The Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG is a build created for the emotions of first love and friendship.

Nothing brightens up the day like a good story backing up a gorgeous build. And why not, every build is based on an idea that originated because of some desire, thus when we get to talk about the story that led to a particular build, we are more than excited. Thus no wonder we liked this Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build a lot for two reasons: for it being a simple yet stunning example of Brat Tracker/ Scrambler style and secondly because it talks about friendships, nostalgia and freedom.

Based out of Cebu City, an island of the Philippines, Revolt Cycles is a small custom motorcycle builder with big talent. They are experts in converting small displacement motorcycles that are abundant in the region, into pretty fine examples of the Brat Tracker/ Scrambler genre. However, they have not confined themselves just with small bikes; they have built bigger bikes as well, and with same finesse. Revolt Cycles has also done work on a few vintage and classic bikes previously, however, they say that bikes of that kind are getting hard to come by and the part availability isn’t improving. Revolt Motorcycle say that this Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build was carried out for a client friend from Manila. And his connection with this bike seems to be a story that every motorcyclist will easily relate to.

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This Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build is based on a 1984 Honda XL100S and gets its name from a dialect word from Bicol language that means – “to roam”. The build was carried out for Bjorn Dizon Pabon, who had owned the same bike back in his teens and it was in fact, his first ever bike, his first experience with the world of motorcycles. Clearly then, Bjorn was nostalgic about his first bike. Back in the times, Bjorn would sneak out with his best friend Rey on a 1984 Honda XL100s that belonged to Rey’s father. Both of them used to blast through the fields in the area and it was the time they got enchanted by motorcycles, like so many among us. Back then, it was a lifestyle for them, they were the young guns who were defying rules and going a mile further.

The blokes at Revolt Cycles say that this reminds them of their motto – live the Revolt way”. Bjorn further talked about how the two friends will go on trials, search for new roads and places to visit. He also talked about how they used to swim by the river, go for hunting and fishing and even carry a sack of rice or wheat when ever asked for. In brief, this Honda XL100s was an indestructible part of their live and their friendship. Bjorn also recalled how both friends used to get a scolding every time for being “Lantu’ag!”, hence a fitting name for the build. However, like every story, times went by, both friends grew older and stuck in their adult lives while the bike was sold to someone and it eventually faded into oblivion except from their memories.

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Many years later, Bjorn still remembered that little mighty Honda and started to search for it. After some hard work, he eventually found the source of his experiences of the careless youth and sheer joy. However, to his dismay, the owner still used the bike and wasn’t ready to part with it. Bjorn had to sadly accept that may be a few things remain in the past only and he moved on from the little Honda. However, as luck would have it, after a decade of that event, in 2016 Bjorn decided to try and search for the bike again. This time around, we he did find it with a help of a friend, the bike was dead and rotting. The beloved part of Bjorn’s life was just left leaning on the front porch wall of the house, unloved, and forgotten.

This time around, the owner was more than happy to sell the bike to Bjorn and he was finally united with it. The little endure was hauled at the back of Bjorn’s pick up truck, there was a sense of triumph inside Bjorn. And, why not? It was his time to be that kid again. However, the bike needed much deserved love and Bjorn knew Revolt Cycles would do justice to it. However, for some time those were talks only since Bjorn lived in Manila and was far away from the boys at Revolt Cycles. Again, luck came into play, a few months later, Revolt Cycles had to deliver teir first client bike  build from Luzon and to participate at the 2nd Motobuilds Pilipinas 2016 Custom Bike show.

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It was there the team met Bjorn and listened to his story. It was evident how special the bike was for Bjorn and the team decided that it was time Bjorn got ‘Revolted’. They shook hands and the foundation of the Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build was laid. The bike was in a drastic need of restoration and an overhaul as it as nothing more than pieces reminding of it old glory. Another month down the line, Bjorn stuffed the bike in a crate and dispatched it for Cebu City. Revolt Cycles did not find it easy to restore and create his gorgeous and simply tracker though. For next 6 months they worked tediously on the bikes engine, and its chassis.

It was particularly tough to find the right parts for the Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build. Revolt Cycles added a new 12V system with a retro fitted CDI replacing the old system of the XL100s. revolt Cycles also added new retrofitted forks and hubs along with a surfboard rack to cater to Bjorn’s requirements and his love for the surf down the coast. Finally after years and years of wait, Bjorn got to ride the bike of his youth again and relive his distinctly happy memories and pass it on to his children in the future.

Looking at this Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG build we are certain that Jon Kelvin and jerry Jones from Revolt Cycles have perfected the art of creating splendid examples form almost mundane workhorse bikes. If you like it too, you can find more on Revolt Cycles Facebook Page and while you are at it, you can also have a look at photography of Rj Ouano (The Jeb Photography) who clicked these pretty pictures of the Revolt Cycles XL100S LANTU^AG.