With so many OEMs rushing for retro and scrambling for Scramblers, one of the leading European specialists who has been "keeping the flame alight" since "motorcycles of character" were last in vogue with the volume manufacturers is LSL Motorradtechnik of Krefeld in Germany.
Headed-up by former Harley dealer Jochen Schmitz-Linkweiler, he founded LSL in 1984 - at a time when the current styles that are now becoming mainstream were being replaced by superbikes.
However, the '60s and '70s styling that spent so many years on the fringes of motorcycle design is now back in the spotlight. What was once considered righteous but radical is now driving new unit sales as naked and retro streetbikes form the vanguard of the search for new riders with beards and the return to growth.
In addition to his extensive parts and accessory programme, Jochen's business has become well known for its special projects, especially its 'Clubman' series, and with a handful of "fellow travellers" in the European motorcycle industry can lay claim to being among the pioneers of bringing custom in from the cold, of making it respectable and making it desirable.
Always quick to embrace OE platforms with potential with frame styles and powertrain packages of their own devising, LSL's latest 'Clubman Series' project is a reinterpretation of the current production Ducati Scrambler.
With its characteristic v-twin and classic space-frame, the Scrambler provides an excellent basis for self-expression - as the results of Ducati's 'Custom Rumble' dealer competition have proved.
LSL's priority is to liberate the Bologna 800 from its street chains and set free its true off-road spirit.
Ride performance is dramatically improved by the replacement of the less than convincing stock front end with Ohlins upside down forks and an off-road facing 19" front wheel. An LSL X-01 X-Bar handlebar and CNC milled 'Extreme' rider footpegs create a new riding dynamic that is enhanced by proven elements from motorcycle design history such as the round lamp, classic-based seat and short fenders.
Further details from the LSL offer include the adjustable short-style levers, 40mm offset triple tree set, sprocket cover, license plate bracket, Clubman mirrors and adjustable passenger pegs, which complete the look.
LSL developed the Scrambler Clubman as a joint venture with specialist luggage brand Hepco & Becker of Pirmasens in Germany, who used it to showcase the launch of their new soft luggage line - the crash bars are theirs too.
LSL MOTORRADTECHNIK GMBH
www.lsl.eu
