SKS Bikeshuttle – From Hollywood to the Westerwald

Kevin Kießling buys Kenworth: SKS Bikeshuttle strengthens its fleet with the original Kenworth W 990 from the film “The Ice Road” with the main actor Liam Neeson.

Mogendorf, May 24, 2022

The 25 black semi-trailers from SKS Spedition from the Westerwald with the distinctive red and white lettering are getting a prominent addition. “Our core business is the transport of new motorcycles to the respective dealer network,” says Kevin Kießling, managing partner of the SKS Group. “We also do roadshows for well-known brands in the motorcycle industry. This starts with smaller dealer events and extends to the scene's large trade fairs or outdoor events.

The bikes are used there for exhibition but also for test rides. for Harley-Davidson in Germany and Austria for 26 years.” And it was precisely for the upcoming roadshow of this well-known manufacturer that they were looking for a tractor that not only stands out, but also fits perfectly with the brand image. SKS found what they were looking for in Canada.

4,517 miles were shown on the display above the classic round instruments in the cockpit of the American tractor-trailer when it arrived in Germany. The last 1,876 miles were added on the transfer from Regina, Canada, to the port in Baltimore, in the US state of Maryland. However, there was a six week delay because the extreme snowfall made the journey impossible until then.

There on the US East Coast, the Hollywood star was finally taken to the ship to begin the long journey across the Atlantic. At this point, the mattress in the sleeping cabin of the “Tractor” – as the Americans call it – is still sealed in plastic and the refrigerator is unused. Except for the route to the port, these miles were driven exclusively during filming of the movie “The Ice Road” , including on frozen lakes in the Canadian regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The action film was released in German cinemas on October 14, 2021. In addition to Liam Neeson and Benjamin Walker in the main roles, Marcus Thomas , Amber Midthunder and Laurence Fishburne can be seen in the film. Three weeks later, the impressive tractor arrived in Bremerhaven and was then picked up personally by Wilhelm Klekamp, ​​the senior boss. Klekamp Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH in Hasbergen specializes in importing and converting trucks from American manufacturers to German road traffic standards.

SKS commissioned Klekamp to register the vehicle in Germany. “I was happy to pick up Kenny myself,” says Wilhelm Klekamp, ​​who runs the company together with his son Markus. “We have converted other impressive trucks, but not a real 'Hollywood star' yet.”

The outside of the vehicle resembles the original from the 1960s, but the inside is ultra-modern. Nevertheless, numerous adjustments to local standards are required. In addition to an EC brake system, this includes converting the entire electrical system from 12 to 24 volts and tires approved in the EU, as well as an electronic turning assistance system with several cameras. SKS chose ten Continental EcoRegional 295/80 R 22.5 tires for the tires.

These are ideal for use in mixed regional and long-distance transport, have low rolling resistance and high fuel efficiency. As soon as the semi-trailer truck met the German registration regulations, the visual upgrade began. As is well known, SKS attaches great importance to this and Klekamp has specialized in this for over 30 years. The family company can therefore call itself a pioneer of its business in Europe.

First, the originally red truck was repainted black to match the SKS corporate design. Klekamp then upgraded the 510 hp car, which was already equipped with numerous aluminum and chrome parts, with a displacement of 12.9 liters, with new wheels, a stainless steel bumper with LED lighting and a complete aluminum frame cover behind the driver's cab . A roof spoiler made of GRP made in Germany will be added to optimize air resistance.

At the same time, Harley-Davidson Germany is developing a concept for the graphic design and labeling of the entire train, so that the exclusive tractor and trailer form a harmonious unit that not only perfectly conveys trade fair equipment, but also the brand message. The vehicle will be a real eye-catcher and will attract attention on the event site and on the highway.

SKS has the trailer for the show truck tailored in parallel and exactly for the purposes planned by Harley-Davidson. Ultimately, it should accommodate as many motorcycles as possible for test rides, but also all the equipment, tents, tables, lighting, clothing and much more.

On Saturday, May 21st, the time had come. The final component was to attach the German license plate to the fully converted American one. The future show truck drivers from SKS, Markus Trojak, Marcus Bellinger and Marco Schräder, drove to Hasbergen with Kevin Kießling and Andreas Scholz, General Manager, to receive their “Kenny” and receive final tips from the Klekamps. “We are all very experienced drivers, but an American has its own special characteristics,” says Markus Trojak, who will drive most of the races with the show truck, “that’s why we are starting the maiden voyage with great joy, but also with the necessary respect.”

A nice “side note” from the renovation phase: Original script pages from the final scenes from the filming of the Hollywood film were found in the driver's cab. They end with “The asphalt flies by beneath us as we tilt up to read the Kenworth's vanity plate. THE END." However, it was a nice start to the new roadshow season for SKS Spedition and its drivers.

In any case, the launch was a perfect success and the new “employee” was welcomed with a befitting barbecue on the company premises in Mogendorf. A film team from DMAX accompanied the day, so that more detailed insights can also be seen with the “Asphalt Cowboys”.

If everything continues to go as planned, the finished show truck will celebrate its first outing from June 16th to 19th at the Magic Bike in Rüdesheim. With a bit of luck you can see him beforehand on the A3 in the Westerwald.

Photos from Klekamp Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH* and SKS GmbH Schröder-Kießling Spedition**

Contribution from SKS Bikeshuttle 2022