A burly KTM 640 scrambler from Venice…
The KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto, introduced in 1998, offered a 53-horsepower, liquid-cooled mono-cylinder engine paired with fully-adjustable suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes. In motard trim, the rough-and-ready 625cc KTM thumper offered electric start, an anti-vibration damper, and a single 40mm CV carb for more user-friendly throttle response. Top speed was reported at 110 mph, with a 14.7 second 1/4 mile time and 70-80 mile range. MCN called the bike…
“…a rough, tough bugger that’s a capable commuter, trackday sleeper and friend to the wannabe stunt monkey.”
Enter Maurizio Carraro of Imbarcadero 14, who founded his workshop six years ago in Venice, Italy. Maurizio built this incredible KTM 640 LC4 scrambler in memory of his late friend, Junio. His idea was to create a motorcycle reminiscent of the 1980s, but with much more power and performance.
He fitted a Laverda tank from the 1980s and swapped the 17-inch sumo wheels in favor of 18-inch wheels with off-road tires. The subframe and side panels are custom-built units, the cooling and electronics system are new, and the overhauled engine now breathes through a full titanium exhaust.
The resulting KTM scrambler has been nicknamed “Nörrsken,” or “North Star,” as the Norwegians call the Northern Lights. Below, we get the full story on this rugged beauty, along with some great shots from Pane & Latte Studio.
KTM 640 Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I am Maurizio Carraro. I am 46 years old. Six years ago, I founded Imbarcadero 14. The workshop is located in the lagoon of Venice. Before this, I was working for another custom motorcycle brand.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
The bike is a KTM LC4 640 Supermoto from 2002.
• Why was this bike built? (Customer project, company promotion, personal, etc.)
This motorbike was built for a customer.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The concept of design was to reproduce a motorcycle that was reminiscent of the 80s, but with a powerful engine to take it out of the way.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
The works carried out are: 18-inch wheels and tires, rear frame, aluminum side panels, complete titanium exhaust, new cooling system, Laverda tank from the 80s, new electrical system, overhauled engine.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
The bike’s name is NÖRRSKEN, which means North Star, as the Norwegians call the Northern Lights.
• How would you classify this bike?
It’s a scrambler.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I built this bike in memory of my friend Junio, who died in April 2018.
Follow the Builder / Photographer
Imbarcadero 14
Website: www.imbarcadero14venice.com
Facebook: Imbarcadero14 Venice
Instagram: @imbarcadero14_venice
Photos: Pane & Latte Studio
Website: panelatte.studio
Facebook: Pane Latte Studio
Instagram: @panelattestudio
Nice variety of really kool builds,I’m 47 from Portland Or. Been riding since I was a wee lad of 8yrs.old.
In process of redoing my 94 VFR750
Going for CAFE was glad to ditch the bodywork! Thanks for the kool efforts of the New site to follow!
Amazing bike! Please, I would like to know the donor bike from the radiator 🙂