With extensive experience in automotive design and coachbuilding, Laurent Amann excels in metalwork. Initially based in France, he relocated to the United Kingdom in 2007, continuing his career with various motorsport outfits until 2013 when he founded Storik in Sudbury, Suffolk.
By 2018, he was joined by Benzir Misbah Amann, an accomplished architect and member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Although not related, Laurent and Benzir combined their expertise to propel Storik’s growth.
The custom bike showcased above, built-in 2017 before Benzir’s involvement, was Laurent’s brainchild, dubbed Rafale, meaning “gust of wind” in French, reflecting its sleek and graceful appearance. Based on an old-school Triumph Trident, only the three-cylinder engine was retained, while Laurent sourced a Bonneville T140 frame, simplifying the tank installation due to its oil-in-frame design.
Structural enhancements included replacing the T140’s swingarm with a custom aircraft-grade steel alternative and upgrading the suspension with modern Maxton shocks at the rear and 38 mm Marzocchi forks at the front.
Braking power was bolstered with drilled discs and AP Lockheed calipers. Laurent’s meticulous attention to detail extended to the handcrafted aluminum bodywork, featuring a cafe racer fairing, bespoke fuel tank, and distinctive tail section.
The cockpit showcases premium components, including a Motogadget ChronoClassic tachometer, clip-on handlebars, and custom foot controls, accentuating the sporty cafe racer’s ergonomics.
Underneath the brushed aluminum finish lies a meticulously upgraded Triumph powerplant, featuring refurbished internals, Dell’Orto carburetors, and a ceramic-coated exhaust system. The result is a bespoke cafe racer exemplifying Laurent’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.
