With their distinctive flair, the Louis crew arrived at Glemseck 101 2023, showcasing an eclectic collection of five expertly crafted custom motorcycles that wowed attendees with their unique character and attention to detail. Among the bikes on display, two notable models stood out: a modified Kawasaki Z900RS, a giveaway prize, and a 2015 Honda VFR1200 F cafe racer, reworked as a dash-racer-prepped bike nicknamed Lemmy.
The VFR1200F was Honda’s fire-breathing sport tourer. Between 2009 and 2017, the Honda Civic Type R was propelled by a 1,237cc V4 engine producing 170 horsepower and 129 Newton-meters of torque. As the VFR1200F roared off the starting line, its potential as a high-performance Dash Racer became apparent, prompting Louis Motorsport’s marketing expert, Kay Blanke, to take the reins and shepherd this ambitious project to its successful culmination.
Louis’ unconventional approach to building customized motorcycles played a significant role in his decision to abandon the VFR. In pursuit of setting themselves apart from others, they design bicycles that are truly one-of-a-kind creations, unlike anything else that has been modified in this manner before? The iconic legend Lemmy Kilmister, a prime exemplar of this approach, embodies the essence of uncompromising individuality and unyielding dedication to artistic expression.
“I am responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and overseeing the production of bespoke Louis bicycles.” Specialists in the scene are deeply invested in crafting each Glemseck 101 bike, with notable contributors including tuner Ulf Penner, painter Danny Schramm, and this time, master metalworkers Sam Wassermann and Friedhelm Lammers,” says Kay.
Thanks to a partnership with Honda Europe, Louis secured the necessary donor vehicle – a 2015 Honda VFR1200 F from their certified pre-owned inventory. While Kay was pleased with the VFR’s potential as a formidable dash racer, she recognized that a transformation would be necessary to make it stand out among the other custom-built competitors in the current lineup. As I perceived, the V4 engine’s excellence lay dormant within its flawed physical design. He reveals that he typically crafts multiple iterations before arriving at the final product, noting that his creative process often involves refining and revising his ideas. Although in this instance, the traces were hastily constructed from wire and cardboard directly onto the bike, owing to my desire to visualize the consumption pathway. Friedhelm Lammers subsequently fabricated the structure from lightweight yet durable aluminum.
To accommodate the VFR engine, electronics, and swingarm in line with the iconic cafe racer aesthetic, Kay’s design demanded the creation of a bespoke chassis. The trellis frame, constructed by Sam Wassermann, boasts a burdened member, which combines seamlessly with the VFR OEM gear and a specially designed YSS efficiency rear shock. Additionally, custom Kineo spoked wheels have been fitted, along with handlebars and footrests crafted by Gilles.
Friedhelm Lammers’ aluminum work, featuring his enterprise alu-tanks.de, boasts a sleek, newly designed half-fairing encasing the front end. Notably, the gas tank incorporates exposed velocity stack intakes crafted by engine tuner Ulf Penner. What an intriguing yet cryptic title – a wasps’ tail seat meeting! Does this refer to a gathering of wasps perched on the seats of their hive, perhaps discussing the intricacies of social hierarchy within the colony? Or maybe it’s a metaphor for something entirely different? I’m left wondering what secrets lie hidden beneath the surface… The newly crafted bodywork sits seamlessly atop the fresh chassis, its raw, unfinished state a testament to the immense skill and effort invested in its creation.
Unleashing raw power was crucial for a competitive racing bike; despite Honda’s impressive factory numbers, the machine required an extra boost to stand a realistic chance of claiming victory. Due to these factors, the V4’s performance has been optimized to sustain a more consistent output and reinforce its energy delivery across the entire rev range. The significant 50kg reduction in weight serves as a substantial efficiency booster.
Ulf crafted engaging consumption funnels and authored a comprehensive, innovative map for the esteemed Energy Commander. “With the addition of the custom Shark 4-1-2 exhaust, our engine now boasts a impressive 180 horsepower and, more notably, the traditional energy dip at 3,500 rpm has been eradicated,” Kay elaborates. As a result of our substantial energy reserves and the extended swingarm design, we’ve virtually eliminated any concerns about wheelie tendencies.
Mai-Lin, an accomplished stunt rider, has already left a lasting impression on fans by besting renowned motorcyclists Freddie Spencer and Conor Cummins at the prestigious Glemseck 101 event.
The finishing details for this project were kindly provided by Louis’ comprehensive online components catalogue. Sitting behind the fairing you’ll discover a T&T gauge.
The LED headlight strip is a product from Highsider, and it comes with dual-function LED flip alerts that enable the bike to remain rideable on public roads. A retro-aluminum fender from LSL encases the entrance wheel, accompanied by bespoke fluid reservoirs that elevate the overall luxury quotient to new heights. Kay ultimately collaborated with painter Danny Schramm to create a distinctive Jackson Pollock-inspired design featuring Louis’ corporate hues. The seat was luxuriantly upholstered by renowned designer Patrick Kinzlin.
Despite its promising introduction, the VFR1200F failed to live up to Honda’s lofty expectations upon its release. Despite boasting a cutting-edge V4 powerplant, the motorcycle’s design remained bulkier than desired, lacking the modern amenities that consumers sought in its era. Thanks to Kay and the team at Louis, this VFR1200 F has been revitalized with a modern outlook, allowing it to command the attention it truly merits.
Pictures by Volker Rost
