Stripped back and ready to ride into the blue yonder, you’re looking at a labour of love, inspired by the shape of the manta ray. Basis is a meat and drink workaday machine sold exclusively in Taiwan and used by delivery drivers. But one Suzuki BS125 was rescued from its mundane life, subjected to an exacting design and build - and went on to be a prize winner at Taiwan’s leading custom bike show. It’s a multi-year story - and you’ve got to say that the unique machine you see here has been worth the trouble.
The bike is the result of the industrial design thesis of a Taiwan-based motorbike enthusiast named Chiu. "As soon as I had the idea,” he says, "the BS125 was the first model that came to mind. I’ve always loved two-stroke motorcycles, and I saw a lot of creative possibilities with its dual exhaust design.” Chiu set up a design and build agency called Zerovector to warehouse his project. The tagline: “reimagining nature through material and design”.
Here it’s the manta ray that inspired the young designer: “I integrated the imagery of the manta’s cephalic fins and pectoral fins into the body design,” he says. Manta rays are big on speed and agility, which this machine majors on, too. Trellis frame is entirely self-designed and now supports the BS125’s engine. Rear suspension is monoshock, by DNM Suspension.
Multiple local companies were employed on the initial project: Hide Work and B.W.S. took on fabrication and welding. But the next step - a 1:1 clay model of the rest of the build imposed on the frame - was entirely the work of Chiu himself. A non-running mock-up followed. But it would be ten years before the running BS125 would enter Taiwan’s Speed and Crafts show.
Parts bins were raided left, right and centre. Yokes and forks are from a Kymco KTR 150, another unique to Taiwan machine. Mike’s Garage of Taipei supplied the 17-inch laced wheels, now fitted with Dunlop Sportmax Q-Lite tyres. Brake components are from yet another local bike brand, Hartford. Custom blacked-out twin-pipe system is far from off the shelf: manufactured by Banai. Eye catching vertical LED headlight and its surround were manufactured by Hide Work. Simon Fibre Craft added touches of carbon fibre veneer.
Aesthetics were critical. ChiRui Leather Custom crafted the saddle while Jeffrey’s Finishing Touch took care of the manta ray inspired paintwork, designed to show off carbon fibre veneering beneath. Two judges made it their pick of the Speed and Crafts Show where it picked up an overall fourth place in the freestyle category.
There’s no word on how much this project cost its near-obsessive maker or whether Zerovector would consider another. But given the BS125 wasn’t available anywhere else, you’d have a unique ride. Even if it does involve a decade-long build and a close relationship with a manta ray.
Next up: The best Suzuki motorbikes of all time.
