Seen at the 2025 Art of Speed custom show was a range of custom motorcycles with the brand Thunder. Originating in Japan, Thunder is a new brand, featuring a custom motorcycle look, but straight from the factory in China.
From information received from the Thunder representative at the show, Thunder will be officially launched in Malaysia in October. Pricing is expected to be around RM24,000 and there were two versions on display, a hardtail and softtail.
According to the Thunder website, the Hardtail Thunder 250 and Softtail Thunder 250 are powered by a V-twin engine displacing 249 cc producing 17 hp at 8,000 rpm and 19 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Fed by EFI and with electric starting, power is delivered to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive.
The main difference between the two models is in the rear suspension, with the hardtail omitting suspension in the rear. Meanwhile a springer front fork is used for the front end suspension.
Finishing on the Thunder follows the custom motorcycle style, clad in chrome and with paintwork that looks airbrushed. Instrumentation is kept to a minimum with a single analogue gauge and riding conveniences are stripped away, leaving the essence of a custom motorcycle.
Brakig is done with single hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with two-channel ABS, while seat height is 650 mm, with weight listed at 181 kg with 7-litres of fuel in the tank. In Japan, the Thunder Softtail retails at 905,455 Yen (RM25,865) while the Hardtail goes for 850,000 Yen, (RM24,281).
