Le French Atelier isn't well known in the U.S. custom bike scene. They've been cranking out tracker-style rides for the past few years, but their latest project is a bit of a coming out party – a Suzuki GSX-R that's as simple as it is sleek.
The crew picked a 1991 model for the build, the last of the second-gen Gixxers with its air and oil-cooled four-cylinder putting out – when new – 116 horsepower. After stripping off the fairings, they ripped apart the engine, rebuilt the head, coated it in satin black, then added conical K&N filters to the rejected slingshot carbs. The triple tree was modified to accept a small speedo, LED warning lights, and a single headlamp that rounds out the front. And then there's the tail.
Atelier told Return of the Cafe Racers:
We cut of the rear part of the frame and made a custom tail end designed to accommodate all the electrical components (battery, relays, cdi, etc). To mount the tail we constructed a new rear loop and added a reinforcing cross member. At this stage we also custom made the taillights and a custom leather saddle to sit on the aluminum base plate.
Aside from the work out back, it's not an elaborate build by any stretch, but it's a nice reminder that some of the most stunning customs don't have to be overly expensive, elaborate undertakings. Atelier is launching its site by the end of the year, but in the meantime you can keep up with them on Facebook.