TEXT BY G!NN!E / PHOTOS BY ELOI SCARVA
Carlos Kuan Ka Peng is a local ardent retro motorcycle enthusiast who excels at crafting unique retro palettes through meticulous handiwork while preserving vehicles’ original patina of age. His transformations allow the vehicles to embody a true feeling of decades past, revealing multi-layered textures under the sunlight.
At the peak of his collection, Carlos had amassed 60 second-hand motorcycles. These discarded machines, which others regarded as scrap, were miraculously “resurrected” through his hands.
“My first concern in customisation is balance,” he says. “Each motorcycle’s bodywork design is tailored to the rider’s physique. The resulting machines aren’t just unique artworks, but perfectly balanced for riding stability.”
Yet early on he had doubts: “Would others appreciate these painstaking creations like I do? Could they be considered art?”
Over a decade ago, when considering opening his own custom motorcycle shop, a friend’s encouragement gave him confidence: “Why not? Haven’t you heard of mechanical art? Anything crafted with heart becomes art.”
Looking at his collection of 1980s-90s motorcycles, Carlos decided to name his shop “Retro Garage”.
Guarding Retro Garage’s entrance stands a sculptural two-stroke sports bike adorned with Pepsi motifs.
“This 34-year-old vehicle once belonged to a late local racer, whose son sold it to me.”
Carlos believes that these ageing machines can gain back their rebellious charisma through upgraded engine designs, modern brakes, suspension systems, footrests and tyres.
This automotive customisation art form, known as “Kustom Kulture”, traces its roots back to post-WWII America when surplus Harley-Davidson military motorcycles were stripped of armaments by people and were turned into rugged, off-road style machines, which later became mobile embodiments of a lifestyle blending rock ‘n’ roll, tattoo artistry
and American barbershop culture.
Carlos’s aesthetic sensibilities, honed under renowned designer Aser But’s tutelage, is expressed in every aspect of his craft – from bodywork design to custom-painted helmets. Even daily items like jackets, shoes and handbags, have his creative marks.
Retro motorcycles always draw attention from riders in the streets.
“The city’s nostalgic architecture forms such a perfect backdrop for these retro motorcycles,” Carlos remarks.
His passion has even had an influence on Macau’s motorcycle community, and he has founded various organisations like the Macau Retro Motorcycle Society and Macau Vintage
Vehicle Culture Association, where enthusiasts often plan mini road trips around the city and enjoy café gatherings.
From a young age, Carlos was an adventurous fearless child who loved riding through the mountains – he first became obsessed with BMX (Bicycle Motocross) and trail biking,
later expanding his passion to various types of motorcycles.
“I’ve had countless crashes, but I always survived,” he recalls. “This made me bolder, and I started riding faster and faster, even reaching speeds of 140 km/h.”
He shows the scars on his arms and adds, “I’ve broken both my arms and legs, lost several teeth, and my elbows, heels, and knees were always bruised or injured.”
Proudly, Carlos displayed his “biker-built” hands – the result of decades of gripping and twisting throttles. The muscles at the base of his thumbs are so developed from years of riding that, when he clenches his fists, the chestnut-sized muscle is clearly visible.
For aspiring riders who don’t have such “biker’s hands” or retro motorcycles, Carlos prescribes the following essential retro rider’s “uniform” for anyone who wants to feel this retro vibe: Long hair or facial hair (for the gents), classic denim jeans, heavy duty work boots or Vans sneakers, and a boldly coloured helmet.
“Slip into a leather jacket, pull on those boots, and immediately you’re channeling that wild, rebellious spirit,” he says.
Beyond mere transportation, retro motorcycles represent a lifestyle – one that makes you want to dust off that leather jacket at home and revive the golden era of untamed freedom.
“Throughout life’s journey, I’ve realised that conventional careers only leave my soul starved. I must create art that resonates with others, expressing ideas that outlive their creator – as mortal lives will eventually fade, the art we create can forever stay,” Carlos reflects.
