Built for Speed & Crafts 2025: 150cc Street Tracker from NSMC x SMF…
In Taiwan, there’s a thriving custom scene around what are known as “white plate” motorcycles — machines of 150cc or less, which are exempt from the high taxes and biannual safety inspections of larger bikes. What’s more, such lightweight small-displacement machines are ideal for knifing through the urban jungle of major cities.
Back in 2020, we featured the “Humble Beast” KTR 150 street tracker of Eric, founder of Night Shift (NSMC), a creative agency and community based in Tainan.
“I see the bike as the extension of my personality, traits, or overall, myself… I dig the shape of scramblers and flat trackers, especially the rough cuts and lines.”
Now Eric is back with another street tracker, this time based on a 2001 Hartford VR150 — a dual-sport commuter with a Honda CG125 clone engine bored to 149cc. Eric bought the donor bike from a friend who’d already outfitted it with some solid bolt-on parts, but he wanted to take the bike in a different direction.
To do so, he partnered with one of Taiwan’s top builders, SMF Custom, who’ve got multiple wins under their belts at Taipei’s prestigious Speed & Crafts Show organized by world-renowned builder Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts. This VR150 would be built for display at the 2025 edition of the show.
“I wanted to try something new — a look that is close to British flat trackers from the 1960’s but with our unique taste present on it.” -Eric
As the bike already had a handmade aluminum tank from Japan’s WM, Eric and Vince from SMF decided to make the rest of the bodywork in aluminum, including the number plates and Brit-style rear fender with pillion pad.
The stock rims were relaced to 19″ front / 18″ rear rims with Dunlop K180 street-legal flat track tires. Keeping with the tracker style, there’s no front brake, although the rear brake has been upgraded with a twin-piston caliper and vented disc.
The two-valve OHV engine has been matched with a Mikuni carb, and then there’s the high-mount dual-exit exhaust.
“Since it’s a small displacement bike with a small frame, if we put a regular side exit muffler as they do in an actual flat track race, it may look way too chunky for its frame. This way, we changed the pipe exit from right to the left, and further made it a one-to-two straight cut pipe.” -Eric
JB from JB Sign Painting did a great job striping and lettering the tank and number boards, gracing them with an old-school flame job and the bike’s nickname, “Silent Samurai” — a nod to Eric’s personal philosophy to “speak softly and carry a big stick,” as Teddy Roosevelt once put it.
Overall, we couldn’t love this little build more — a lightweight, handsome street tracker that recalls the British iron of yesteryear. Hats off to Eric, Vince, and everyone from NSMC and SMF. Below is our full interview with Eric about the build, along with more images of “Silent Samurai.” We look forward to seeing more builds roll our way from Taiwan.
Silent Samurai: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I’m Eric, the founder and editor of Night Shift (NSMC). I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 18, the exact time that I got my license. Motorcycles, especially custom bikes, have become an outlet for stress.
It welcomes any ideas, as long as they represent you and can be carried out on the bikes. That’s why building and riding my own custom motorcycles bring me joy.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
It’s a 2001 Hartford VR150.
• Why was this bike built?
I got this bike from a friend of mine. After having a discussion with Vince from SMF, we both agreed on making it a show bike for Speed & Crafts 2025, representing both NSMC and SMF.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I am a huge fan of flat tracker, and I’ve been eager to have another tracker build after “Humble Beast”.
Even though a friend had the exhaust, rims and suspension replaced with pretty decent name brand bolt-ons, I decided to rip them off and turn it into a proper race-inspired flat tracker because it is where my heart belongs to.
I’ve already done a street style tracker with a full tail section last time, so I wanted to try something new — a look that is close to British flat trackers from the 1960’s but with our unique taste present on it.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
We already had a WM handmade aluminum tank on, and therefore we decided to make the body all in aluminum, including the number plates and the rear fender.
The exhaust is another major custom work. Since it’s a small displacement bike with a small frame, if we put a regular side exit muffler as they do in an actual flat track race, it may look way too chunky for its frame. This way, we changed the pipe exit from right to the left, and further made it a one-to-two straight cut pipe.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Yes, it’s Silent Samurai.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It’s light and slim. I would say it’s quite nimble either on road and dirt. I haven’t had the chance to ride it in the city yet, but I believe I will be able to enjoy it either way with its agility, both as a commuter bike and a fun bike.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I would say the overall structure of the bike and the design of the silhouette. I am especially grateful to Vince for making the idea come true, and JB doing a fantastic pinstripe/paint job as usual.
More Photos
Follow the Builders
Night Shift (NSMC): @nsmc_welt
SMF: @smf30678
Vince: @vnz19880306
JB: @jb_signpainting_pinstriping
Best thing I’ve seen on here for a long time. Once he ditched the leading axle forks used in the studio shots he really nailed the Trackmaster look which, incidentally is pure American, they just used British motors.