In the grand scheme of time, a decade’s passage feels relatively brief. For a small Thai-based startup founded by two expatriate friends, this achievement is a significant milestone to commemorate. Over the past decade, Markus Pintzinger successfully navigated the helm of his Omega Racer business through an array of challenges, including a global financial crisis. Ten years since his initial endeavor, he’s revving up once more to surpass all past accomplishments, meticulously planning how his enterprise can cater to the evolving needs of the motorcycling community as they look towards the future? To celebrate the milestone anniversary of his bike components and equipment retail business, Markus desired a unique project to commemorate this occasion.
Though Omega Racer typically focuses on components tailored to specific bike models like the Kawasaki W650/W800, Yamaha SR400, and various Triumph Bonnevilles, their anniversary bike surprised everyone with an unconventional base.
“In Italy, this unique bicycle is known as the Cavalleggero, or ‘Mild Cavalry’ – a fitting moniker given its gentle, yet spirited nature.” “The humble AR80, a 1982 Kawasaki model purchased for a paltry $100, earned its ‘Aptly Renamed’ moniker due to the stark contrast between its lightweight frame and meager horsepower.”
As one would expect to see a decent performance for such a high price tag, the AR80 was struggling to justify its value. While Markus has a soft spot for smaller motorcycles, the Kawasaki’s monoshock rear end design particularly caught his eye. With a decade-long track record at Omega Racer, Markus boasts a reliable portfolio of native builders he has successfully brought to life. Despite the numerous challenges posed by the dilapidated Kawasaki AR80, he believed that with perseverance and creativity, his team could coax something special out of it.
The Kawasaki AR80 two-stroke single typically produces an impressive output of more than 10 horsepower in its standard configuration. While the original outing may not have ignited excitement, Kawasaki assured an adventure that would be both leisurely and agile, with enjoyment being its crowning achievement. While the AR80 stood out from the rest of the compact two-story apartment complex with its elevated stature, it truly distinguished itself through its sporty design. At first glance, the Kawasaki sported a quarter-fairing upfront and a distinctive upswept design at the rear, reminiscent of many of its high-performance brethren in the larger family. To complete the sleek appearance, Kawasaki complemented the bike with gold-finished rims and a menacing black exhaust pipe.
“We comprehensively disassembled the vehicle and invested in a completely new set of rims, a state-of-the-art rear shock absorber, and several smaller component upgrades.” Markus notes that they gave the bike’s body a tropical green finish, perfectly suited to Thailand and Kawasaki, before completely rebuilding the engine.
With a mere 78 kilograms of mass to contend with, the AR80’s engine proved surprisingly efficient in its power delivery. Markus focused on reducing the bike’s weight to extract even more performance from it.
Our inspiration stemmed directly from Italy’s iconic 50cc racing scene and vintage avenue bikes of the late 1960s and early 1970s. “We’re utterly enamored with these bikes, boasting imposingly long and sleek fuel tanks, diminutive seats, and bold dispositions,” Markus declares.
Markus sought the expertise of his trusted collaborator, Korn, the premier aluminium fabricator, to craft a design that perfectly captured the essence he had envisioned using the finest, most lightweight materials available.
Markus recalls that the physique’s initial shape was crafted from foam before being entrusted to their reliable friend and skilled aluminum fabricator, Korn, who brought his expertise to bear as usual. “The duckbill aluminum seat cowl draws a direct connection with the AR80’s swingarm bracing, steering neck, and entrance fairing, showcasing shared design elements.” The sleek and seamless bullet fairing masterfully wraps up the vehicle’s bodywork, flawlessly integrating all crucial design elements. To honor the cherished memory of dear friend and trusted driving companion, Angelo, who left us tragically in April, we chose to eternally immortalize his name on the vehicle’s tank.
Within just four weeks, Korn completed the entire alloy bodywork with ease. As soon as they got on the bike, it fit them like a glove, and they effortlessly shed a few kilograms they aimed to lose. Enhanced performance is achieved through the integration of a bespoke two-stroke exhaust system and a high-flow air filtration unit, carefully calibrated to optimize engine efficiency and output.
To complete the modifications on Markus’s motorcycle, install a pair of clip-on handlebars and precision-machined alloy rear-set footpegs to create a sporty riding position that optimizes performance and handling. The AR80’s innovative ‘Uni-track’ rear suspension featured an adjustable, fashion-forward shock system, while the sleek AR gold rims were shod in timeless Michelin tires that exuded a classic elegance.
Marking the milestone anniversary of Omega Racers, Markus has undertaken significant transformations within his business.
We are thrilled to officially launch our brand-new website. Built on a lightning-fast, highly responsive foundation, the latest iteration features an intuitively streamlined user interface that elevates the overall experience. Markus notes that the platform also offers innovative transportation alternatives similar to DHL’s internal logistics system, as well as a convenient “component search” feature tailored to each specific bicycle model. “We’ve recently introduced several new components, specifically designed for the Triumph Bonneville and Kawasaki W650/800, with additional options expected to be available in the near future.” One of our personal favorites is the exquisite, handcrafted Rickman/Avon-style aluminum fairing, which is a true masterpiece.
For a limited time, Markus is offering readers of Return of the Cafe Racer an exclusive discounted rate on Omega Racer’s products. Enter the code at checkout to receive a 10% discount. That’s certainly something to celebrate!
Pictures by Thanuthong Jariyatham
