Fred “Krugger” Bertrand is not a new player in the world of international motorcycle builders. At the age of five he had his first motorcycle and started racing at seven. At nineteen he ended his racing carrier and then started an apprenticeship in coach building. This included sheet metal repair, metal shaping, and painting. After completing this program, in two years, he then went on to work in Renault – Clio cup. In 2000 his job at Renault came to a close and Fred turned his attention to family and car restoration. With the support of his pals he opened his transformation workshop and since then he has been unstoppable. With winning over thirty awards and more than fifty articles written about his work, he has shown the world his abilities to produce some of the most innovative motorcycles anywhere.
Bikernet:
Fred, thanks for taking sometime out of your busy schedule to visit with us here at Bikernet. We are impressed with your work and your accomplishments. Since you opened your shop you have been winning at shows around the world. Taking the “World Champion of custom bike building” this year after placing for 5 years must be a crowning event for you. How did you feel after that accomplishment?
Fred:
I’m happy. Mainly because, as usual, I try to push the limit…. This bike (NURBs “ Non-Uniform Rational B-spline” project) , BMW powered is a fully rideable bike with all the technological advance of the K1600! It’s great to win, but not only that, it is better to stay on the top. I have been to the competition three times, taking a third place, one fourth and two times World Champion. It is always good for promoting Krugger Motorcycles to stay in the spotlight and always with a new challenge every year.
Fred:
Fred:
Everything …. train, car, house, new technology! But I like to respect the past. I like Art Déco with its easy lines. It is easy to understand! I like the age when designers began to integrate aerodynamics in their designs! I like the ‘30s.
Fred:
The Custom world is a small world. A lot of impassioned guys, some with more business or some with less business! Small guys alone, like me or big business like Arlen Ness, for example! But all with the same passion! It’s always good to share our passion!
Fred:
Again…Supermoto bike…. like KTM 990 SMR for example and when I’m more quiet..my R62 BMW, my 450 Black Bomber, or my Vincent Rapide.
Fred:
In my planning I am looking ahead about three years. So I am always trying to push the limit, find new solutions and develop innovations and designs that are on the leading edge.
Fred:
I start a totally CRAZY four wheels project now…speak about it later…
