The Pink Peril: 5 Reasons Why 2Loud Custom's Kawasaki W800 Is A Bespoke Low-Rider Masterpiece
Every custom motorcycle builder aims for a signature style, but few achieve the instant, global recognition of 2Loud Custom’s most famous Kawasaki W800 build. This machine—a striking blend of warm grey and popping pink—is not just a paint job; it’s a radical, low-slung reinterpretation of the classic British-style parallel twin, proving that true artistry transcends conventional custom genres. As of late December 2025, this iconic low-rider continues to be one of the most celebrated and talked-about W800 transformations in the world, a testament to Taiwanese craftsmanship and fearless design.
Hailing from Taipei, Taiwan, the one-man operation led by Ma 'Max' Yicheng, known as 2Loud Custom, has carved out a niche for building elegant, harmonious, and often provocative machines. His work on the 2016 Kawasaki W800 injected a much-needed dose of vibrant personality and technical expertise into the retro platform, transforming a mild-mannered classic into a bespoke, head-turning low-rider that perfectly embodies the spirit of the 'Japanese custom style.' The build’s enduring popularity highlights Max Yicheng's unparalleled talent for metal shaping and finding the perfect visual line.
Builder Profile: Ma 'Max' Yicheng and 2Loud Custom
To understand the genius of the W800 custom, one must first appreciate the man behind the wrench. Ma 'Max' Yicheng is the sole mastermind and artisan operating 2Loud Custom from his shop in Taipei City, Taiwan. Max Yicheng has built a world-renowned reputation for his distinctive style, which often involves radical frame and bodywork modifications while maintaining an elegant, clean finish. His philosophy centers on bespoke craftsmanship, where nearly every visible component is either hand-fabricated or meticulously customized to achieve a perfect, flowing line.
- Builder Name: Ma 'Max' Yicheng
- Shop Name: 2Loud Custom (sometimes stylized as 2 LOUD Custom)
- Location: Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Specialty: Bespoke motorcycle customization, manual motorcycle modification, metal shaping, classic Japanese custom style, and bobber/low-rider aesthetics.
- Notable Projects: The pink/grey Kawasaki W800, various Honda Super Cub choppers, and elegant Kawasaki W650 builds.
- Hallmark: Unwavering commitment to harmony and hand-made components, often using bold color palettes.
Max Yicheng’s approach is a direct challenge to the bolt-on mentality. He focuses on removing the "bulky mufflers and massive chromed fenders" that often characterize stock retro bikes, replacing them with components that are lighter, cleaner, and perfectly suited to his low-slung vision. This dedication to metal shaping and hand-craftsmanship is what elevates the 2Loud Custom brand to the top tier of global custom builders.
1. The Radical, Hand-Shaped Bodywork and Paint Scheme
The most immediate and striking element of this Kawasaki W800 low-rider is its bodywork, which is a masterclass in metal fabrication. The original W800's fuel tank, while classically styled, was deemed too large for Max Yicheng's low-profile vision. The solution was to hand-fabricate a completely new, smaller peanut-style gas tank. This piece of bespoke metalwork instantly changes the bike's visual balance, pulling the eye down and forward.
Equally important is the popping pink and warm grey paint job. This unexpected color combination, divided by a sleek silver foil stripe, is a bold and arguably controversial choice that ultimately defines the bike's personality. It moves the W800 far away from its 'British twin' roots and firmly into the realm of unique, artistic expression. The rear of the bike features a radically chopped rear subframe, a necessity for achieving the tight, bobber-style aesthetic, and a completely hand-made seat pan that flows perfectly into the revised frame line.
2. The Low-Rider Stance: Custom Suspension and Frame Geometry
Achieving the signature low-ridin' stance was a complex technical challenge. The stock Kawasaki W800 is a relatively upright machine, but 2Loud Custom meticulously reworked the suspension to give it a squat, aggressive posture without sacrificing performance. This is where the build transitions from mere aesthetics to high-end engineering.
The front end received a significant overhaul. The front suspension was rebuilt with Hyperpro internals, a premium European brand known for its progressive spring technology. The forks were also lowered by 15 mm and given full adjustability, allowing the rider to fine-tune the handling despite the radical change in ride height. This modification is crucial for maintaining stability and control on the roads of Taipei.
The rear of the bike is equally custom. The heavy, stock swingarm was replaced with a tubular aluminum swingarm from GIA Engineering. This upgrade significantly reduces unsprung weight, improving the bike's responsiveness and handling. The combination of the lowered front end, the custom rear frame, and the lightweight swingarm results in a unique W800 low-rider custom that is both aesthetically stunning and dynamically capable.
3. Bespoke Details and Performance Enhancements
The genius of Max Yicheng lies in the details. The bike is peppered with small, bespoke touches that enhance the overall aesthetic and topical authority of the build:
- Tires: The W800 rides on vintage-look but modern-compound Adlert Classic tires. These Japanese-made tires are a key visual component, adding to the classic bobber/low-rider look while ensuring reliable grip.
- Lighting: All lighting components are minimalist, ensuring a clean profile. The front features a small, custom headlight, and the rear is finished with a tiny tail light and turn signals that are barely visible, adhering to the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
- Exhaust System: The bulky stock mufflers were removed and replaced with a custom-fabricated 2-into-1 exhaust system. While details on the specific silencer are limited, the goal was clearly to reduce weight and create a sound more fitting for a bespoke machine, all while tucking the system tightly against the frame.
- Controls: The handlebars and controls were simplified, with minimal switchgear and high-quality aftermarket grips and levers, further contributing to the retro custom feel.
The overall effect is a motorcycle that is sparse, purposeful, and entirely focused on its unique, low-slung posture. The removal of the front fender is a classic bobber move that highlights the rebuilt front end and the chunky Adlert tire.
4. The 'Japanese Custom Style' Influence and Global Impact
While the Kawasaki W800 is a British-style twin, 2Loud Custom’s interpretation is firmly rooted in the classic Japanese custom motorcycle style. This style, often seen in the work of builders from Japan and Taiwan, prioritizes a low stance, bobbed fenders (or no fenders), small fuel tanks, and a clean, almost minimalist aesthetic. It is a stark contrast to the often-flashier American chopper or the aggressive European cafe racer styles.
The W800’s global impact has been significant, proving that a custom build does not need to be a high-horsepower machine to be a masterpiece. The 2Loud Custom W800 is a piece of rolling art that has been featured in major international motorcycle and design publications, bringing attention not only to Max Yicheng's skills but also to the burgeoning custom scene in Taiwan. The bike serves as a perfect example of what can be achieved when a builder has the technical skill to execute a truly unique vision, blending bespoke design with high-performance componentry like the Hyperpro suspension.
5. Why This W800 Transformation Remains Relevant in 2025
Even years after its debut, the Kawasaki W800 custom by 2Loud remains a touchstone for builders and enthusiasts alike. Its continued relevance in late 2025 stems from several factors:
- Timeless Design: The low-rider stance and clean lines ensure the aesthetic does not become dated, unlike customs that rely on fleeting trends.
- Technical Depth: The use of GIA Engineering and Hyperpro components means the bike is not just a show pony; it has genuine performance upgrades that appeal to serious riders.
- The Hand-Made Factor: In an era of mass-produced aftermarket parts, the handmade peanut tank and custom frame work are a constant reminder of the value of true craftsmanship.
- Inspiration for W800 Customization: The build has inspired countless owners of the Kawasaki W800, W650, and W400 to explore more radical customizations beyond simple bolt-on cafe racer kits. It proved the retro platform could be a blank canvas for a bespoke motorcycle design.
Ma 'Max' Yicheng's 2Loud Custom W800 is a perfect storm of bold color, meticulous engineering, and artistic vision. It is more than just a custom bike; it is a definitive statement from Taipei that continues to influence the global custom motorcycle landscape.
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