From Synths to Speed: The KTM RC8 Streetfighter by Erica Synths’ Ģirts Ozoliņš
There’s something magical about a motorcycle that feels alive under your fingertips, where every curve, engine growl, and wheel rotation tells a story. For Ģirts Ozoliņš, founder of Erica Synths in Riga, Latvia, that magic extends beyond musical instruments and into the roaring world of motorcycles. Known for crafting boutique synthesizers that have found their way into the hands of luminaries like Hans Zimmer and Depeche Mode, Ģirts harbors an equally passionate love for motorcycles. His latest creation, a radically transformed KTM RC8 streetfighter, exemplifies the fusion of artistic creativity and mechanical engineering, transforming a high-performance sportbike into a one-of-a-kind street machine.
The journey of this KTM RC8 began with a 2010-model 1190 RC8 R, a 152.2-horsepower twin built for track glory but ultimately destined for everyday street use. Its vibrant orange livery, while striking, felt too extreme for Ģirts’ aesthetic vision. What he sought was a streetfighter that wasn’t just a bike, but a statement—an art piece on wheels with soul, style, and performance in perfect harmony.
Collaborating with his trusted friend Andis Zeps, a quietly brilliant bike builder, Ģirts set out to reshape the RC8 into a streetfighter unlike anything else on the road. Their approach was organic, evolving the bike as they worked, often without detailed sketches. Andis managed the fabrication and welding, while Ģirts handled wiring, sourcing bespoke components, and coordinating paint, upholstery, and exhaust systems with local artisans.
The transformation began with the RC8’s chassis and running gear. At the front, they installed a billet aluminum girder fork, crafted to house the KTM’s Marchesini front wheel and twin Brembo brakes. This fork, a creation of FGirdex, a branch of FG Racing in Italy, utilized a piggyback shock from Maselli Suspension to ensure precision handling. The rear end received an equally bold upgrade—a curvaceous single-sided swingarm paired with a split-spoke wheel and a WP Suspension shock borrowed from a 2016 KTM Super Duke R. Adjustments to the fuel tank’s lower section were necessary to accommodate these dramatic modifications, blending functionality with aesthetics seamlessly.
Attention then turned to the RC8’s bodywork. The fuel tank was smoothed to soften its angular edges, while the rear subframe and fiberglass tail section were custom-built to enhance the streetfighter’s aggressive stance. A local craftsman meticulously crafted the seat, offering both comfort and style. Handmade aluminum side fairings accentuated the trellis frame, with smaller louvered panels cleverly integrated alongside the exposed OEM exhaust. The bike’s headlight nacelle, dubbed “General Grievous,” lends a commanding presence on the road.
Electronics posed their own challenge. The RC8’s CAN bus system and 6V LED turn signals made integrating aftermarket components tricky. Drawing on his experience wiring synthesizers, Ģirts devised an ingenious workaround, installing relays to allow the use of Highsider turn signals without compromising safety or aesthetics. LSL handlebars positioned further back, bar-end mirrors from Motogadget, and LED headlights and indicators completed the modernized cockpit.
Beyond looks and functionality, street legality was a significant hurdle. Latvia enforces some of the strictest regulations for vehicle modifications, requiring thorough certification for any alterations. Ģirts and Andis navigated this bureaucratic maze, ensuring that the fully customized RC8 could legally take to the streets. Yet even as it complies with the law, its extreme nature makes adhering to traffic rules a near impossibility—a testament to the bike’s fierce spirit.
What makes this KTM RC8 streetfighter truly remarkable is the seamless blend of passion, artistry, and engineering. It’s a machine that embodies its creator’s soul: bold, inventive, and unapologetically individual. Every curve, custom weld, and bespoke component tells a story of dedication and creativity, elevating the RC8 from mere transport to an expressive work of mechanical art.
Ģirts’ streetfighter reminds us that motorcycles are more than just vehicles—they are canvases, playgrounds for imagination where human ingenuity meets raw power. From Eurorack modules to roaring engines, his vision transforms technical expertise into kinetic poetry, inviting enthusiasts and casual observers alike to experience the thrill of seeing artistry in motion.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow local traffic laws and safety guidelines when riding motorcycles. Modifications may affect warranty and insurance; consult professionals before customizing vehicles.
