We take a peek inside the Cheras-based custom bikes haven known as The Gasket Alley.
Situated in the hustle and bustle of Taman Desa Aman in Cheras, this is where you’ll find The Gasket Alley and within it, Stronghold Cycles. Formerly known as KTG Motors/KTG Cycles, this outfit is making its intentions known in the ‘Custom Motorcycle’ scene by bringing American and Japanese style custom work together with motorcycle lifestyle goods to our shores.
Under its umbrella, there is also Slingshot Custom Paint and Gimme’ Shelter Service Chop, all working in unison to provide a ‘One-stop Custom’ experience for bikers. This is the brainchild of a couple of bike enthusiasts, namely Mark Ng, Jeffrey Kidd, Paul Cheng and a few others.
Entering the premise, one gets the feeling of being in a custom garage in Japan. Yes, the architectural mish-mash of wood, steel, zinc and glass is so very ‘Industrial’, but refreshing in a Japanese way. Surrounded by a myriad of bikes, from Harleys to Lambrettas, these guys have got it ‘spot-on’ and thus raised the bar surely. If only all other bike shops were like this.
Stronghold Cycles
Inside this wooden and steel enclave, it’s hard not to notice the amount of merchandise on show for the Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycle brands. Helmets and exhaust systems adorn the brick walls and shelves, along with rows of t-shirts and jackets. Walk further in and be blown away by all the street wear and motorcycle clothing brands from Japan.
Hardly Driveable, Trophy Clothing, Deadwood Jackets, Cycle Zombies, Tobacco Jeans, SHM Helmets, Beetle Helmets, Unionwell Clothing and our very own Mutha Puaka are some of the brands available. These guys are also the main distributors for ‘Old school’ type tires from Allstate, Coker and Firestone. Fitting these tires brings out that cool Japanese custom slim style chopper/bobber look.
Stronghold also sells new unregistered bikes, from Harleys to Triumphs or basically whatever you fancy. If you’re looking for something rare or even an old Harley, they’d source one for you. Simply call them and get in touch with Mark, Lawson or Yap to own your dream ride.
Slingshot Kustom Paint
This cool paint shop is nestled behind Stronghold via a narrow alleyway surrounded by cool bikes. Yes, what else. Run by the renowned Dewa Axe and his crew of artists, these guys churn out show winning custom paintjobs. Pinstriping, gold leafing, sparkle type paint, body panel repair, they do it all and by looking at some of their work, it’s simply stunning.
They’d work on basically anything you bring to them, from fridges, skateboards, cars etc. Saw a couple of helmets sprayed and pinstriped to perfection which reminds me, to bring my old lid the next time I visit and get the Dewa Axe treatment.
Gimme’ Shelter Service Chop
Directly next to Stronghold is the workshop. Run by Faizal Reza and Hiro Shee, these guys live and breathe bikes. Old school, modern types, two wheels, three also isn’t a problem.
The shop is clean and neat, showing just how meticulous these guys are. Surrounded by sweet machinery is a good thing for the soul. A ‘48 FL Panhead sits at the front and a couple of rigid Shovels at the back, you don’t get to see these kind of bikes everyday in our country.
The shop takes on all kinds of jobs. Refurbishment of old bikes, normal servicing, tire fitting, brakes and suspension work and custom metal fabrication to name a few. The older the bike, the better. One needs to have passion and these guys have it in droves. Faizal treated us by kick starting the Pan FL and a rigid Shovelhead to life. No easy task but what beautiful music to the ears. Much appreciated guys.
What’s next?
Well from what I’ve been told, The Gasket Alley will soon have a café and bar will built within the premise. This will only make The Gasket Alley the place to hangout for all bikers and bike lovers. For now, do drop by and maybe get your bike serviced or worked on at the shop, or get decked out with the latest cool gear, or maybe just simply enjoy the friendly company over a drink or two. Some shops have it, some don’t. These guys definitely ‘got it’.
Check out more images in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below. You can also visit The Gasket Alley and get in touch with Stronghold Cycles via the details and map we’ve prepared below.
Stronghold Cycles @ The Gasket Alley
Lot 2917, Jalan 1/101C,
Taman Desa Aman,
56100 Cheras,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-9131 9018
The Gasket Alley gallery
