THAILAND

The Zeus Custom

For Moo Yong, motorcycle customisation is about more than just modification. It’s about creating rolling art that tells a story. His workshop, The Zeus Custom in Bangkok has a distinctive style that puts the emphasis on colour combinations and the individual character of the rider. It’s why no two Zeus bikes are ever the same.

Moo’s custom build journey began with a single bike – his own classic model. After transforming it to reflect his own personal style, he shared it on social media and pretty soon, his rider friends all wanted him to customise their bikes too. He was a man in demand. So in 2014, he secured a bigger space, quit his full-time job, and officially established The Zeus Custom. He’s never looked back.

Their approach is very considered, beginning with an analysis of each bike’s foundational features to identify which ones lend themselves to Zeus’ customisation style. Moo is passionate about pushing beyond conventional design and the expectations of customers, while preserving the identity and integrity of the bike and the brand.

How did you get into Customs?  

I used to ride sports motorcycles, until I had an accident that almost made me quit. After recovery, I still had a strong passion for motorcycles and every time I smelled gasoline I wanted to ride again, but I was still hesitant. Then one day, I saw a classic and was instantly captivated. I bought one and modified it to my own style. I shared pictures on social media and soon my rider friends were asking me to customise their bikes too. What started out as one bike, turned into two, then four, then six. As demand grew, I realised that my workplace was too small and I moved into a bigger space, and quit my job to customise professionally. 

How long have you been customising Triumph motorcycles?  

The first Triumph I customised was in 2015. It was a Triumph Bonneville SE, the last aircooled model available in Thailand before the transition to liquid cooling. I blended a tracker and scrambler style, adding spoked wheels, mud terrain tyres, and a raw metal fuel tank, but without raising the exhaust. The look was rugged, but not overly dark, incorporating handcrafted leatherwork. This style became Zeus’ signature style – raw but not too dark, so it complements a wide range of rider styles. 

What draws you to customising Triumph motorcycles, particularly the Bonneville range?  

Triumph, especially the Bonneville range, has a legendary history and an engine design that never gets old. When customising, I always prioritise the engine's appearance over anything else. The Bonneville’s frame structure allows for such diverse customisation styles – café racer, scrambler, tracker, or even bobber. It’s a platform with endless creativity. 

What do you think makes the Bonneville platforms a great platform for custom builds? 

The Bonneville’s frame supports so many custom styles, sometimes without even needing to cut it. And the engine design is such a timeless classic, it makes it easy for customisation. 

Do you have a favourite Bonneville model to work on? If so, why? 

I love the Bonneville T100 because it’s a beautiful bike that can be customised in so many styles – brat, tracker, or any other style. The new Speed Twin is also an interesting model, with a stylish fuel tank and a well-designed swingarm that gives it a more aggressive stance. 

How would you describe your approach to custom bike building? 

Before I begin, I analyse the bike’s foundation – what the manufacturer provides and what aspects support Zeus’s customisation style. Then I start to incorporate Zeus’s signature elements, including handcrafted leatherwork and vintage aesthetics. Most importantly, every custom bike must remain fully functional and rideable. 

If you could build a custom bike for anyone, who would it be and why?  

One of the most challenging and meaningful projects for me was a request from a British customer who had suffered an accident that left him unable to use his legs. Yet he still dreamed of riding. He asked me, “Can you make this happen?” I created a special sidecar motorcycle, transferring all control functions – braking, gear and more – entirely to the handlebars. I also had to install a reverse gear system. This project exemplifies my belief that customisation isn’t just about the bike – it’s about the rider. 

Is there a golden rule you always follow when building a custom, and is there one rule you love to break?  

There’s one totally unbreakable golden rule: every Zeus bike has to be one of a kind and no two can ever be the same. The rule I like to break? Sometimes, I push beyond the customer's initial brief in order to create something even more amazing.