Here it is Komando, an extremely unique twin-engined scooter

At a glance, if you look at the vehicle figure, it will cross our minds that this is a tactical combat vehicle that is ready to be used by soldiers on the battlefield. Indeed, this is the impression wants to get by the vehicle maker when first make it.

The fact, the vehicle is the extreme and unique scooter modification results and given the name of 'Komando,' which was made by a man from Cilegon, Banten named Bagas Roffiyanto.

Komando, an extremely unique nine-wheeled scooter from Banten and still can be used as vehicles on the highway. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)

It all started when he wanted to modify the 1986 Vespa Strada scooter of his-owned then he chose the concept of a tactical combat vehicle due to he was very inspired by his father who worked as a soldier.

"Its basic was 1986 Vespa Strada, (and) inspired by (my) father who is worked as a soldier and also because I was not passed when registering the army. So I decided to make my scooter like an army vehicle," Bagas said as quoted by detikOto.

Unmitigated, he then completely overhauled his Vespa scooter appearance in his workshop and assisted by some friends. This extreme scooter modification process was carried out for 5 months and cost up to Rp.15 million, so be the figure of an extreme scooter that appears in gray, black and green military camouflage color.

Komando, an extremely unique scooter from Banten which is driven by two engines made by Bagas Roffiyanto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)

Then he added a number of accessories to add the more military impression and the vehicle' fierce look such as on the front there was a machine gun replica, then the ex-ammo box was mounted on the left side and functioned to store mechanic's tools, then there were several other accessories such as ex bazooka tubes. Meanwhile, behind the rider seat, there's one seat is provided for passengers.

This extremely unique modified scooter has a length of about 3.5 m and a width of 1.2 m. As the drivetrain of this extremely unique nine-wheeled scooter is 2 units of engines installed at the rear where the first engine was taken from the 1975 Bajaj Chetak (front) and the second of the 1986 Vespa Strada (rear). Above the engines were also installed 2 units of fuel tubes.

To operate this extreme vehicle can be said to be a bit unique, where the rider must first start its two engines via its typical manually kick-starters. Then the driver sits in a lower position than the standard scooter seat. In addition, to control this extreme scooter, the rider hands should be stretched upwards like the high handlebar motorcycle riding position with the throttle position on the right-hand, clutch and gear-shifting on the left.

After the engine is turned on and by considering the condition of the vehicle which is fairly long, the rider must be able to adjust the speed when riding it on the road. Well, although it is driven by two engine units, not necessarily the rider could be maximized the power of its engines.

Komando was inspired by Bagas Roffiyanto's father who worked as a soldier. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)

"I did not dare to go fast when riding it, at most 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, and even then on the straight and empty road only. Because the Komando's length is 3.5 meters and 1.2 meters wide is not possible to run at high speed," said Bagas.

Nevertheless, this extremely unique modified vehicle has been used to drive around the streets of Banten together with his community members. This extreme vehicle was also ever participated in several motorcycle contests and also ever was ranked third for the 'Vespa Extreme' category in one event.

The scooter mentioned above can function like other two-wheeled vehicles so that it can be used as vehicles on the highway, but so far it is not known yet whether those vehicles have the roadworthy permit from the authorities.

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 | ANTARA-JAMBI | DETIKOTO]
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A steampunk motorcycle inspired by an old Soviet Union' train

The concept or idea of ​​modification to create a cool motorcycle to look different can come from anywhere. Even ideas can come from unexpected things and even the concepts they carry are diverse, ranging from unique, classic to modern concepts.

The Stalin Trike steampunk-style motorcycle built by Asook Customs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

So not infrequently the creative ideas of the modifiers can change the motorcycle appearance that was originally mediocre to be more unique.

Like this modified steampunk motorcycle called the Stalin Trike made by Asook Customs, the Saint-Petersburg-based motorcycle builder is inspired by the Soviet Union's classic train. Just an info, in its hey day the train was able to run up to speeds of 110 miles per hour or around 160 km per hour.

The Soviet Union's train is the source of inspiration for the steampunk-styled Stalin Trike. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

As reported by Ride Apart, that the modified steampunk motorcycle inspired by Josep Stalin's era locomotive applied two wheels at the front and one wheel at the back with the selection of small-diameter tires. While the fairing section is made in such a way that it resembles the design of the steam furnace of the classic train, by the design of the swooping line that surrounds the headlight like a veil, and combined the image of two large red stars on the front-wheels.

Front view of the Stalin Trike custom built by Asook Customs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

What's interesting about this modification is the overall appearance of the body, which may have never been on the market before. Like the handlebars or steering that serves to control the two front wheels by using the lever with a vertical grip.

Right side view of the Stalin Trike custom built by Asook Customs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

Unfortunately, there is no information about the engine that carried this motorbike. Only mentioned that the engine is made of elements of an aircraft radial motor. By design, it rotates the rear wheel through a horizontal bar, like an old steam locomotive. It looks incredibly cool, but unfortunately does not work well. It is unknown whether this three-wheeled vehicle roadworthy and can be used as befits a motorcycle in general.

Top view of the Stalin Trike custom built by Asook Customs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

Although inspired by a fast steam train, the modifier did not design this three-wheeled motorcycle to ride at high speed. And this modification is clearly only focused on a unique look and to show it has a complicated design. This is inseparable as proof of the manifestation of creative modification with concepts whose basic ideas are taken from the great history of the Soviet Union.

Rear-right side view of the Stalin Trike custom built by Asook Customs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E1SGhT)

At least, this motorcycle modification can give an idea to automotive lovers, especially the modifiers, as well as to show that the sources of inspiration of something unique can be taken from anywhere and even of the simple things.

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 | INAZUMACAFE | MOTORIDERSUNIVERSE | RIDEAPART]

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An Indonesian-made classic Vespa scooter of wood waste

As understood by all of us, that in the process of automotive modification sometimes not familiar with the 'expensive' word. In addition, the unique shape and eccentric appearance sometimes also become the owner's choices. Especially for motorcycle enthusiasts, typically they use motorcycle design based on their expertise-owned. In a previous article, there was a carpenter from Portugal named Carlos Alberto who made a unique wooden Vespa scooter.

The wooden Vespa composed of 65 million pieces of pencil wood waste, made by Eri Ashari shown off at the 2018 Indonesian Scooter Festival held in the Jogja Expo Center. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E3nEGn)

Much like that but now an Indonesian wood craftsman who made a classic-type Vespa into a very unique scooter and looked different than others.

Well, he is Eri Ashari who managed to make a replica of the Vespa MP6 prototype scooter whose entire body is made of wood waste (specifically wood waste from the pencil-making industry).

Through his skilled hands, he managed to arrange more than 65 million pieces of wood waste material into an antique Vespa scooter for more than 2 years.

Eri Ashari posed with his wooden Vespa scooter creation. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rmMGO9)

"This is all from pencil wood waste. There are about 65 million pieces to make this (scooter). Incidentally, indeed in my place, there are so many (wood waste), so I use them. The seats are also made of wood," Eri explained as quoted of the Tribun-Jogja.

A wooden Vespa scooter by Eri Ashari.  
(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LFEqjb)

Eri also mentioned that before he ever had made several unique wooden scooters and this antique scooter was his fifth works. He further added that this scooter was the first scooter he made from the pencil wood waste material and possibly the first in the world.

"It starts to be produced in 2016, (and) this is actually the fifth Vespa. So from the small pieces of wood waste, it's (then) arranged (in such a way). What makes it difficult because (the material) is stiff, so it's hard to shape. It should be arranged vertically if arrange in horizontal was easy to break. This is the only (scooter) made from pencil wood waste. After this, there will be no more," he explained.

Besides being made of wood waste material, the antique Vespa created by Eri Ashari also has a remotely-controlled digital audio system. Then there is a fairly large white ivory-colored precious stone embedded in the seat that functions as a cooler, so that even though you sit for a long time but the seat does not feel hot. To ease its maintenance, the whole body of this antique scooter is given a nano-coating layer.

Eri also said that this shiny brown lines patterned wooden scooter had succeeded in carrying out a test drive through a long journey over more 1,000 km with the route of Lembang to Pangandaran round trip. He also said that this antique wooden Vespa had got a roadworthy permit from the authorities.

When asked about the price, it is not surprising that the antique Vespa by Eri has a pretty fantastic price. According to him, so far his wooden Vespa has received an offer from a scooter enthusiast with a price of €139,000 or equivalent to Rp. 1.9 billion. Although the scooter has been offered at a fantastic price until now he has not been willing to let it go.

"This year (2018 ago), I want (the scooter) to be auctioned off, but the price is not known yet. There are many offers coming in, from Italy, Indonesia too. But I'm not pursuing the high prices, but I want my wooden Vespa works to fall to someone who can appreciate it as an artwork," he said.

Reportedly now, Eri Ashari is finding out about the possibility to keep his antique Vespa in a museum, possibly in Yogyakarta or Bandung. Besides this Eri' wooden scooter,  do you want to see other unique wooden scooters made by two Jepara craftsmen? Let's take a look them!

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 | TRIBUN-JOGJA | MOTORPLUS-ONLINE | KUMPARAN | TEMPO-OTOMOTIF]
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Get to know the iconic Harley Davidson machines

When there is a convoy of big motorbikes on the highway, and it will be seen that the most prominent is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle which has a roaring sound coming out of its V-Twin engine that will be easily recognized and very distinctive even though it's far away from our hearing. So it is not excessive if many assume that the fierce look of Harley-Davidson motorcycle is partly derived from its machine.

An illustration of the classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rmpbEI)

Indeed, Harkey-Davidson motorbikes are very easy to recognize through its typical V-Twin 45-degree engine, but did you know that the V-Twin engine has several changes or revolutions according to the shape of the chassis and models. But, not all machines will be discussed here, only a few are said to be iconic and famous machines of their time. Let's check it out! 

1. 1909 Atmospheric V-Twin 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The first engine from Harley-Davidson was a V-twin designed by HD's Chief Engineer, Bill Harley in 1908, right after he was graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1908. This type of engine was produced in 1909, this was the beginning of Harley-Davidson coming into the world.

This engine with a capacity of 811 cc and capable of producing power of 7 horsepower is made for 27 units of motorcycles. And the motorcycle that was present at that time with a very simple construction that uses a separate gearbox and kick-starter. This engine is also known as the forerunner of the V-twin 45-degree engine lineage of Harley-Davidson.

2. 1911-1929 F-Head 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Followed by the birth of the F-Head type engine born from 1911 to 1929. The F-Head engine comes with a capacity of 1,000 cc and 1,213 cc.

This machine has also been refined and made of better iron castings materials.

This F-Head engine features a waterproof ignition system and is designed for use on public roads, the police and also for general sale.

3. 1929-1936 Flathead 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

This Flathead engine type also has a unique feature, that is made without a valve above its cylinder head.

The valve is made sideways so that it can be easier when making repairs.

This type of engine can be seen in the Harley-Davidson motorcycles type WL and WLA in the 1930s.

4. 1936-1947 Knucklehead

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

After that came the Harley-Davidson engine is known as Knucklehead which was made from 1936 to 1947. The engine with a capacity of 990 cc and 1,200 cc called Knucklehead due to its cylinder head shape similar to the brassed knuckle that is usually worn on the hand to punch.

There are three types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that use Knucklehead engines namely E, ES, and EL models.

5. 1948-1965 Panhead

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Subsequently followed by the Panhead generation in 1948-1965 who began developing the "cranks" model. This type of engine also comes in two engine capacities, 990 cc, and 1,200 cc, but the power generated is bigger than the Knucklehead engine type.

The Panhead type engine is an advanced development of the Knucklehead engine type, and it uses aluminum cylinder heads, hydraulic valve, increased oil circulation and crankpin roller bearings for engine durability.

6. 1966-1984 Shovelhead 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Then there is the Shovelhead type engine which was made between
1966 and 1984 and has a capacity of around 1,200 cc. This type of machine can be said to be the successor or a modern version of Panhead with several changes.

Starting from the use of a larger valve, ported better, then there is a piston that is made stronger. The name Shovelhead because the engine, when viewed from an upside-down position, looks like a coal shovel.

7. 1984-1999 Evolution 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The next engine is Evolution, which was present in 1984-1999, which was the first largest engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,340 cc, which was made by Harley-Davidson. This engine is embedded in the Sportster models starting from 1986 but uses 883 cc and 1,200 cc.

Noted, this engine is the first time Harley-Davidson uses Computer-Aided Design in the manufacture of motorcycles that are more efficient and increasing the power and torque.

8. 1999-2017 Twin Cam 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Next is the Twin Cam type, which was born between 1999 and 2017, there are two Twin Cam models. First, the engine with a capacity of 1,450 cc and still using a carburetor and refined by Twin Cam 1,584 cc injection technology starting in 2007.

From the beginning, Harley-Davidson never made the engine cooling system with a radiator model. But in 2001, they made a new engine with a radiator cooling system, so the engine was called as Revolution engine with a capacity of 1,340 cc, and this type of engine used by the V-Rod, and continued by the younger generation of Street 500 and Street 750.

9. 2017 Milwaukee-Eight 107 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The most recent generation of engines used by Harley-Davidson motorbikes is Milwaukee Eight 107 which was produced in 2017. This engine is a refinement of the 1999 Twin Cam-type engine. And the amount of power that can be spewed from this engine can reach 90 horsepower. 

The Milwaukee name is derived from the location of the engine manufacturing plant and the term Eight, it means that in each cylinder there are 4 valves, while the engine has two cylinders making a total of 8 valves. And the 107 symbolizes the engine capacity that reaches 1.753 cc. This type of engine is mounted on the Road King, Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special and Road Glide Ultra models.

Well, for those of you who are curious and want to hear the sounds of the iconic machines from Harley-Davidson that have been briefly discussed above, please check the video below!

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 | ]
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Getting know the Adler automotive brand

At present, maybe some of you only know motorcycle manufacturers from Germany such as BMW Motorrad, Horex and many others. But did you know, in 1900 to shortly after the 2nd World war ended, there was one German brand that was considered very popular, namely Adler? Adler is German for eagle.

1901 Adler Vis-à-Vis. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Y2i40g)

This German manufacturing company was founded in 1880 by Heinrich Klenyer in Frankfurt. The company started its business by producing various products such as bicycles, tricycles, and typewriters which later turned to produce cars, and motorcycles even aircraft engines.

1902 Adler motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34Dpd9C)

During the production period of this German automotive manufacturer, there were many products of four-wheeled vehicles. And this indicates that the company was one of the leading automotive manufacturers before the war. (List of Adler's four-wheeled vehicles can be seen HERE.)

1940 Adler MF2A 98cc motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DHDTsF)

The oldest motorcycle product manufactured by the German manufacturer is the Adler 3PS motorcycle (pictured above), which is a bicycle driven by a De Dion engine that is capable of producing 2.5 PS of power. This two-wheeled vehicle was produced in 1902.

1958 Adler 250 cc 'Favorit' motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37RbMoq)

Interestingly, in 1944 when the world war was still raging and bombing by Allied forces against a number of industrial cities in Germany. And Frankfurt also did not escape the Allied bombing which resulted in the Adler factory in the city being ravaged.

1953 Adler M250 motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33sLcic)

However, the motorcycle production still to run. Even though at that time there were only a few machines and some equipment still functioning properly.

1957 Adler ISDT motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qYj6y5)

But after the second world war ended, this German manufacturer only produced motorcycles, instead of four-wheeled vehicles. At that time Adler was known to produce small motors for daily needs. Their motorcycle products were also famous for their toughness and durability.

1954 Adler MB Twin 200 motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OCwZex)

There are six variants of motorbikes that have been produced by this German manufacturer, namely Adler 1902, Adler Favorit, Adler ISDT, Adler M-series, Adler MB-series and a scooter variant, Adler Junior M100 is used an air-cooled, two-stroke, 98cc, single cylinder engine. It claimed to produce power of 4 horsepower and mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

1955 Adler Junior M100 scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34Adfxp)

Unfortunately, despite having survived the war and bombing, but Adler had to surrender the economic conditions. In 1956 Adler merged with Triumph (TWN). The business was taken over by Grundig in 1957, and motorcycle production ceased in favor of office equipment, notably typewriters.

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 | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOEVOLUTION | CYBERMOTORCYCLES]

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Piaggio's unique three-wheeled vehicle

Previously, who among you are still confused to distinguish between Vespa and Piaggio? Because apparently there are still many who can not distinguish between the two brand names. So, Piaggio is one of the motorcycle manufacturers from Italy that has the official name Piaggio & Co. SpA. While the Vespa is a product made by Piaggio which was first launched in 1944. See the company's history HERE.

1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R)

Until now the "Vespa" name is still used for the Piaggio scooter products which have been used more modern engines. 

But did you know if Piaggio also has a special three-wheeled vehicle? Its function is more or less the same as public transportation. The name of this vehicle was the Piaggio Ape Calessino, which was made first in the 1950s.

The handlebar of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA)

This unique vehicle was made based on Enrico Piaggio's idea to create a vehicle that is easy to use, economical, versatile, and lightweight for public transportation. Enrico then asked Corradino D'Ascanio, a talented and creative engineer to realize this vehicle. 

Historically, this three-wheeled vehicle was created because of Piaggio was inspired by the wooden body vehicles that were trending in North America at the time. As for production not only used in Italy but also in India. So it can also be said that the Piaggio Ape Calessino is one of the forerunners of three-wheeled vehicles made by Bajaj Auto India in that era. 

Left side view of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA)

Its front shape is already very similar and even exactly the same as other Vespa scooters. But this three-wheeled vehicle does not actually use the name Vespa, the official name is Ape. It turned out that this was because the back of the vehicle was very different from the Vespa scooters at that time. 

The term "Vespa" in Italian means wasp, this is because the rear body of the Vespa is bulging like the belly and tail of a wasp. Then for "Ape" has the meaning of bees in Italian. The name Ape is given because the rear body shape is larger than that of ordinary Vespa scooter.

Rear three-quarter of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R)

Physically, Piaggio Ape has some differences compared to other Piaggio Vespa scooters available at the time. First of the engine position, where the Ape is located right under the driver's seat. As for the other classic Piaggio Vespa scooters at that time the engine position was located on the right. 

Then Piaggio Ape has an additional frame at the rear for installing passengers' seats. The frame is supported by rigid legs and uses a hydraulic suspension. The passenger's seat was later named Calessino and completed the name Piaggio Ape. 

If in Italian, the term Calessino can be interpreted as a cart, but in the case, it doesn't use a horse. The point refers to the passenger seat made of wood. As a complement, there are also canvas umbrellas, but unfortunately lacking shade the Ape Calessino driver. 

Well, the three-wheeled vehicle discussed here is the result of the restoration of the 1953 Piaggio Ape Calessino. And as reported by the official page of the auction house at RM Sotheby's, this three-wheeled vehicle has been sold for the US. $45,600 or around Rp.652 million. WOW...! 

But, if you want to have this unique Piaggio's three-wheeled vehicle maybe you can do a restoration by yourself or through the workshop as seen in the following video. Or might be You wanna see the racing version of Piaggio Ape.
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 | RM SOTHEBY | INSIDE HOOK]

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