UniqueBreed - The name is unique and immediately prompts the question: What is this? It's one of the standout automotive creations by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. This is Dakodok—a custom hybrid ofthe Volkswagen Type 2 (known in Indonesia as the VW Dakota) and the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, locally nicknamed the VW Kodok. And that’s exactly where the name Dakodok comes from.
The Dakodok is a 'cross-breeding' result custom car between VW Dakota and VW Kodok built by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. (Picture from: Era.id)
As quoted from AirCooledSyndicate, the creator shared that his inspiration forDakodokcame from a unique custom toy he saw at the 2016 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan. The toy featured two interchangeable parts: a VW Split Bus and a VW Split Bug. But after returning from Japan, the toy ended up forgotten—until the idea resurfaced later as a real-life build.
The Dakodok made by an Indonesia auto builder named Denny Kusumah will be made into one of Hot Wheels Legend Tour diecast series models. (Picture from: Kompas)
When Denny Kusumah set out to build a custom VW for one of Indonesia’s VW shows, the toy idea came back to him—and this time, he brought it to life. He began a unique modification process by cuttingthe VW Beetleat the B-pillar, removing the entire front section and keeping only the rear half, from the B-pillar backward.
The Dakodok's door has extreme changes, by adopting the suicide door types with no handle, so to open the door from the outside, you must use a remote system key that will open it automatically. (Picture from: TheGasPol)
Interestingly, this crossbreeding process didn’t involve an original VW Dakota. So, where did the Dakota’s front end come from? Denny built it himself—from the front roof section to the iconic face and nose, complete with the signature split windshield.
The Dakodok has an extreme looks by adopting from the Volkswagen Type-2 with its distinctive split windshield. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The same approach was applied to the chassis. The rear half ofthe VW Beetle’schassis was retained, while the front section was custom-built to match the proportions of the VW Dakota’s face. This is where the builder’s true craftsmanship comes in—carefully calculating the length and structural integrity needed to seamlessly connect the new front chassis to the Beetle’s original rear section.
The Dakodok has extreme looks of crossbreeding between VW Beetle from the B-pillar to the rear and VW Dakota in front. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Another challenge was matching the large front end of the VW Dakota with the much smaller rear of the VW Beetle. To make it work, the roof, doors, and front section had to be custom-built with entirely new dimensions. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the Dakota’s front end is actually smaller than the original—scaled down to match the proportions of the Beetle’s tail.
The Dakodok’s doors also underwent extreme modifications, adopting a suicide-door style. Uniquely, they have no exterior handles—so to open them from the outside, you need a remote key system that triggers the doors to open automatically.
The Dakodok's legs are installed adjusters so that the car looks low and pinned with 17-inches Iron Cross alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
On the other exterior, the fender looks wider than the usual VW Beetle and the fender cover is added. On the exterior, the fenders are noticeably wider than those of a typical VW Beetle, with additional fender flares added to visually balance the proportions with the VW Dakota front end. The rear window frame was also modified, replacing the large 1962 Beetle glass with a smaller window—sourced either from a VW Dakota or an earlier Beetle model. Attention to detail continues with the rear hood, which features a classic W-shape design, commonly found on 1950s VW Beetles.
The Dakodok's cabin is filled with the dashboard panels follow the original VW Dakota coupled with two 'Jump Seat' type custom seats made of aluminum alloy. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
As for the interior, the dashboard design followsthe original VW Dakota, paired with two custom-made aluminum alloy jump seats. At the rear, space was too limited to install a standard VW gas tank, so the builder fitted a custom-sized fuel tank in place of the rear seat.
At the rear, due to the narrow space, it was not possible to place VW's real gas tank, so the automaker put sufficient custom gas tank in the position of rear seat. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The suspension setup features adjusters that allow the car to sit low, enhancing its aggressive stance. It rides on 17-inch Iron Cross alloy wheels, wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires, giving it a bold yet balanced look. Given the compact proportions of the Dakodok, the drivetrain remains true to its roots—it still uses the original 1200cc VW Beetle engine, paired with the factory Beetle transmission. This setup maintains the car’s classic mechanical character while supporting its unique body transformation.
The Dakodok still uses the original VW Beetle 1200 drivetrain which is connected to the original Beetle transmission as well. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
For the finishing touch, the Dakodok was painted in a striking red-and-white color scheme, symbolizing the Indonesian flag. Given the complexity of the build, the project demanded an extraordinary level of dedication. The builder worked meticulously in his Bandung workshop over the course of six years—from 2016 to 2022—to bring this one-of-a-kind creation to life.
After its completion, the Dakodok was entered into several custom car competitions both locally and internationally. It went on to earn multiple prestigious awards, including 1st place at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Indonesia 2022, and 1st place in the Hot Wheels Fan Favorite Asia Pacific, organized by World Hot Wheels Legend.
The
Dakodok's rear section also follows the car's year, namely with the
W-shaped hood that was commonly used on the VW Beetle of the 1950s. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
It was also selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists in the Hot Wheels Legends Global Grand Final, held virtually in the U.S. on November 12, 2022. As a result, the Dakodok—built by an Indonesian car builder—is set to be produced as part of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 1:64 scale diecast series. *** [EKA [31052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE | MEDIA INDONESIA | ERA.ID | THEGASPOL | KOMPAS | WARTA EKONOMI | REPUBLIKA ]
OLD-School - It is easy to scroll past old photographs of forgotten machines without giving them much thought, yet every now and then an image stops you cold and forces you to reconsider automotive history. That moment often comes when something truly uncommon appears on a modern timeline, quietly challenging today’s mass-produced vehicles. The Tempo Matador does exactly that, reminding us how inventive and daring commercial vehicle design once was.
Did you know that this old-school Tempo Matador truck is now one of the rarest vehicles in the world, with fewer than 10 units surviving today? (Picture from: the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides)
The Tempo Matador is an old-school light truck from Germany, instantly recognizable by its relaxed, almost sleepy facial expression formed by round headlights and a split windshield. Built by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk, a Hamburg-based manufacturer that no longer exists, this truck carried Volkswagen DNA at its core. Its mechanical heart came from Volkswagen, making it a fascinating hybrid of commercial practicality and passenger-car engineering.
The Tempo Matador is a 1-ton class light truck that was popular in Europe during the 1940s and 1950s, produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. (Picture from: Oldbug)
Introduced to the public in 1949, the Matador was designed by Dietrich Bergst, a long-time Tempo employee who had been with the company since 1930. Bergst was tasked with refreshing Tempo’s aging lineup, and the Matador became his bold answer. At the time, Europe was rebuilding after the war, and there was a strong demand for compact, efficient work vehicles that could handle urban logistics without excessive cost or complexity.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck during its daily routine of delivering bottled mineral water to customers in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
Technically, the Matador broke away from Tempo’s earlier trucks in several meaningful ways. It used a front-mounted cabin and a 1,131 cc four-cylinder Volkswagen boxer engine placed under the seat, connected to a Volkswagen gearbox that drove the front wheels. This configuration was highly unusual for a commercial truck of its era and placed the Matador among the earliest trucks to adopt a front-wheel-drive layout.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung belongs to Terror Garage, a well-known Volkswagen specialist workshop based in the city. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
Despite its modern drivetrain concept, the Matador did not completely abandon old construction methods. It retained a tubular chassis and floating axles derived fromthe earlier Tempo Hanseat models. Inside, the cabin remained deliberately simple, featuring Spartan wooden floors and basic fittings that reflected its utilitarian purpose rather than any luxury ambition.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung features a centrally positioned steering wheel, a unique layout that sets it apart from most commercial vehicles of its era. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
In Europe during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Tempo Matador belonged to the popular one-ton light truck class. Roughly 1,300 units were produced in Hamburg before production ended, yet time has not been kind to most of them. Today, fewer than ten units are believed to have survived worldwide, placing the Matador among the rarest surviving post-war commercial vehicles.
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 promotional prospect, showcasing the truck’s distinctive front design and its practical commercial layout. (Picture from: Motor-Lit-Berlin.de)
One of those survivors lives far from its birthplace, in Bandung, Indonesia. A 1951 Tempo Matador is known to belong to Terror Garage, a Volkswagen specialist workshop. Its existence there proves that German commercial vehicles once traveled much farther than many people assume, reaching Southeast Asia and serving practical roles in cities like Jakarta and Bandung decades ago.
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit found on Belitung Island is now owned by an automotive enthusiast based in Jakarta, adding another chapter to the truck’s long journey. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Indonesia has offered more clues to the Matador’s quiet global journey. Beyond the Bandung truck, a Tempo Matador 1400 delivery vanwas discovered on Belitung Island and is now owned by an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta. These findings suggest that the Matador was available not only as a pickup but also as a minibus or delivery van, adapting to different commercial needs.
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit while on display at the 2022 Jogjakarta Rame Volkswagen event, held in September 2022, where it drew attention from classic VW enthusiasts. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
What makes the Matador even more memorable is its unusual layout and detailing. The steering wheel sits in the center, allowing up to three people to sit across the front. Twin windshield wipers rest above the split glass, suicide-style doors open access to the cabin, and the suspension combines independent mono-leaf springs at the front with a rigid rear axle.
Seen through a modern lens, the Tempo Matador is not just an old truck—it is a rolling reminder of an era when innovation often came wrapped in humble, hardworking forms, now reduced to fewer than ten surviving witnesses worldwide.😉 *** [EKA [26052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QUIRKYRIDES | OLDBUG | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE ]
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CaféRacer The passion to get a special custom motorcycle will not subside even if it has to travel thousands of kilometers away. Well, to get the best will certainly give its own satisfaction. And a custom motorcycle work is usually born from imagination plus inspiration from various studies of the builder.
The café racer custom motorcycle based of the Royal Einfield Bullet 500 by Krom Works. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
One important thing in the motorcycle figure has its own identity from its creator as part of its strength. This is one of the characteristics of Krom Works, a southern Jakarta-based custom-motorcycle workshop that has its own charm by playing the chrome accents.
The headlight of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is integrated with the body and given a unique additional grille. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
As we can see in one of the latest modification results of the workshop, in which its special style chromated touche penetrated to entire bodyparts of simple dazzling café racer styled motorcycle that combines classic and futuristic nuances by taking the base of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
The handlebars of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works mounted inside the body, which makes it a bit complicated and uncomfortable to ride. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
According to the Builder from Krom Works, Andika Pratama, the motorcycle custom concept is different from the café racer styles in general. As you can see, this motorbike has a stature and
appearance that is very unique and different from most custom
motorbikes. Therefore, the builder say that the motorbike is not
recommended for daily use.
The stop lamp of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is hidden in its stern and is given an additional grille like the headlights. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
One of them is from the application of tires with a 21-inch rims on the front and back. Just for info, the motorbike custom project is commissioned by Keith Edney, a customer in UK who want to have the Krom Works custom motorcycle based of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Therefore, in this project, the builder only uses the RE Bullet 500 engine which he coincidentally owns as a molding place only, where the entire chassis and custom body will be built around the engine.
Its stainless exhaust made in short-size to match the overall concept and add to the engine roaring of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
Then in the building process, Krom Works builder admitted that it took about 5 months. Almost all the motorbike's body made by hand and only relies on the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 engine. Unless several parts taken from other notorcycles, such as the legs, the
Royal Enfield Café Racer uses a rear suspension taken from the Kawasaki
Ninja. While the front suspension uses a Girder model with the
mechanism inside the motorcycle's body.
Uniquely, the rear monoshock suspension is made as if it is one with this custom Royal Enfield Bullet 500 chassis. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
The Royal Enfield custom body is made of stainless steel plate material with a thickness of 1.5 mm with a unibody model consisting of several welded series and polished metal finishing until it is shining. Inside the body there is a tank that can hold about 4 liters of gasoline, and to make it look cleaner, the electrical system and battery are stored in the body as well.
The rear drum of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is made of an aluminum billet which is decorated with brass-touch and air scoops and is mounted into one with the gears. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
Meanwhile, the Krom Works custom motorcycle's chassis is more likely boxy-shaped, and is made of 8 mm iron plate. The builder admitted, previously more often using iron tubings to make chassis. So no wonder, in the making of the such boxy-shaped chassis is indeed a bit complicated because there must be something welded and forged by hand. After finished, the chassis was then given a green color because it was considered to have classic elements as the bike's owner desires.
This unique motorcycle custom concept has a fairly difficult manufacturing process, that's no wonder the making of this motorbike costs quite a bit of money. According to the builder, the cost spent to build the Royal Enfield café racer style custom motorcycle is in the range of Rp.90 millions to Rp.140 millions (approx $6,300 to $9,800).
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 | KROM WORKS | NAIKNOTOR.COM ]
Note: Thisblog can be accessedvia your smartphone.
Custom Built Customization is one way to change the appearance of a motorcycle to be different from the factory default. Almost all components are made by hand, without deifying the aftermarket accessories available in the market.
A modified Yamaha XSR 155 done by Pap N Mam in a modern flat track style. (Picture from: Viva)
By utilizing the builders or experts to make a custom motorbike, some manufacturers are interested in changing their products to attract the attention of consumers.
As has been done by the world's famous Japanese motorcycle brand Yamaha (in Indonesia) through PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) took in collaboration with several well-known custom motorcycle workshops in the country. And one of its latest custom projects is with Pap N Mam.
The Yamaha XSR 155 has a neo retro design that can attract attention, but in the hands of Hendra Cahyono of a motorcycle builder and owner of Semarang-based workshop named Pap N Mam, the Yamaha XSR was changed to a modern flat track.
Hendra said that the Yard Built event is a place for builders and modifiers to be able to realize their dreams of developing motorcycles, which are in accordance with their own wishes.“In this Yard Built program, I carry the Modern Flat Track concept. Through this creation, I can express my ideas and innovations as a whole. All ideas and ideas about developing the bike according to my wishes came true. It's like saying, this is really my motorbike," he said, quoted by VIVA Otomotif Friday, December 31, 2021.
In the process of changing, Hendra played a lot in the legs area. So on the legs the changes look very striking. So that it doesn't look short, then he adds or connects the wheelbase of the XSR 155 motorbike back up to 10 cm (extended swingarm).
Hendra Cahyono of Semarang-based workshop Pap N Mam while on work to custom the Yamaha XSR 155. (Picture from: Viva)
Thus, the dimensions of the XSR 155 will be longer. To make it look more manly, Hendra pinned various knick-knacks on the XSR 155 he changed. For the appearance of the headlights and taillights, he carries the concept of a pop up style headlamp, where the lights can open and close automatically.
Then embed the exhaust header with titanium material equipped with exhaust valvetronic features and custom aluminum cylinders. And so that it looks macho even when parked, Hendra has attached a side standard that is equipped with the ESS (Electronic Side Stand) feature. "The reason is because in my work, safety features must still be considered. That's why I pinned the ESS feature on the side," as Hendra concluded then.
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 | VIVA.CO.ID | OTOMOTIF.KOMPAS | 100KPJ.COM | OTOPLUS ]
ONE-OFF The presence of various forms of artwork is like a magnet that can always attract enthusiasts to enjoy it. And works of art don't have to be present in general forms such as paintings, sculptures or others. Yes, works of art could also be realized in the form of motorized vehicles. This is like what was shown by a Semarang-based modification workshop called PapnMam Modified at the Kustomfest 2020 annual event which was held in December 2020 in then.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020 annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
It's gorgeous, that is an expression that came out when watching this neat Honda GL-400 Custom motorcycle made by the Semarang-based modification workshop on display at the Kustomfest 2020 event at the Jogja National Museum. How's look? You could be seen a custom motorcycle figure comes with a minimalist design blend in a futuristic concept, making it appear like a modern contemporary work of art.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified and from the Honda GL400 only the engine is taken, the rest is made by hand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As quoted from Otomotifnet, the only-one custom motorbike was built by the Semarang-based modification workshop for more than 1 year (1 year 2 months to be exact) since 2019, with the initial concept of a café racer, and over time many changes have occurred up to its final result carries a futuristic concept as seen today.
The Honda GL-400 Custom body and chassis made by hand and using the origami technique. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The motorbike modification project began when the motorbike owner intends to build his Honda CB-400, then changed his mind after getting a hunk of the Honda GL-400's longitudinal configuration V-Twin engine unit. And Hendra Cahyono as the bike builder of PapnMam Modified gave a lot of
design input to Noval Mustapha, the motorbike owner while working on
the modification project.
The PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom fuel tank uses a separate, futuristic chassis model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As for your information, the Honda GL-400 is a 400cc variant of the Honda GL-500 Silver Wing, a touring motorcycle that uses an innovative Honda CX500 engine with uncommon based technology and was rarely used in its time. Apart from adopting a longitudinal V-Twin engine, it is also equipped with liquid cooling, electric starter, shaft drive, modular rims and two CV-type carburetors which are set to reduce emissions.
The cafe racer concept clamp handlebar is the main controller of the PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
Then the machine is placed on a frame and chassis made with the 'origami' technique. The technique applied on the bike is not 'origami' in real mean (Japanese's paper folding art), instead by manually assembling the chassis made of metal plates one by one, which previously had made the patterns on the yellow cardboard on the scale of 1 : 1.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is installed with a Keihin Carburetor which is added with a custom square velocity stack. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And according to the builder, the method will simplify the process to apply onto the real chassis. Only by transferring the cardboard motif to the metal plate then assembling it into one complete chassis. Then by using the same method also applied by the motorbike builder on the body making process. The work ranging from the fender, fuel tank to the radiator cover. The thin and hollow frame in the center creates a dynamic and artistic impression. Then followed by a stern that seemed to be seen only as a thin sheet.
Inside the Honda GL-400 Custom exhausts is embedded a handmade valvetronic system to help reduce sound. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And the one off modified GL-400 bike is also equipped with axle drive as standard, that's seems to have its own difficulties while in the installing process. The distance between the engine holder and the arm must be made precisely, for the reason then the builder should be redesigned the default swing arm, and must not be made too long or short in order to be installed optimally.
The Honda GL-400 Custom has a plaque with the serial number 001/001 which indicates the motorcycle is only one in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The next difficulty occurred when the rear drum was made, because the original motorcycle used tires with a maximum size of 120 inches, while the modified motorcycle used 160-inch tires so that it was not possible to shift the axle. And the solution taken by the motorcycle maker is to shift the engine position about 1cm to the right. Besides the body, there many parts on the modified motorbike are no less eccentric, such the front and rear drum are made of T6 dural aluminum material which is
combined with aftermarket rim spokes and wrapped by a pair of the
slick tires of Dunlop.
The Honda GL-400 Custom used the redesigned swing arm and shifted the engine position 1 cm to the right so that Dunlop 160" slick tire can be installed at rear. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The engine was left relatively standard, because according to the manufacturer when it was first received it was fully rebuilt and he only made a new pair of the chrome layered exhausts. To reduce the exhaust sound then the builder added an electronic valve or valvetronic. The exhaust's valvetronic system was made by himself with a servo that uses a car's power window dynamo whose its cover is made of metal so that it is heat resistant.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom
Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020
annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
When the modified motorbike is half-made with the engine installed, the builder done a series of the tests is carried out for 3 weeks to 1 month. The goal is to make sure all components are safe and working perfectly. As the finishing, the builder does not give the color to the body, only whitewashed with clear coat. As if proudly showing the metal lines on the body. As the result, the one off modified GL-400 motorcycle has became a star in the Kustomfest 2020 event and lots of compliments had been pointed to it during the show.
And maybe one day, this gorgeous motorcycle seen by the Petersen Automotive Museum to become one of the motorozed vehicle art works on display. In our opinion, this modified motorcycle has a high artistic taste that is reflected during the manufacturing process. And what do you think?
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 | PAPNMAM MODIFIED ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
It was also selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists in the Hot Wheels Legends Global Grand Final, held virtually in the U.S. on November 12, 2022. As a result, the Dakodok—built by an Indonesian car builder—is set to be produced as part of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 1:64 scale diecast series. *** [EKA [31052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE | MEDIA INDONESIA | ERA.ID | THEGASPOL | KOMPAS | WARTA EKONOMI | REPUBLIKA ]
