Tom's Introduction to DNA's Custom Motorcycles

What started as a bit of a holiday turned into an incredible journey through DNA’s facilities, a little ride through the hills of Greece and a chance to get up close with three of their standout machines: the DCR017, the DCR018, and the DRR022 Moto3 spec racer.

These bikes aren't just eye candy—they're a testament to what's possible when passion meets engineering prowess, and the technology to experiment. I wanted to share my experience with you, giving you a detailed look at these exceptional builds.

The DCR017 "Brain Eraser"

First up is the DCR017, also known as the "Brain Eraser." This bike is built on a KTM RC8 1190 platform from around 2016-2017. It's actually the project that kicked off my collaboration with DNA. Seeing it come together over emails was one thing, but standing next to it in person was something else entirely.

The bodywork on this bike is completely CNC-built. The tank is machined from a single block of billet aluminum—hollowed out to perfection. The same goes for the tail section and various caps. Anything you see that's orange or silver (apart from a few small parts) was crafted in-house. They've got a couple of Haas CNC machines running day and night to bring creations like this to life.

But this isn't just a showpiece. DNA went deep into the engine, bringing it up to full Superbike specs. We're talking 192 horsepower in a bike that weighs 162 kilograms. That's a power-to-weight ratio that'll get your heart racing.

One of the standout features is the specially built Stage 3 performance air filter integrated into the tank. Being a V-twin, the intake comes through the top of the engine. They've designed the tank to house this custom filter, so when you're riding, you're right next to that raw intake sound. Combined with the Akrapovic exhaust system, it's an experience that's hard to put into words.

Riding the DCR017 was nothing short of exhilarating. The bike is an absolute beast, but it's also incredibly well-balanced. The power delivery is smooth yet ferocious, and the handling is razor-sharp. It's clear that countless hours of engineering and craftsmanship went into making this machine what it is.

For more details, check out their official site: dcr017.com.

The DCR018 "Billet Sting"

Next up is the DCR018, aptly named the "Billet Sting." After the success of the DCR017, the team at DNA wanted to push the envelope even further. This time, they started with a BMW R nineT engine. But unlike the previous build, this bike is entirely custom-made around the engine—everything else is crafted from scratch.

When I say custom-made, I mean completely machined in-house. The guys at DNA have designed and built their own frame, swingarm, tank, side panels—you name it. The front fairing and intake are machined from billet aluminum, resulting in an aggressive and unique aesthetic. These components aren't just functional; they're works of art.

To put it into perspective, there's over 600 hours of CNC machining in this bike, not including the 150+ hours of design time. That's a massive investment of time and skill, all done within the four walls of their facility. It's an incredible achievement and a testament to their dedication.

The only BMW parts left on this bike are the engine and the drivetrain to the rear wheel. They've fitted it with Kineo wheels, Hyperpro suspension, and an Akrapovic exhaust. Everything else is a product of their own ingenuity and hard work.

This level of engineering use of machinery is next-level stuff. The attention to detail on the DCR018 is just staggering. Whether you're into high-tech builds like this or prefer more traditional styles, there's no denying the craftsmanship and dedication that went into the DCR018. It's bikes like this that inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries in our own work.

Learn more about this unique build at dcr018.com.

The DRR022 Moto3 Spec Racer

Lastly, I want to shine a light on the DRR022 Moto3 spec racer. Even though I didn't get to throw a leg over this one, it's too impressive not to talk about.

This machine is a Moto3-spec racer built entirely in-house by the team at DNA. They've engineered and machined the frame and swingarm from scratch. What's really special is the front suspension—a girder fork style setup that's a rare sight these days. Instead of traditional telescopic forks, it's like having another swingarm up front, with a shock mounted on the left side and a progressive shock linkage the same as you’d find on the rear of the biek. This design offers unique handling characteristics and showcases the team's willingness to push beyond conventional boundaries.

The bike is powered by a Yamaha YZ450F engine, fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust. DNA and Akrapovic have a relationship that goes back decades, and it shows in the quality and performance of this build. The engine choice gives the bike a solid balance of power and agility, perfect for the demands of Moto3 racing.

One of the standout features is the bike's adaptability. The team engineered it to accommodate any Moto3 engine. They've designed interchangeable bracketry and mounting points so you can swap out the YZ450F engine for something like a KTM 250 with minimal hassle. This kind of versatility is a game-changer in the racing world, where quick adjustments can make all the difference on race day.

Every part of the DRR022, from the handmade carbon fiber bodywork to the custom intakes, is crafted in-house. They didn't just stop at machining the hard parts; they went all the way with the bodywork too. The attention to detail is staggering. The intakes are designed for optimal airflow, maximizing the performance gains you get from their own DNA air filters.

Standing next to this bike, I spent a lot of time just admiring the front-end engineering. The linkage system in the girder fork is something you could stare at for hours. It's not just functional; it's a piece of art. Seeing how the components interact gives you a real appreciation for the thought and effort that went into designing this setup.

What blows my mind is how the guys are leveraging the latest in modern technology to design their bikes digitally. They run thorough simulations and tests before any metal is cut then bring these designs to life through precise CNC machining. Even though I didn't get to ride it, just being around the DRR022 was a highlight of my visit. It's a reminder that in the world of motorcycles, there's always something new to learn and be inspired by.

For a closer look and more technical details, I recommend checking out drr022.com.

Reflecting on the Experience

Walking through DNA's facility and seeing these bikes up close was inspiring. They're doing something special here—combining modern technology with a deep love for motorcycles. While we at Purpose Built Moto focus on handcrafted builds, seeing their approach opened my eyes to new possibilities.

Their use of CAD, CAM, and CNC machining was just mind blowing, and doesn't take away from the soul of the bikes. If anything, it adds a new layer of precision and innovation. It's different from our methods, but the end goal is the same: creating machines that not only look amazing but perform exceptionally well.

Final Thoughts

This trip was a reminder of why I got into this industry in the first place—the shared passion for motorcycles that brings people together from all over the world.

I want to thank the team at DNA Filters for their hospitality and for pushing the boundaries of what's possible. If you ever get the chance to experience their work firsthand, I highly recommend it.

In the meantime, I hope this rundown gives you a taste of what these incredible machines are all about. Whether you're into high-tech builds like these or more traditional handcrafted bikes, there's always something new to discover in the world of motorcycling.

Stay tuned for more adventures and escapades from the team here at Purpose Built Moto.