Triumph Originals - Thailand
MOO YONG, THE ZEUS CUSTOM
"TRIUMPH, ESPECIALLY THE BONNEVILLE RANGE, HAS A LEGENDARY HISTORY AND AN ENGINE DESIGN THAT NEVER GETS OLD."
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.
Which bike did you choose to use for your custom build and why?
Bonneville T100 - Because the Bonneville T100’s frame supports so many custom styles (Brat, Cafe Racer, Tracker, or any other style), sometimes without even needing to cut it. And the engine design is such a timeless classic; it makes it easy for customisation.
STYLE
In your opinion, what makes a custom bike iconic and how does your design achieve this?
An iconic custom bike should feel timeless — not too modern, not too vintage, but something that speaks across eras. With the Bonneville T100, I focused on blending British heritage with Thai adaptability, crafting a design that’s both original and true to the theme: Icons of British Originality
Which styling details in your custom build are you most proud of, and how do you think they elevate the style?
What I’m most proud of is the craftsmanship — every part, from the tank and seat to the exhaust and controls, was built by hand with care and intention. It’s not just about how it looks, but how it works. Every detail is functional, refined, and made to be ridden.
BRITISH ORIGINALITY
What element of 'British Originality' inspired your design?
For me, British Originality is about timeless character — something that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to evolve. That inspired me to keep the classic spirit of Triumph, but reinterpret it through Thai craftsmanship and practical design. The result is a bike that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.
How did your turn this inspiration into a design for your custom bike?
I started by keeping the core of the Bonneville T100 — its classic lines and British soul — then layered in Thai craftsmanship through handmade parts and practical design choices. Every element, from the tank to the seat strap, was reimagined to reflect both function and identity. One detail I’m especially proud of is the tank finish. We treated it like a piece of art — carefully selecting the color, crafting a custom logo, and giving it an epic, premium-classic feel. It’s the kind of detail that, when you see it up close, you’ll understand the care and intention behind every step. The goal was to create something timeless, original, and unmistakably Zeus — a bike that feels familiar, but exists only once in the world.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was the limited time — and like any real custom build, not everything went as planned. Some parts didn’t fit the way we expected, and ideas had to change along the way. But that’s where Thai adaptability came in. Instead of forcing things, we adjusted, and new creative solutions emerged — like a removable seat strap that adds both function and style. In the end, those unexpected moments became part of the bike’s story.
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
What aspects of the design and build best showcase your approach to creativity and innovation?
One of the most unique aspects of this build is how we kept the original side cover and transformed it with handcrafted leatherwork. Inside, we designed it like a built-in wallet — a space where the rider can store credit cards, cash, or even the bike’s documents. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that reflects our approach to creativity: blending style with real-world function. Now you can ride to a café in style, without needing to carry a wallet.
What makes this build a true one-off custom?
This build is a true one-off custom because every detail—from the handcrafted leather seat and side panels to the embossed tank logo—was designed and made in-house to reflect our unique identity. Even the exhaust system was custom-built to carry our signature style. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a piece of art that embodies 10 years of Zeus Custom’s craftsmanship and our deep connection with Triumph.
Were there any aspects of the design and build process that you had to change, adapt, or rethink during the build process?
Absolutely. Like any real custom build, things didn’t always go as planned. Some parts didn’t fit the way we expected, and certain ideas had to be reworked mid-process. On top of that, the rainy season had just started in Thailand, which made things even more challenging — from delays in painting to managing humidity during assembly. But instead of forcing the original plan, we adapted — and that’s where the Thai spirit came in. Flexibility led to new creative solutions, like the removable seat strap that adds both function and style. These unexpected changes became part of the bike’s identity.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Where can we see your personal style of craftsmanship in the build?
If you want to see my personal style of craftsmanship in full, just visit zeuscustom.shop. That’s where I’ve archived every build I’ve ever created—from my very first project to this one. Each bike reflects the soul of Zeus Custom, with a focus on design, detail, and handcrafted precision.
How did you choose the materials, finishing and details of your build?
Every material and finish on this build was chosen with purpose. We focused on craftsmanship and timeless appeal—using premium leather for the seat and side panels to reflect both durability and elegance. The tank finish was designed to highlight the custom logo, giving it a bold, premium presence. Even the exhaust system was handcrafted to match our signature style. Every detail was carefully considered to balance British heritage with Thai adaptability, making this build truly one-of-a-kind.
Have you tried any new techniques throughout the build process?
Yes, we tried new techniques in this build—like adding functional button details to the leatherwork, which enhance both usability and design. We also introduced a new method for crafting the tank logo, with careful attention to every step. If you see it up close, you’ll understand how refined and challenging it really is.
THE RIDE
What have you done to the build to enhance the ride?
To enhance the ride, we upgraded the rear suspension, custom-built a café racer-style fork-mounted handlebar, and fitted larger tires in a tracker style. These changes don’t just improve performance—they elevate the riding experience with more attitude and presence. It’s not just smoother to ride, it looks cooler too. Wherever you go, people will turn to look.
What element of the Bonneville platform did you not want to change, and stay true to the original?
With the theme ‘Icons of British Originality,’ I wanted the build to avoid being too modern or too vintage. It had to be a timeless icon—something that fits across all eras. That’s why I chose not to customize the engine design at all. Every part of it, from the covers to the cooling fins, represents the essence of Triumph’s identity. It’s a signature element that has remained unchanged over time, and preserving it was essential to staying true to the original.
How do you want the rider to feel when they get on your custom build?
I want the rider to feel an instant connection—not just with the bike, but with the story behind it. It’s a blend of British heritage and Thai craftsmanship. The ride should feel confident, stylish, and timeless. Every detail, from the handcrafted leather to the riding stance, is designed to make the rider feel proud and unique. It’s not just about how it rides—it’s about how it makes you feel. And with the Thai touch we’ve added, it’s a bike that turns heads wherever it goes.
Does your custom bike have a name?
Bonneville T100 : Art of Motorcycle
ABOUT US
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.
