AKT Motos is One of the biggest motorcycle brands you've probably never heard of. Based in Colombia, the company was founded 20 years ago by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to supply the local market with practical, affordable motorcycles. They've become one of the most popular brands in the country, with a range that includes everything from scooters to tuk-tuks (motorized three-wheeled rickshaws, in case you weren't aware).
The AKT NKD 125 sits somewhere in the middle of the pack; a single-cylinder, 124cc commuter with average looks and a whopping 10.34bhp. It's a best-seller for AKT, so they handed it over to Colombian parts specialists FP for a 20th anniversary makeover.
FP's mission was to inject some neo-retro energy into the humble NKD 125. They did a fantastic job, turning the energetic city car into a pocket-sized street trackerTheir formula included a few unique parts, a few standard parts from their extensive catalog, and a little craftsmanship.
All that remains of the original NKD bodywork is the fuel tank, although it looks completely different from the rest of the bike's reworked parts.
Working backwards from the tank, FP trimmed down the bike’s subframe before fabricating a loop for the rear mount. The new structure supports a hand-crafted carbon fiber tailpiece topped with a diamond-shaped saddle. Modeled after classic flat track styles, the design includes integrated number boards with a cutout on the right side to accommodate a pod filter.
A matching carbon headlight graces the forks, while two LEDs light the way. Custom side panels frame the front of the fuel tank, while a custom skid plate does its job below.
FP then swapped out the NKD rims for a pair of 17-inch Murelli spokes wrapped in Dunlop Moto3 slicks. The front brake was upgraded with a larger disc, as well as a custom bracket to relocate the caliper. A carbon fiber fender completes the front end.
Aftermarket shocks support the rear end, and a custom chain guard runs along the swingarm. A brand new gold chain stands out against the predominantly black finish.
FP didn’t mess with the NKD bud, but they did upgrade the carburetor and install a shiny new red NGK spark plug wire. A custom exhaust system amplifies the little single’s bark. The trim package includes tapered bars on the side risers, as well as new grips, controls, and bar-end mirrors.
Opting for a timeless monochromatic finish, FP painted the fuel tank a dark silver shade to complement the myriad black and carbon fibre details. Black and chrome NKD badges add an extra touch.
Dressed better than most bikes costing ten times as much, FP's custom AKT NKD 125 is a fitting way to celebrate 20 years of the AKT. It also shows how flexible the NKD is as a customization platform, so hopefully we'll see more of these soon.