“This year, we returned to our roots by opening our first dedicated custom bike store in Munich, where we exclusively sell tailored bicycles,” says MM CEO Patrick Sauter. It would appear that the Mellow group is consistently generating bespoke bicycles. To make the 2024 iteration of Glemseck 101 stand out, they decided to merge the dual aspects of their business into a truly unique Triumph experience.
Dubbed the “Stomach Dancer,” the foundation for this project is a brand-new 2023 Triumph Thruxton RS. As Triumph discontinues production of the Thruxton, it appears that a reduced number of enthusiasts may choose to modify these bikes, potentially leading to an increase in value for unaltered models. Conscious of this fundamental reality, the Mellow team designed and built the bike without making any permanent modifications to the Thurxton’s original framework or mechanical components.
To date, Mellow Bikes has pushed the boundaries of innovation with their Thruxton platform. In 2018, Triumph built a custom Thruxton R motorcycle specifically for participation in the prestigious Sultan’s of Sprint drag racing series. Dubbed the Phantom Blaze, this high-performance motorcycle boasted an extensive makeover, both visually and mechanically, with the added bonus of a supercharger installed on its innovative water-cooled parallel twin engine. Not unexpectedly, it claimed the top spot within its category.
In stark contrast, the Stomach Dancer’s engine remains understated yet still packs a punch. With its powerful engine, the Thruxton RS from the manufacturing unit boasts an impressive 103bhp output. To get a couple of further horses out of the motor MM has put in a Jekill & Hyde valve-controlled exhaust. By pressing the button situated adjacent to the left grip, riders can effortlessly toggle the exhaust open or closed, allowing for a dual purpose: modifying the engine’s auditory profile while also influencing its overall performance. Rapid gear shifts have become seamless thanks to the installation of a high-performance quick-shifter.
Given the motorcycle’s standard equipment is already fitted with high-quality components from renowned manufacturers, Stomach Dancer’s suspension can indeed be considered as part of its original inventory. Despite this, the entrance finish falls short of inventory, giving the bike a more aggressive profile. The minor adjustments in tools fall within the category of LSL rear-set footpegs, which, upon closer inspection, grant the Thruxton RS an even sportier feel. Rather than relying on bulky conventional flip alerts, the bike features sleek Motogadget M.Blaze pins, while a black leather strap wraps around the gas tank, evoking classic cafe racer style. In keeping with the blacked-out engine aesthetic, the motorcycle features a black rear sprocket, a black DID chain, and custom carbon fibre heel guards from Triumph Manufacturing Unit.
What sets this Thruxton RS apart is the dramatic transformation achieved by Mellow Bikes through its innovative approach to the bike’s bodywork. A keen enthusiast has emerged in Thailand, taking inspiration from our Phantom Blaze design to craft a bespoke road bike fairing package for the Thruxton.
“With my father Rainer’s guidance – a veteran with over 50 years of experience in building and racing bikes – we invested two weeks to design and construct every detail from scratch, ensuring a precise fit.” The Stomach Dancer’s new bodywork features a custom “non-bolt-on” entrance fairing sourced from Thailand, an MRA-designed windscreen, and a tail unit, seat, and accent covers crafted by Tamarit Bikes in Spain. Those with an observant gaze may notice that the entry-level brakes have been upgraded with carbon air-flow dams, salvaged from a high-performance Ducati Panigale V4S.
In his response to Patrick, if you happen to build a café racer, there’s only one suitable colour option: British Racing Green. The Stomach Dancer accordingly has applied a BRG basecoat to his customised Thruxton RS, further elevating its visual appeal by incorporating Porsche 934 RSR “Vaillant” inspired racing stripes that elevate this iconic motorcycle to an entirely new level.
