Custom Creations: der Hulkules-Ponyroller
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If you make a harmless Hercules scooter really angry, sometimes the result is a real monster. Jesco discovered - or rather reencountered - just such a machine at the MOTOR BIKE EXPO in Verona. Because the man behind this wild conversion is no stranger: Dave from Nuremberg, who many already know from his spectacular scooter, which he designed to match a Mazda racing car. This time, however, something completely different is in front of the Camera: a KTM pony scooter that was on the road as a Hercules licence build and was transformed into "Hulkules" by Dave without further ado.
The name says it all. Hercules and the incredible Hulk became "Hulkules". And anyone standing in front of this scooter immediately realises why. The basis was originally a KTM Pony 2, known as the NHW 50 in the Hercules version. What remains of it? Visually, enough to recognise its origins. Technically, however, the scooter has long been travelling in a different world.
KTM power instead of Hercules engine
The Hulkules is no longer powered by a small 50 cc engine, but by a unit from a 1991 KTM LC4 550 EXC - and not just any version, but the competition model with magnesium covers and sintered metal clutch. Around 45 hp is said to be available here - in a vehicle that was originally intended as a small scooter.
The fact that this combination doesn't just sound brutal on paper is shown by a value recorded in the Speedometer: from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. That's not just fast for a scooter, it's pretty absurd. It is precisely this absurdity that makes the project so appealing.
Focused on paint cans in the garage
The conversion was not carried out in a high-end workshop, but in a traditional garage. Dave explains that he cut off the bottom of the scooter and removed the rear. The front section of the KTM was also cut off. Both were then aligned on paint cans and welded together. More custom garage spirit is hardly possible.
Dave built the vehicle over 20 years ago, back when he was still in training. There wasn't much of a strategy behind it at first. The frame came from a mate, was no longer in the best condition anyway, and the idea was: "Let's do some nonsense with it." This nonsense turned into an acceleration monster.
The rear triangle basically comes from the KTM. You can see that in the bike: If you stand in front of it, the Hulkules almost looks more like a motorbike than a scooter. Nevertheless, the scooter DNA remains visible and it is precisely this mixture that makes the bike so unique.
VW Lupo Rim and compressed air circuit
The details also show how much of the project is home-made. The Rim, for example, comes from a VW Lupo. Dave built the hubs, brackets and various technical solutions himself. But the gearstick is particularly spectacular: the Hulkules is shifted by compressed air.
The system is very simple, but quite impressive. The compressed air circuit can be switched on separately. At the start, Dave drives off normally. As soon as the shift light comes on, he simply presses a button. Then the Ignition is briefly interrupted and the compressed air system engages the next gear. Pulling the Clutch, footwork, hitting the gear cleanly? Not necessary. Light on, press the button, on you go.
This is exactly what the scooter was built for: acceleration races. However, with its motorbike engine in the scooter frame, it doesn't really fit into any class. Riding comparable times on a high-powered Vespa would be a completely different task in terms of riding skills. With the Hulkules, the concept is different: sit on it, step on the gas, wait for the gearshift flash, press the button.
Form follows function - with a monster garage vibe
Dave's design was less about fine lines and more about function. "Form follows function" fits pretty well here. This is absolutely legitimate for a racing car. At the same time, the Hulkules is also a child of its time. The idea was born in the 2000s, when "Monster Garage" with Jesse James was on and completely crazy vehicles were constantly being built on television. This is exactly the spirit behind the scooter: you take what's there, cut, weld, combine and end up with something that doesn't really make sense but is incredibly fun.
Due to its length, the scooter practically doesn't climb. Dave can stay on the throttle, go full throttle into the bend and let the Clutch click at the green Light. The Suspension Arm can handle the power, the gearbox fits the concept and the design is clearly geared towards acceleration.
A scooter that doesn't fit into any mould
The Hulkules is not a classic custom scooter, a pure racing motorbike or a nostalgic Hercules conversion. It is a wild experiment, a garage project with a lot of humour and even more power. That's exactly why it fits perfectly into our "Custom Creations" series.
Jesco sums it up at the end: "This thing is simply fun to look at. And there's only one thing you really want to know: How does this monster sound and drive when it's really unleashed?
