THIRTY-eight-year-old Mohamed Shukur Mohamed paints a picture of passion, resilience and artistic ingenuity.
Among motorcycle enthusiasts, Shukur, who owns the Rocketeer workshop, is probably a household name when it comes to paint jobs, honing skills and making a name locally and internationally,
Sarawak Tribune caught up with the man recently.
Q: How did you start as a motorcycle custom artist?
Shukur: I’ve always had two passions—art and motorcycles. Growing up, I was obsessed with sketching, especially with ballpoint pens. From Form 2 to Form 6, I practiced tirelessly, perfecting every line.
Motorcycles came into my life later, during school. My friends and I loved customsing bikes, but for me, it wasn’t just about the engine. It was about the aesthetics—the colors and designs that could make a bike stand out.
People think I was born with talent, but honestly, it’s hard work. I’d draw thousands of sketches until my hands, eyes, and lines became perfect.
Q: Was there a defining moment when you combined these passions?
Shukur: Definitely. After school, I stepped away from art to focus on my studies but couldn’t stay away from bikes. When I picked up a spray gun to customise my motorcycle, everything clicked. It was like my world merged, and I knew this was my path.
Q: What sets your work apart in the world of custom motorcycles?
Shukur: My focus is on the aesthetics—the art, not just the mechanics. I want every motorcycle I work on to tell a story and turn heads. It’s about blending creativity with craftsmanship, making each piece unique and meaningful.
I think it’s also my attention to detail and love for colour. While some focus on engine modifications, I focus on the aesthetics—the cosmetics. I don’t just modify bikes; I turn them into pieces of art. Each motorcycle I work on tells a story, and I want it to stand out wherever it goes.
Q: What challenges have you faced along the way?
Shukur: Plenty. Convincing people that motorcycles can be art wasn’t easy. Balancing my passions with life’s responsibilities was another challenge. But every struggle shaped me, making me bolder in pursuing my vision.
Along the way I did fall into depression thinking of the path I took and wondering if will bear me any results, that’s when I hated everything related to paint works.
But a quote once said if you write down your problem on a piece of paper, you’ve basically solved 50 per cent of your problem. So I started from scratch and wrote down every problem encountered, and resolved it from there.
Besides that it would be the challenge of creating a design, I want to bring out the best of each theme created, it needs to be impressive and when people see it and they’ll go wow.
I need to do the research, and even sometimes I’ll talk to the bike just to brainstorm and get a spark of inspiration. That’s the challenging part. I want to bring out the most beautiful part of it.
Q: What also inspired your journey into helmet customisation?
Shukur: My previous employer, who was in a motorcycle club in Kuching, introduced me to the biker community. That’s when, seeing those high-end helmets—Bell, Hedon, Bitwell and others—sparked something in me. I couldn’t afford them back then, so I decided to create my own.
My first helmet was an MS-88 model (RM40). I experimented with a technique called metal flake, popularised in the US during the ’70s. It was a game-changer. When I rode around wearing it, people started noticing and asking for custom designs.
Most of my friends couldn’t believe it was a cheap helmet that I painted myself. That’s when I realised this could be more than a hobby—it was art.
Q: What is it about the metal flake technique that excites you?
Shukur: Metal flake isn’t just a finish; it’s a statement. The layers add depth, making the coloirs shimmer and come alive. It’s bold and attention-grabbing, yet mastering it requires patience and precision. For me, it represents both rebellion and artistry.
Q: So, would you say helmets were your first canvas?
Shukur: Exactly. Instead of just drawing on paper, I started experimenting with helmets. At first, it was just for fun—small designs and touches. But the more I worked, the more I realised the potential. I began looking up references online, saving pictures of motorcycles, helmets, and even classic American choppers.
Q: What was your first motorcycle custom paint you worked on?
So the first bike that I got on was a Harley Davidson which was given the name “Nabau”, and later I worked on another Harley from Sabah where the customer wanted a Orang Ulu design which impressed the person.
Q: How have global influences shaped your work?
Shukur: Initially, I drew inspiration from US chopper culture—bold flames, skull motifs, and raw designs. But practicing Aikido introduced me to Japanese aesthetics, which are more understated and refined.
Now, my style is a fusion of these influences. I combine the rebellious energy of American choppers with the discipline and elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
Q: How does Aikido influence your approach to art?
Shukur: Aikido isn’t just about martial arts—it’s about balance and focus. It has taught me to be meticulous in my designs. I’ve even incorporated samurai-inspired line work and motifs from Japanese history into my helmets. It’s about storytelling through art.
Q: How would you describe your current style?
Shukur: It’s a mix of boldness and refinement—a blend of American chopper energy with Japanese precision. Every helmet or bike I create tells a story. It’s not just about the visuals but the emotions and culture behind each design.
Q: What are among the most memorable projects you’ve worked on?
Shukur: I’d say the most memorable one I’ve worked on is the “Keringkam” which was a project with my friend which we submitted to last year’s AOS competition.
Besides that also a helmet designed for an F1 racer in the Sepang circuit and also a helmet I’ve customed, a paint work for the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Q: What is your advice to aspiring artists who want to follow in your footsteps?
Shukur: The most common issue seen in people who go into this area is commitment, they need to be tenacious and brave. My advice for them is to walk the talk and commit to the very end.
Q: If you could customiae a motorcycle for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
Shukur: For me, I would want to work on singer Datuk Ahmad Azhar Othman more commonly known as Awie’s motorcycle.
And of course to work on a project with the Premier of Sarawak in the future.
Q: Do you have plans to expand your work into other forms of art or design?
Shukur: I would love to expand my work to cars in the future and am looking forward to collaborations with various parties.
Q: What’s next for you?
Shukur: I’m working on a series of motorcycles that reflect personal stories. Each design will have a deeper meaning, representing the journey of the rider and the artist. There’s always more to explore in this field.
And for sure the preparation for next year’s Art Of Speed (AOS) competition held in Maeps Serdang.
