Put pedal to the metal
> Shawn Seelan breathes new life into battered motorbikes
and what makes you different? “I am definitely not the only one out there. The custom scene is growing at an exponential rate, but the market is subjective because not everyone wants something custom-made, or a ‘make-astatement’ motorbike.
“Nonetheless, the market is still large and people do purchase and order motorbikes.
“I feel my way of building motorbikes is rather ‘old skool’. I built my first motorbike and the following ones with just a bucket of tools. I feel my designs are something out of the ordinary ... combining different elements from different places, and getting a product like none other at the end.”
You also did motocross from the age of five, as well as go-kart. “Motocross shaped me into a person who doesn’t easily give up. The number of falls I experienced taught me to get up and brush it off.
“On the other hand, go-kart shaped my driving style in many ways. It taught me discipline, and to take calculated risks in certain situations.”
Do you own any racing cars? “We own two race cars – a Proton Saga LMST, and Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg Ralliart Edition. We used to have a Hondo Civic EK9, but it was sold.”
You are currently studying veterinary medicine abroad, does that mean putting Shawn Seelan Creations in the backseat? “I am taking some time off to get back on track and focus on my studies, so I can take the next step to achieving my dreams.
“I have plans to continue (Shawn Seelan Creations) in the future as a side venture, according to my time and pace. I plan to venture into the international market with different products for different motorbikes for easy customisation.”
Veterinary medicine is something totally different from restoring and customising motorbikes. What compelled you to take that path? “Growing up, my parents always taught my sister and I that animals and their welfare are greatly important. As animals can’t talk and are in need of a person to understand them physically and emotionally, it has always been my dream to become a veterinarian and help those who cannot express pain through words.”
How do you plan to juggle both passions in the future? “I plan to make veterinary medicine my [main] job, and motorbikes as something I can do in my free time or during weekends. If there is a way to combine them both, I would definitely welcome it.”