German boutique Motorcycle manufacturer Krämer burst onto the scene this week with the lightweight Krämer APX-350 MA racing bike. Also on sale is the retro-fabulous Ducati 848, Yamaha Virago cafe racerand a heady Triumph Bobber from Thornton Hundred.
2025 Kramer APX-350 MA Easy race The world has a new hero: the 2025 Krämer APX-350 MA. Designed to separate the wheat from the chaff in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Series, it's a precision tool built for riders who take their craft seriously.
The heart of the APX-350 MA is a 350cc single-cylinder engine from the KTM EXC-F enduro bike, which produces 55 horsepower through a 6-speed gearbox. That may not sound like much, but the bike weighs just 109.8 kg. [242 lbs] so it has a fantastic power to weight ratio.
The lightweight construction is made possible by Krämer designing the car with a racing chromium-molybdenum trellis frame. This provides optimum rigidity and balance for the rider, while remaining super-light. The entire carbon-reinforced fiberglass body is functional – designed for aerodynamics and further weight reduction.
Adjustability is a key feature of the bike, so almost every aspect of the APX-350 MA can be customized to suit the rider’s preferences. The head tube angle, triple clamp offset, swingarm pivot, footpegs, clip-on handlebars, and seat height can all be adjusted to suit different riding styles or trail conditions.
Krämer has combined adjustability with WP APEX suspension, top-notch Brembo Stylema brakes and Dunlop slicks wrapped around 17-inch wheels. With this specification, the APX-350 MA is built to handle tight corners and fast straights equally well.
The bike features a Mectronik MKE7 racing ECU that connects to a Ride-by-Wire throttle controller, as well as a host of data acquisition capabilities. A bright, race-focused ECUMaster TFT display keeps riders informed, while a GPS-enabled lap timer keeps track of every tenth of their progress.
With a price tag of $22,495, the APX-350 MA is not for the faint of heart (or the light of wallet). Krämer will be ramping up production for the 2025 MotoAmerica season, with priority sales to MotoAmerica competitors. If you want a piece of this easy pie, you'd better hurry. [More]
Ducati 848 from Rind Performance Robin Ludwig and his team at Rind Performance are back with another European twin-cylinder masterpiece. Robin's latest creation, heavily inspired by the legendary Ducati Desmosedici RR, is Ducati 848 created in the classic Ducati style.
To bring some of that style to the 848, the bodywork has undergone a complete makeover. A new front fairing transforms the 848’s angular aesthetic into something more akin to a Ducati 750SS. 3D-printed ducts feed the 849cc L-twin, and a custom windscreen takes pressure off Robin’s chest while also carving out a sleek silhouette.
The rear subframe, tail section and Alcantara seat are all custom-made, giving the bike a sleek yet timeless profile. Robin has managed to make the factory gas tank work beautifully with the new front and rear sections, despite the modern lines and design. Upgraded Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes and a set of Marchesini wheels from a Ducati 998 provide subtle improvements to the look and performance.
The custom exhaust system ends with a pair of GPR mufflers that poke out from under the tail. A low-profile radiator and LED lighting all around add a touch of modernity. The classic Ducati lettering on the bright red Desmosedici-style bodywork bridges the gap between past and present perfectly.
Perhaps the most charming feature is the bike’s nickname, “Desmospagedici,” a playful nod to Desmosedici, a nod to Robin’s passion for Italian engineering and cuisine. And really, who can blame him?
It may not have the full-on Desmosedici DNA, but Robin's Ducati honors the brand's racing pedigree while adding a healthy dose of character, creativity and personality. We're sure it's fun to ride, too. [Source]
Yamaha XV920 Virago from BTC Garage When Yamaha developed ViragoThey probably didn't realize that it would be abused by custom builders in the future. With its stamped steel frame, monoshock rear suspension, and huge engine, the XV became quite popular for cafe racer conversions—against all odds.
This custom 1987 Yamaha XV920 belongs to Anton and Sylvester of BTC Garage in Bulgaria. The XV920 isn't the lightest bike, so replacing the front end is worth it just for the braking upgrades. Anton and Sylvester adapted a full Yamaha R1 front end to fit the XV's steering headset, then bolted on an LED headlight, clip-on handlebars, and a new instrument cluster.
The fuel tank is from a Honda Hornet, which looks great on the Yamaha frame, which is painted in a stunning Gulf Racing livery. The rear subframe was made from scratch and is complemented by a custom solo seat trimmed in grey suede. A slim taillight peeks out from the back, and the new handlebars and seat require the installation of rear footpegs for a better riding position.
The same R1 that supplied the front end also donated the rear shock for a sportier ride, while the rear wheel has a solid cover and a side number plate. Since the factory rear end was completely removed, Anton and Sylvester relocated the battery to a custom battery box hidden under the swingarm.
To help the engine breathe, the airbox (which also forms the basis of the frame) has been upgraded with a new high-flow air filter. Exhaust gases quickly exit through a custom two-into-one stainless steel system that looks suitably loud.
Anton and Sylvester's Yamaha XV920 is a great example of how a simple base can be turned into something unique without breaking the bank. [BTC Garage | Images by MadeVision Studio]
Triumph Bobber by Thornton Hundred Thornton Hundred constantly walks the line between tradition and cutting-edge technology, and their new EVO Triumph Bobber The latest proof of that. Using the namesake Triumph Bobber as a base, Jody Millhouse and his incredibly talented team took the 1200cc bar-hopper and cranked it up to eleven.
Built in the UK’s famous Motorsport Valley (home to most Formula 1 teams), the Thornton Hundred benefits from the expertise of the incredible engineers they call their neighbours. The bespoke frame, carbon fibre tank and upgraded suspension are the result of their relentless pursuit of perfection. The K-Tech supplied suspension has been updated with sportsbike-like geometry for a playful ride, while the Thornton Hundred branded brakes are bespoke parts from HEL Performance.
Powered by a wonderful 1200cc Triumph engine, the EVO Bobber would be fine with stock power. However, the Thornton Hundred doesn’t do “fine.” Power has increased from 79hp to a whopping 120hp.
Thanks to the special frame and carbon body, the overall weight of the EVO Bobber is only 169.6 kg. [374 lbs]— which makes the improved power delivery even more powerful. That's a whopping 79.8 kg [176 lbs] smaller than a factory Triumph Bobber and, as the TH website cheekily states, 126kg [278 lbs] lighter than the Harley Davidson Fat Bob.
Suffice it to say, the weight loss translates into improved agility, sharper handling, and lightning-fast acceleration. To match the performance, the bike’s electronics have been upgraded with a host of Motogadget parts, custom wiring harnesses, new LED lighting, and keyless ignition.
The EVO Bobber also stands out for its exclusivity. Thornton Hundred limited the production run to just 25 units, each built to its owner’s specifications. This makes this bike more than just a custom motorcycle, but a collector’s item – an investment in both craftsmanship and engineering excellence. [More]