from TheArsenale, this compact-sized electric motorbike is offered at a price of around $ 9,999.00 (approx Rp. 146 millions).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KATALIS.CO | THEARSENALE]

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A heavyweight wooden Suzuki Jimny

If you often travel out of town, you will usually find miniature cars made of wood that are sold in souvenir shops. However, this is a different matter from miniatures, precisely in Bandung apparently there are some real vehicles that are made of wood. And who was the owner of those wooden bodied vehicles?

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' owned by Fawaz Salim of Bandung. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

The owner named Fawaz Salim, a businessman, and owner of a timber company in the city called 'Equator Wood.' When you look at his collection it turns out he has made several vehicles out of wood. In the collection there are Suzuki Jimny LJ80 (in Indonesia, it usually called 'Jimny Jangkrik,' and 'jangkrik' means 'cricket'), then VW 181 or VW Safari, and there is also a wooden body Vespa scooter, etc.

Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' owned by Fawaz Salim made of 'sonokeling' type of wood. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

The vehicles mentioned above can really be operated on the road like a vehicle in general. Because they all were built base on the original vehicles, just the body is changed of wood. Fawaz said that for the manufacture of wooden vehicles, it started from his fad and just trial and error.

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' needs one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

The wooden-bodied Suzuki Jimny for example, its body is not from plywood, but really made of original wood of 'sonokeling' type from Kalimantan. According to Fawaz, the wood is originated from legal cutting and already has an official permit, due to the wood taken from the trees directly in the forest, so there's should have an official permit from Perum Perhutani (Indonesian Forestry Institutes).

All details and instruments of the Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' are installed and functioning properly. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

Initially, Fawaz bought the original Suzuki Jimny for Rp.14 million (approx $970). But when the car arrived it turned out that the conditions were not as expected. So then he decided to replace the Suzuki Jimny's body with wood. But because the original body has been wrecked and can not be used as a benchmark. So finally he borrowed a similar car body from one of his colleagues.

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' needs one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

In the process of working on the car body, there are interesting things, namely the wooden body making process done by 1 person only. According to him the making of this body is a quite complex process, so there is a possibility the body will not be finished if done by many people. There are many mistakes that can be happened, such as the wooden joints that don't fit, or to pull different the cutting line, and others.

A portion of the wood joint details of the Fawaz Salim's wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D5ZCxd)

Meanwhile, to form an intact car, at least 7 people are needed. Where other crews work on wooden bodies, while mechanic crews tidy up the car's legs, machinery, and electrical systems. After the car completed, turn out the use of wood on the car body made its weight increased heavier and according to Fawaz, the weight of this wooden car is around 2 tons in weight.

The weight of this Suzuki Jimny LJ80 increased dramatically after its body was changed to wood. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

This was also expressed by crews who participated in the work of this wooden car, they said that if the original body only needed three people to lift the whole body. And if the wooden-bodied needs about eight people, even then only the back. It is estimated that the weight ratio of this wooden car is three times heavier than the original body.

This is possible because the 'sonokeling' wood type used is more hardness than the teak wood, and of course far heavier than a metal plate. According to Fawaz to realize this wooden-bodied Jimny, it takes a time about one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million (approx over more $13,800).

Is there anyone interested in making a vehicle like this?😆 If not. Let's jump here! If you just want to see other wooden vehicles. Or if you have the chance to travel to Bandung, you can see all of those wooden vehicles at Equator Coffee & Gallery. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIFNET.COM] 

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A Wooden Karmann Ghia Cabriolet from Jepara

Teak wood is indeed known for its strength when compared with other types of wood, but what happens if this type of wood is used as a car body? Will it be strong or not? To prove its strength, a wooden craftsman and also furniture entrepreneur from Jepara named Al Sadad tried to prove it. And not half-hearted he then made wooden-bodied car made of teak wood.

Other wooden automotive creations of Jepara craftsmen, ie the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

As quoted from Muria News, besides working as a wood craftsman, the man from Jepara is also an automotive enthusiast, especially the Volkswagen cars. So it is not surprising if he then gets a crazy idea to make a wooden-bodied car made of teak wood. Even before, in 2015 he has ever made a teak wood-bodied Volkswagen Safari.

A teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica made by Jepara craftsmen carries a 1,600 cc Mexican VW Safari engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tnp8cG)

And the wooden car that he made this time is the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and was also deliberately prepared to attend the largest Volkswagen car festival in Indonesia in 2017. Sadad explained that he needs something more complex and challenging in the making of the wooden-bodied car, and as we know the Karmann Ghia one of scarce VW models has many curvatures all over its body.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

For this car, he claimed to have spent nearly Rp.150 million or (approx the US $10,000). It was used to buy an original VW engine, make the body from old teak wood and then decorate the interior and exterior of the car.

The Jepara's typical wooden-carved motifs with the VW logo on the front seats of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

As quoted from Tribunnews Jogja, all raw materials are obtained from wood waste that is around his house and workshop. Although easy to find raw materials, the car production process is not as easy as imagined. In addition, some spare parts must be imported from abroad, such as rear lights. According to Sadad, he encountered many difficulties during the process of making this wooden car.

Al Sadad (wearing an orange shirt) poses with a wooden-bodied 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica of his-owned. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OpsGCq)

Among these are when making frames for windshields that demand high precision works. Because, if it is not suitable, so the car's windshield can be slipped when the car in use. In addition, to make the front hood arches are also not easy because it also requires extra accuracy in order to get results that are very similar to the original.

Al Sadad-owned wooden-bodied Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica while on display at the Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF) contest event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36VOQ63)

Furthermore, Sadad revealed that in the production of this car the most expensive cost was the craftsman cost because to carve in certain parts must be done by people who are truly experts.
After 4 months of work to combine its wooden body with a chassis, legs and a hunk of Mexican VW Safari engine, plus the touches of the creative hands of woodcarvers, then a replica of the VW Karmann Ghia cabriolet had been finished with a light brown colored distinctive teak wood veins and curves, coupled with a number of carvings with Jepara's typical wooden-carved motif.

The Karmann Ghia replica with the plate number of 'K 4 YU' whose body is made of old teak wood is not just mere decoration. So, the car also can run like a car in general because under its wooden hood there is a capacity of 1,600 cc engine. This wooden car has been displayed for the first time at the 2017 Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MURIA NEWS | OTO DETIK | TRIBUNNEWS JOGJA]

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The orangutan population is increasingly critical

We haven't included the discussion on nature conservation for a long time, especially after knowing about the latest condition of orangutan habitat on the island of Borneo. 

There was something intriguing, so we on this occasion again made an article with the nature conservation-themed, in the hope that it could spark empathy for the orangutan conservation efforts. Thus the existence of orangutans in the wild can continue to be preserved.

A mobile library of Yayorin (Yayasan Orangutan Indonesia/Indonesian' Orangutan Foundation) to support its education efforts, in areas close to orangutan habitat, in Central Kalimantan Indonesian Borneo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RRHfzQ)

The year 2019 has been passed, the population of orangutans on the island of Borneo is increasing decreased. If previously the status of its population was critical, now the existence of orangutans in Kalimantan has entered an endangered critical stage.

"In the past, we could say the orangutan conditions on the island of Borneo are still safe. The population is between 35,000 and 55,000. But after the survey increased again (the severity levels), now it is the same as Sumatra, in very critical stage," said Rondang Siregar, an orangutan expert at the University of Indonesia some time ago.

This critically endangered status is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. And the Sumatra orangutans have assumed this status in advance.

A mature male Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)

Rondang further said, the reason for the increasingly falling down the population of orangutans still revolves around the classic problem, namely the orangutan lives increasingly threatened because their habitats were taken for human use. For example, in 2017 alone, the deforestation rate is still around 97,000 hectares, especially now that the numbers are getting bigger. 

As a result of deforestation makes the orangutan habitat fragmented. "Because their habitat was chopped up eventually they came out and conflicted with humans," said Rondang. 

Pongo pygmaeus morio or the Black Bornean Orangutan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)

On the island of Borneo alone, poaching and trade in wildlife are also still rife. In fact, orangutans are clearly protected by the Indonesian's Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems. 

"In the past, the price was Rp.500,000 (approx US $37) when left the forest. When it came to the port, the station, the terminal, it could reach millions rupiah. Surely it is always there," said Rondang. Due to habitat loss and poaching, the orangutan population has declined dramatically by 50 percent over the past 20 years. How tragic, isn't? 

Thus the orangutan preservations need to be done immediately and You can actively participate in this effort by making a donation through Orangutan Foundation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ORANGUTAN FOUNDATION | SAINS KOMPAS]

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