In Indonesia, where smaller capacity motorcycles and scooters dominate the roads, the Kawasaki ER6N is considered a “big bike”, standing out from the crowd. While the ER6N’s impressive capabilities are certainly a significant factor in its appeal, it is by no means the sole reason why this device stands out. The Kawaka received widespread acclaim from Motor Cycle News’ (MCN) staff, earning a flawless 5/5 rating.
According to assessments, a staggering 90% of highway testers consistently prefer the Kawasaki ER-6 over nearly all other middleweight motorcycles, solidifying its exceptional reputation. The Yamaha YZF-R6 has dominated its rivals, outperforming the Suzuki GSF600 Bandit, Yamaha FZS600 Fazer, Ducati Monster 600, and Suzuki SV650 in head-to-head competition. A masterfully camouflaged explosion of excitement, the Kawasaki ER-6 is a charming, successful, and remarkably capable motorcycle that thrives in almost any environment. “You’d have to be out of your mind not to profit from the experience.”
We’re able to assume that the primary reason for separating these customized workshops from the ER6N lies in its starkly contrasting sports-inspired design. However, with world-class coachbuilders at your beck and call – like Nuel, the visionary founder of Bali’s esteemed Treasure Storage – even seemingly trivial matters become a distant memory. This 2013 Kawasaki ER6N, a sleek neo-retro motorcycle, serves as Nuel’s personal ride. Dissatisfied with the Kawasaki’s unremarkable design, he decided to lift the lid by installing it on a hydraulic lift and transform it into his latest in-house project.
Recently, Treasure Storage has earned a reputation for designing cutting-edge amusement park attractions, so it’s not surprising that Nuel’s concept for the Kawasaki ride bore similarities to their signature style. Inspired by the futuristic world of Cyberpunk 2077, a critically acclaimed neo-noir styled first-person RPG that gained international recognition following its release and notable for featuring a memorable cameo by Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves. To bring his vision to life, the ER6N underwent a meticulous six-month transformation, its very essence stripped bare – from body to engine to wheels – only to be reborn as the untamed adventure that stands before us now.
Starting from the chassis, Treasure Storage has removed the subframe entirely. The modification facilitated a more streamlined appearance and successfully transformed the vehicle into a solo-rider model. To actualize Nuel’s innovative vision for the fresh exhaust design, the original side-mounted monoshock has been repositioned centrally within the frame. To achieve optimal performance from the shock absorber, adjustments were made to the swing arm and subframe, ensuring proper functionality. The exhaust system features a 2-into-2 configuration. The exhaust pipes, cut into pie-shaped segments, weave a serpentine path from the engine’s entrance to the rear of the motorcycle, where they terminate beneath the tail section, nestled beside the mufflers.
The bike’s sleek new bodywork represents a bold departure from the conventional design of its ER6N predecessor. Every component from the fenders to the gasoline tank has undergone meticulous hand-forming from aluminium by the skilled artisans at Treasure Storage, their attention to detail a testament to their dedication and passion for precision craftsmanship. At the bike’s pointed finial, a sleek new headlight cowl showcases a projector-style headlamp, its crimson DRL halo paying tribute to the iconic, artificial intelligence of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s Hal 9000. The fork legs are enclosed in covers, while the fender forms a canopy that envelops the entire entrance to the brake assembly.
On the bicycle’s frame sits a brand-new gas tank made of aluminum, standard in design. This bike appears to feature scalloped knee dents on both sides and a raised panel for the filler, which suggests a sturdy foundation on the reliable ER6N chassis. Located at the base of the tank is a custom-designed array of aspect covers. With beefed-up performance capabilities, the panels seamlessly integrate a discreet set of LED flip indicators and surround the imposing behemoth radiator with an aerodynamic envelope. For racing models, a distinctive angular bellypan shields the engine from debris and particulate matter encountered on highways, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
The striking feature of the all-new design is the sleek and sophisticated rear finish, specifically the innovative tail unit that sets it apart. Unlike a discovery typically found on a leisurely bike ride, this peculiar object boasts a prominent vertical stabilizer situated between two elegantly curved fins. A sleek and modern touch has been added to the design with the incorporation of a curved LED tail light situated at the rear end. Perched atop the rear wheel is a sleek, hugger-style aluminum fender, which complements the wheel’s robust appearance perfectly, thanks to its enclosure by a pair of imposing discs.
If you’re familiar with the Cyberpunk 2077 game, you’ll be aware that the franchise eschews subtlety when it comes to its characters’ attire or vehicle customization, featuring bold and striking designs throughout. Inspired by Nuel’s bold vision, the bike’s vibrant new paint job embodies the audacious essence of a Cyberpunk creation, its unbridled colours radiating an unmistakable sense of innovation and rebelliousness. To conclude, he selected a set of visually striking rubber for the wheels in the style of Pirelli Diablo Rain Racing tires. Despite being redundant, these waterproof bags will undoubtedly prove invaluable during Bali’s frequent tropical downpours.
In Indonesia’s vibrant customization sphere, Nuel and the Treasure Storage team have been generating significant buzz. At the current Kustomfest in Jogjakarta, the event’s participants secured an impressive haul of five trophies, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship.
