Taiwan’s TwentyTwo Custom shows us why the Kymco KTR 150 is the newest darling of the local custom scene.
The Taiwanese custom scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years—and one of its most surprising stars has been the lowly Kymco KTR 150. Built for the local market, the KTR is a wildly popular commuter, loved for its simplicity and durability. As it turns out, it’s also a prime candidate for customization.
Notable workshops like 2LOUD have caught onto the KTR’s potential. And then there’s TwentyTwo Custom. Of the eight bikes they’ve built since opening shop five years ago, three have been based on the Kymco KTR 150—including this tangerine-hued whip.
Led by Dong Lin, TwentyTwo is the custom branch of the moto lifestyle brand Persist Supply Co. Working in collaboration with the local workshop Tough Tracker, they specialize in turning small capacity bikes into sharp street trackers, scramblers, and café racers.
This 2008-model Kymco KTR 150, nicknamed Tangerine Rush, pulls inspiration from vintage motocross and enduro bikes. With that style in mind, picking the KTR was a no-brainer for Dong. “The KTR platform carries visual cues commonly linked to the Kawasaki TR250,” he explains, “making it one of the few Taiwanese models naturally suited to VMX-style customization.”
The crew stripped the KTR down to its bones, ditching everything but its forks, frame, and drivetrain. A rolling chassis was then put together using an off-the-shelf swingarm kit from 2LOUD.
Shipped with a new axle, brake torque arm, and chain guard, the new swingarm upgraded the KTR’s looks while making room for a bigger rear wheel. Laced wheels were installed too, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, and wrapped in Shinko SR244 Golden Boy tires.
Turning their attention to the bodywork, TwentyTwo and Tough Tracker fitted the fuel tank from a Suzuki RG50E—a petite two-stroke from the 1970s. Chosen for its narrow geometry, it turned out to be a perfect visual match for the KTR.
The classic scrambler-style bench seat was built from scratch, as were the high-mounted aluminum fenders and side covers that adorn the bike. “We were inspired by classic off-road icons like the Kawasaki KX125, Honda CR250, and Yamaha XT500,” says Dong.
A 4.5-inch headlight was mounted at the front, with a Lucas-style taillight and Posh-style turn signals completing the setup. The team finished the cockpit off with tracker-style bars, new grips, OEM switches, and a tidy Daytona speedo.
Elsewhere, the subframe was trimmed to match the seat, before the frame and most of the hard parts were sand-blasted and powder-coated black. With bright orange on the tank, and white on the fenders and side covers, the KTR turned out as crisp as we’ve come to expect from TwentyTwo.
Five years, eight builds, and three KTR 150s in, TwentyTwo has established itself as a master of turning unassuming machines into sharp customs that deftly balance vintage with modern, and practicality with flair. Tangerine Rush is a worthy addition to their portfolio—and a dazzling testament to the KTR’s burgeoning popularity.
TwentyTwo Custom | Tough Tracker | Persist Motorcycle Company
