Bangladesh imported so many Japanese bikes during the 80s and the 90s that the secondhand market is flooded with old CGs and H100s. A couple of years back, a paint job and some new parts, you would’ve had a café racer. Now it’s gone to a height where café racers are competing with brand new models, and they are winning in both style and performance. Bangladesh now has multiple customization shops set up in different places. All of these companies are looking to build their own unique bike.
Old school custom 1977 is a customization company that modifies motorbikes professionally. They displayed one of their gorgeous golden royal café racers at the 2018 Dhaka Motor show, and that one piece set bars real high for the competition.
The bike looked amazing; with its engraved golden tank and indicator lights, and huge front and rear tires for better cornering. The silver coated engine went well with the golden color, and the three part handlebar gave it an aggressive look.
This week, we talk to Mizanur Rahman, the creator behind the beauty.
What got you into customizing motorcycles?
I was really into motorcycles when I was a teen. I used to ride all usual motorcycles in available stock. I completed my higher education in the UK, and there I had the pleasure of riding custom made bikes. I used to live in the town called Hatfield which is very near to Watford, the birth place of the Café Racer. That’s where I first discovered the Café racer.
Since I was studying at the time, I didn’t get much time to learn more about these bikes, but after getting back to Bangladesh, I became really anxious about customizing motorcycles again. In 2010, I planned to build a bike which will represent my style and personality.
I chose the brand Honda CG125 and that was a really good choice.
What are the problems you face during customization?
What are the problems you face during customization?Parts availability is a problem, and during my first few projects, it cost me way more than it should have. But I was just getting acquainted with all the connections back then.
How did you come up with the Royal edition idea?
My concept was to build a tank with brass. The engraving took two months, and the brass tank turned out beautifully.
How much does it cost to get a bike customized “old school custom” style?
It costs around Tk150 to Tk200 to get it up to standards. I usually change everything and do very little chassis modification. And the parts I install are mostly imported.
A full customization takes 15-20 days, and few days after that for trials.
