Inspired by the VFA-31 “Tomcatters” squadron…
The BMW R nineT might be the commonly customized modern bike of the last decade. BMW intentionally built the 1170cc air/oil-cooled retro roadster as a “blank canvas” for custom builders, incorporating minimal bolts for detachment of the subframe and lighting, separate engine and chassis wiring harnesses, and other features to streamline the process. Meanwhile, the “Oilhead” flat-twin boxer engine produced a stout 110 hp — plenty of thrust for all but the most power-hungry of riders.
We’ve seen the bike transformed in innumerable ways, though this new build from Fran Manen of Lord Drake Kustoms (LDK) takes a different tack than most. It’s nicknamed the “Fighting 31”
“The military aesthetics and combat spirit are inspired by the historic VFA-31 ‘Tomcatters’ squadron of the U.S. Navy.” -LDK
VFA-31 (Strike Fighter Squadron 31) — call sign “Felix” — holds a special place in the history of U.S. naval aviation, as it’s the second-oldest fighter attack squadron still active in the United States Navy. The squadron’s history dates all the way back to WWII, and the emblem / mascot is the famous cartoon character Felix the Cat — in this case, running around with a lit black bomb.
Though the squadron did fly the F-14 Tomcat at one point, the “Tomcatters” nickname dates all the way back to 1948 — decades before the iconic swept-wing fighter of Top Gun fame came into service. Today the squadron is based out of Naval Air Station Oceana (Virginia), operating the F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet.
Built at the company’s workshop in Vélez-Málaga, Spain, this new project blends the classic DNA of the R nineT with a modern military aesthetic and “fighter” style. The squadron’s insignia is featured on the tank, and the bike has been painted a matte military green paint with black elements and subtle orange accents that mirror the squadron logo.
The bike is also sporting an Akrapovič sport exhaust, high-flow air filters, hand-crafted custom upholstery, custom tail cowl / belly pan / rear hugger, custom bars and bar-end indicators, and more.
The design features aggressive lines and a powerful presence that reinforces the fighter-inspired concept behind the project. The result is a muscular and elegant neo café racer with a strong visual identity that certainly won’t go unnoticed on the street, strip, or airbase tarmac.
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