Marking a decade in 2021, German entrepreneur Markus Pintzinger commemorated the milestone anniversary of Omega Racer, his successful Thailand-based aftermarket components business. To mark the occasion, Markus decided to indulge his passion by building a bespoke bicycle from scratch. The Omega Racer retailer specializes in offering bolt-on components for a variety of stylish retro motorcycles, including the Yamaha SR400, Kawasaki W650, and the latest crop of Triumph Bonnevilles. Instead of settling for a single type of bike, Markus decided to venture into uncharted territory and explore something entirely new.
Markus chose a Kawasaki AR80, also commonly referred to as the Micro Magnum in Thailand, for his mission’s donor vehicle. Manufactured during the 1980s, the AR80 is a lightweight, 80cc two-stroke sportbike that yields a impressive power output of over 10 horsepower while tipping the scales at just 78 kilograms. Markus purchased the bike for a modest $100, hardly a small amount considering its condition at the time. After meticulously disassembling the vehicle, he replaced the wheels and suspension with high-performance upgrades, thoroughly overhauling the engine to optimize its power output. A custom-tuned exhaust system was installed, while the bike’s body was meticulously cleaned and resprayed in a vibrant, tropical green hue.
Markus partnered with his longtime friend and fabricator, Korn. With foam blocks as his canvas, Korn crafted a bespoke bodywork inspired by the sleek lines of iconic Italian race bikes from the 1950s and 1960s. The resulting products have been transformed into aluminum variants that boast a dazzling mirrored finish through meticulous polishing processes. Though this petite Kawasaki cafe racer may not breach the 100-mph mark, it still seems designed to deliver a thrilling ride.
Picture Credit score: Thanuthong Jariyatham
