Hi Enrico!
What are you currently doing at the Loose Screw headquarters in Dachau?
A few projects are currently nearing completion. Yamaha MX360, BMW R9T Adventure conversion and a few Hondas.
You can admire all kinds of custom conversions on Instagram. How long has your workshop been running? How did you get into it?
The workshop has been around for over 7 years now. In principle, we have turned our hobby into a profession. It always sounds very romantic, but it's also hard from time to time because a lot of things sometimes fall by the wayside.
The term comes from the simple translation: "having a screw loose". Because no matter whether you build trains, collect playing cards or build custom bikes - for many people, you're not quite right.
What inspires you? How do your design ideas come about? Are there artists, eras or other workshops that particularly influence you?
Phew, good question. In fact, the El Solitarios and Shinya Kimura inspired me a lot at the beginning. Always building the craziest things, so to speak, but with the aim of being able to ride them legally in Germany in the end.
I also like to look over to Japan to see what the scene there always gets out of scrap metal. But a lot of ideas usually only come when the bike is being built.
Enrico Pauli is the creative genius behind Loose Screw - a true master of his craft, especially when it comes to vehicles. His passion, however, belongs above all to motorcycles.
2.15'' x 18'' aluminum rims with stainless steel spokes, Firestone Deluxe tires: front 4.0 x 18 / rear 4.5 x 18, perforated disc brakes, Bates headlights tinted yellow, Lucas Flattrack handlebars, push-button controls and LED bar end indicators with wiring routed in the handlebars, Motogadget Motoscope tiny speedo, decompression lever on engine block, engine block partially painted, K&N air filter, frame triangle free and cleared, custom-made electrical box with integrated ignition lock, custom seat with embroidery, Megaphone silencer. Wilbers suspension struts, short Bratstyle fender with tank lining, LED rear indicators, rear light with integrated license plate light
Photos from Alex Dietrich
What was your favorite conversion and why?
I don't think I can say that exactly. My first bike (XS400) was pretty creative and crazy. But it was also at the very beginning in terms of skill.
Then came BSA and Tenere. Two bikes couldn't be more different. And yet I've experienced a lot with both of them. The XT is not a complete custom bike, I just changed a few things that made the bike even better for me. Whereas with the BSA, not much has remained original. But I like riding all of them, it always depends on where you want to go.
And the BMW R9T conversion has also changed a lot in terms of performance.
Are there any parts of KEDO that you particularly like or have helped you?
KEDO has always supported me, especially with my XT project and when I was riding through West Africa.
But because I also have a lot of customers with old SRs and XTs, I have often fitted them with Kedo products. Primarily with the exhaust systems, but also with the e-starter kit. Or consumables such as brake pads or small items.
Original tank with tank cap custom made from a Plymouth radiator cap and leather strap; front 19 inch spoke, rear 18 inch spoke, powder coated rim ring; frame shortened with new loop; headlight and taillight from Bates black; dock66 fender with custom paint; Leatherworx seat from Munich; 340mm Hagon shocks; front and rear turn signals made from trumpet mouthpieces; custom sheet metal for side fairing; custom ignition key
Photos from Alex Dietrich
You were at Reload - a festival for electric motorcycles - in 2023 with a custom conversion from Blacktea. What fascinates you more: old retro bikes or innovative, modern motorcycles?
I would say that the fascination of motorcycles knows no bounds.
I find electric mobility very appealing in urban areas. And I also use my electric motorcycle for errands in the city. Just as a means of transportation. Because it's not good for a carburetor moped to be fired up for 5 km.
BUT if I want to clear my head, then I can't avoid the old combustion engines. Even when I'm traveling or on long journeys, I stick with the old iron.
Plans are always made quickly, but they don't always work out and have to be adapted. I am always developing new parts for various motorcycles and of course hope that they will be seen and used more often on the roads of this world. And I would like to continue doing this in the future.
I still have a Triumph hardtail in the garage that I really want to ride. But as always, you always put your stuff further back.
You're either in the workshop or riding around the world on two wheels. Where are you going next? And what has been your favorite trip so far?
So in 2025 I definitely want to go to the North Cape by motorcycle. I'm also hoping for a few short trips to a few neighboring countries.
The 3-month tour through West Africa had the biggest impact on me in terms of traveling. That's when I discovered how I actually want to travel by motorcycle.
But in the end, it often depends on the company. You can be in the most beautiful place in the world if you're surrounded by idiots, then it's nothing. So 'banal' trips from Tyrol to the North Sea are simply a good adventure. Even if you have imposed the worst possible conditions on yourself for the trip.
Completely restored, from engine to chassis. New electrics. Frame preserved with original patina.
The focus is on the crazy paint job of vaim.me
Tank, mudguards, fork and side covers in 80s style.
Photos from Alex Dietrich
I think if I were to recommend my bike now, you'd be inundated with reader criticism....
There are definitely bikes that are easier to maintain than the 1VJ. Yamaha has not covered itself in glory with this model. The successor is much better in terms of technology.
But I opted for the 1VJ because it is the most visually attractive Ténéré for me. And I also know how I can help myself if something goes wrong.
But in the end, there is no such thing as THE touring bike. It's always the one you feel comfortable on and what's in the garage.
KEDO ensures the supply of spare parts for many classic Yamaha enduro bikes. Which parts do you always take with you?
When traveling, I always take the clutch cable, throttle cable, clutch fitting incl. lever, spark plugs and a few clutch plates with me.
Then on the trip to Africa, a CDI and wheel bearings. In the end, it's always what you don't have with you that breaks.
Thank you very much, Enrico.
We wish you every success with your upcoming projects! There will certainly be a lot to report.
Photos from Martin Hass
