You’re unlikely to see a Kymco KTR 150 on the street outside of Taiwan, where it’s built and predominantly sold. But this humble single-cylinder commuter is quickly gaining fame, thanks to a growing contingent of Taiwanese workshops choosing it for their custom builds.
It’s easy to see why. The KTR is readily available and affordable, and its utilitarian nature makes it a versatile platform for customization. In the hands of experienced outfits like 2LOUD Custom, it sings.
The Taipei-based workshop has been churning out custom bikes at a rapid rate lately. This svelte Kymco KTR 150 scrambler is their latest project, and it’s as much a champion of the KTR’s popularity as it is a showcase for 2LOUD’s skills.
According to shop boss Ma ‘Max’ Yicheng, the goal was to build a carefree street bike with vintage motocross styling. To get there, Max and co. modified the KTR with a carefully considered cocktail of custom details and aftermarket parts—many of which came from 2LOUD’s ever-growing catalog of bolt-on bits.
The trick here is how well-proportioned everything is, giving the appearance of a vintage enduro restomod rather than a custom job. The KTR rolls on dirt-worthy 21F/18R wheels with aluminum rims, stainless steel spokes, and fresh Duro tires.
Handmade aluminum fenders are mounted high at each end of the bike, finished in a robust clear coat. The front unit is held in place by modular 2LOUD brackets that also hold the headlight and turn signals.
Further back, 2LOUD fitted the highest and widest stainless steel bars that they produce. Vintage switches cover the most basic functions, while ODI Vans waffle grips add a touch of street style. The KTR has a new throttle too, plus an aftermarket speedo that’s mounted off to the left.
The ignition barrel now sits just below the fuel tank, on the right-hand side of the bike. The tail wears a 2LOUD taillight, along with turn signals, turn signal mounts, and a license plate bracket from their range.
The Kymco’s new bodywork is just as well executed. The fuel tank is a modern replica of vintage motocross tanks, and is reminiscent of iconic machines like the Yamaha XT500. A custom-made seat sits behind it, sporting an organic aesthetic that’s become a 2LOUD signature.
Max trimmed and looped the KTR’s subframe, then cleared out the area under the seat. A pod filter replaces the airbox, while a small battery now lives under the seat, hidden from view.
Max also treated the bike to new rider and passenger pegs, a 2LOUD chain guard, and a handsome exhaust with a conical muffler. The frame, wheel hubs, and yokes were painted in a high-temperature grey finish, the forks were polished, and the engine was redone in black. A simple yellow graphic on the otherwise silver tank offers the only hint of color.
The finished product is as tasteful and tidy as we’ve come to expect from 2LOUD—and it’s another feather in the cap of the plucky Kymco KTR 150.
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