In the bustling streets of London, navigating through the chaos of your morning commute demands a motorcycle with surgical precision. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that the bikes known for such prowess are typically Supermotos, often lacking practicality and exhibiting a rather common visual appeal, whether you choose a KTM or a Ducati. When a client sought to give his Husqvarna 701 a unique makeover, addressing its missing attributes, Andy Steward, the mastermind behind UK's ASE Custom Motorcycles, eagerly took on the challenge. The result? A formidable Husqvarna, ready to accommodate two riders, perform wheelies, or simply stand still as a stunning work of art.

Andy's motorcycle journey, much like many of us, began on the pillion seat of his father's bike before he ventured out on his own. His fascination with motorcycles was further fueled by tinkering with a Montessa 242 trials bike. After completing his education, he pursued a degree in Motorsport Engineering & Design and gained extensive experience in engineering design and project management with renowned automotive brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin in the West Midlands, UK. Just over two years ago, ASE Custom Motorcycles was born, bringing bespoke custom bikes to life.

When the Husqvarna 701 arrived at the workshop, the first step was a thorough cleaning to remove the grime from London's roads. Subsequently, a design brief was developed in collaboration with the owner. The objectives were clear: the bike had to be reliable for city commuting, suitable for weekend adventures, and capable of comfortably accommodating a passenger, complete with grab handles. Key stylistic elements, including a tubular rear frame, aluminum fuel tank, and Alcantara seat cover, were also a priority. The design evolved as the project progressed, striking a balance between the bike's style, practicality, reliability, and aesthetics.

The first major task involved replacing the subframe, a common alteration in most custom bikes. However, the Husqvarna's composite unit, which integrated the fuel tank, required a more complex approach than merely bending new tubes. Andy began by crafting the foundation of the new subframe while maintaining the factory seating position and the capacity to use the standard muffler. This new subframe also featured removable grab rails, swappable with a back rack for weekend adventures, and provisions for attaching a frame slider on the right side, swappable with a billet aluminum plaque.

Designing and building the fuel tank itself was a labor-intensive endeavor, as it had to fit into the available space seamlessly. Approximately twenty separate pieces were meticulously shaped and welded, with CNC'd flanges incorporated into the sheet material to ensure the existing functionality of mounting the fuel pump, sender, gauge, breather, and filler neck. Andy's engineering expertise enabled a secure mechanical isolation and damping from the surrounding framework. The tank appears to float within the frame, a remarkable achievement.

In addition to the new tank, handcrafted aluminum elements, such as side cowls covering the radiator and a new rear fender, were added to protect against tire debris. These functional pieces, shaped on an English wheel, introduced elegant curves to the trellis frame that dominated the bike's appearance. Some additional panels were crafted from carbon fiber, and the bike was finished with a glossy black and day-glow yellow paint job, paying homage to the vintage Husqvarna scramblers of the 70s that featured the iconic aluminum 'window' in the paintwork.

To make room for increased fuel capacity, the airbox section at the rear of the bike was removed, allowing for the installation of a DNA filter above the engine. The bike already came with a Dynojet power commander, which was retuned to unleash nearly 80 horsepower from the potent single-cylinder engine. The imposing exhaust pipe, protected by carbon fiber shielding, posed no threat to the rider. A rewiring effort relocated the loom to the space previously occupied by the airbox, with the addition of carbon fiber covers concealing the battery.

The seat base underwent modifications to align with the bike's new design, and fresh seat foam was sculpted to provide enhanced comfort for both the rider and the passenger. The seat was covered in Charcoal grey Alcantara with contrasting yellow stitching, tying into other highlights on the bike. The attention to detail extended to the wiring for the rear LED indicators, cleverly run through the frame for a seamless integration. The front end was equally impressive, with the stark white paint complemented by the yellow accents on the new radiator covers. Elegant, formidable, and quintessentially London, it's no wonder the owner affectionately refers to it as "Archy," reminiscent of the character from Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla." Consider yourself warned, my friend.

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