Markus Krasser runs Styrian Motor Cycle Bikes, an Indian Motorcycle dealership just south of Graz in Austria, a few kilometres from the Slovenian border.
Markus’ team is celebrating the dealership’s 20th anniversary in August.
By presenting so many exceptional motorbikes at the Custom Show at the Indian Riders Fest in Budweis, Markus Krasser have truly created an event. Never before in four editions has this competition brought together so many motorbikes, and Markus entries were unanimously acclaimed. He collected most of the prizes awarded by a top-class jury chaired by Ola Stenegärd.
• Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
What’s your career path?
“I learned automotive mechanics and both motorcycles and cars have been part of my work and leisure. To explore the world, I applied for a mechanic position at a globally leading company that specialized in manufacturing special cranes. I was responsible for assembly and worked worldwide until I became self-employed. Starting in 2004, I ventured into custom bikes based on American and Japanese models, along with regular service work. In 2008, I imported the first Victory Motorcycle and distributed these bikes until their integration into the German market in 2011. I also built the first Hammer based on the 300 platform, and to this day, I manufacture rear-end parts and conversion kits for 300 rear wheels, selling them worldwide.
From 2013, I became one of the first Indian Motorcycle dealers in Austria. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with customizing Indian bikes and producing special parts. Like when I started my company, I still focus on building prototypes rather than mass production. Each of my bikes presents a new challenge, both in construction and ensuring they meet Austrian road standards.”
• Finally, how many motorbikes did you present at the Custom show in Budweis?
At Budweis I presented 5 bikes: Chief ‘El Acorazado,’ FTR racing, Chief Dragstyler with Burt Munroe paintwork, Sport Chief based on NASCAR, Indian Chieftain Bagger ‘Samurai.’”
• Do you work alone, or do you have a team around you? Given the amount of work it takes to bring your projects to this level? How are things organised?
“I have two mechanics and an apprentice in sales. I primarily handle idea and design work on my own, but I also listen to input from my employees and incorporate it. Organization is my responsibility.”
SAMURAÏ
We're a long way from the Chieftain from which the cutting-edge Samurai was created. The project began with the manufacture of an aluminium chassis. It's easy to see why it took 8 months to build this incredible Bagger.
EL ACORAZADO
You can imagine the colossal amount of work that went into the Super Chief to achieve this result.
BEST OF SHOW IRF 2024
SPEED 321
The engine is a Thunderstroke 111, built by Markus Krasser. 321 is a tribute to the famous record set by Burt Munro on his Scout.
• Are your preparations customer requests?
Or does your imagination lead you in this or that direction?
“The customer comes with an idea, but how and what do I give them, considering that it must also be drivable and conform to regulations? However, I rarely follow exactly what is prescribed to me!”
• Which Indian Motorcycle model do you prefer to work from?
“It was the Chief/Chieftain based on a bagger platform, but I actually enjoy customizing all Indian Motorcycles because this brand inspires me.”
• Can you tell us about your next creation?
“We are building a Challenger based on a racer platform, but it must be road-legal. Additionally, we’ll also enhance its performance and reduce the weight to under 300 kg.”
FTR RACING
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