NDUGAL: YZ125-style Dirt Machine from Indonesia…
Indonesia has become a glowing hotbed of custom motorcycle culture, spawning some of the most creative, ingenious, and truly hand-crafted machines on two wheels. Whereas many custom bikes are built mainly for the joy and challenge of the process, it seems the vast majority of Indonesian customs are built to ride. It’s very much a moto-centric culture with builders, artisans, and everyday folks expressing themselves through two wheels.
A number of great custom shows have grown up to showcase each year’s new flock of custom bikes, and Custom War is one of the best.
“Not an annual show, but it’s ended up being the most anticipated Custom Culture Show in the Island of Gods, Bali.“
As you might recall, we recently featured Daniel Purnomo’s “Warthog” Ironhead drag bike from Custom War, which won Best in Show in the “Big Dawg >500cc” class.
Now we’re back with another “Built for War” machine. This one comes from our new friend Ravidan Oksa Handistya (@oxsaaaa_) of LLWP Workshop. At first glance, it might look like a customized Yamaha YZ125 motocrosser from the early 1980s, but a closer look at the engine tells a different story.
As you can see, that’s no vintage Yamaha engine. Nope, it’s a liquid-cooled two-stroke engine out of a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 150R, though a vintage YZ motocrosser did serve as inspiration for the rest of the build.
“This motorcycle was inspired by the concept of the 1980 Yamaha YZ125, which boasted a simple, classic, and elegant design.”
As you might imagine, Ravidan had to build the frame around the modern liquid-cooled 149cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, which makes around 30 horsepower. Kawasaki produced the Ninja 150R/SS/RR (KR150) from 1989-2015, mainly for Asian markets — yes, a two-stroke Ninja!
The forks and swingarm come from a Suzuki RM motocrosser, while the tank and various other body pieces are from a YZ125. The result is a blacked-out smoker with a modern, more powerful engine that won’t need a top end every 50-60 hours.
“I named this motorcycle NDUGAL, which I took from Javanese and means ‘naughty’ or ‘difficult to control.’ The reason for this name is of course because I’m still young and don’t like being controlled and want a motorcycle that can tackle any terrain.” -Ravidan
As Ravidan says, the bike was built not for trophies, but for battling any landscape you can throw its way. For anyone who grew up on dirt bikes, the vintage looks and two-stroke engine cause a quick stab of nostalgia, even with the bad-in-black livery.
“Everyone who rides it will feel their youthful spirit returning, their enthusiasm surging and burning. The rider can tackle various roads, from smooth to steep, without thinking twice.” -Ravidan
Great work, Ravidan! This is what motorcycling is all about, especially when it comes to riding dirt. Below you’ll find our full interview with the man himself about the build.
Ninja “YZ150R”: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Ravidan Oksa Handistya, originally from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I’ve loved motorcycles since I was little. I run a small workshop called LLWP.workshop.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
This motorcycle has a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja engine that I customized, combining it with a 1980 Yamaha YZ125 body.
• Why was this bike built?
I initially built this motorcycle purely for my own enjoyment. Shortly after its completion, several people became interested and trusted me to rebuild theirs. Of course, now I have several customers, and in the future, I aspire to build even more custom motorcycles.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
This motorcycle was inspired by the concept of the 1980 Yamaha YZ125, which boasted a simple, classic, and elegant design.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Naturally, this motorcycle has undergone numerous modifications, as it incorporates various parts from different brands.
The engine is a Kawasaki Ninja, the tank and cover are from a vintage YZ125, and the front shock and swingarm are from a Suzuki RM. Of course, I took various parts from different motorcycle brands, and the frame had to be custom-made.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
I named this motorcycle NDUGAL, which I took from Javanese and means “naughty” or “difficult to control.” The reason for this name is of course because I’m still young and don’t like being controlled and want a motorcycle that can tackle any terrain.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Everyone who rides it will feel their youthful spirit returning, their enthusiasm surging and burning. The rider can tackle various roads, from smooth to steep, without thinking twice.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Thanks to BikeBound for their interest in this motorcycle.
Follow the Builder
Instagram owner: @oxsaaaa_
Instagram builder: @workshop_llwp
