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February/March 2006 RoadBike 69
BUILDERSSHOWCASE
’06
www.RoadBikeMag.com
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I customize all brands of bikes, going for a clean look with smoothlines. My work is distinct and out of the ordinary — every time you look at one of mybikes, you see something new. My goal is to be an innovator, not an imitator.
JOHNNY DOUCET BAD AZ BIKEZ CARENCRO, LA 337/230-6019 BADAZBIKEZ.COM
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OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: The art of 360 Design NW is making handcrafted motorcycles for uniquepeople. Simplicity and attention to detail equals elegance, and that’s what we do. Ourcompany gives masculinity a new look. Money doesn’t matter; the artist and his art do.
DRAGOS ZAMFIRESCU 360 DESIGN NW GRESHAM, OR 503/490-2738 360CHOPSHOP.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We specialize in creative thinking and attention to detail. No job is too small. We customize Hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis, and Yamahas, and we’re a dealer for hundreds of companies. Let us create a rolling art form especially for you.
JIM GIUFFRA AFT CUSTOMS MARTELL, CA 209/267-1678 AFTCUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: To build one-off radical metrics that truly stand apart. We specializein all metric cruisers — any brand can be cut up into something bitchin’. We also sella billet wheel adapter for bolting a Harley wheel to a shaft-drive bike.
TODD ANGLANI AFTER HOURS BIKES DAVIE, FL 954/316-9170 [email protected]
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OFFERS: Custom parts (product line), ground-up builds, kits, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Baron’s creates easy-to-install products and customizing kits formetric motorcycles, with products that transform your bike into a dynamic, attention-grabbing custom for pennies on the dollar. We offer great customer service and awesome technical assistance.
JOHN BARON BARON CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FALLBROOK, CA 888/278-2819 BARONCUSTOM.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stockcustomizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We give customers the ability to attain a radical custom bike withthe reliability of a metric cruiser. We grow our business by building outstanding cus-tomer relationships and offering superior customer service.
JOHN AND AMY DOUCET BRAND X BIKE WORKS LAFAYETTE, LA 337/896-5150 BRANDXBIKEWORKS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,powdercoating, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I like to build bikes that are different and unique. I really enjoy buildingthe Ol’ Skool bobbers and choppers, and also the ultimate streetfighters! We do all thedesign, fabrication, and powdercoating in house to meet customers’ individual needs.
STEVE “BREWDUDE” GARN BREW BIKES WEST JEFFERSON, NC 336/246-8555 BREWRACINGFRAMES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Britt Motorsports is considered one of the oldest metric custombuilders. We continue to set trends and remain on the leading edge of technology in metric customs, with the highest standards of quality expected in the parts andservices we provide.
SCOTT BRITT BRITT MOTORSPORTS WILMINGTON, NC 910/791-8321 BRITTCUSTOMMETRIX.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We take custom metric motorcycles to a whole new level, and we’ll never build any two bikes alike. BMS was a leader in putting 240 to 360mm tires on Road Stars and Warriors. Our web site is full of all the latest parts that we use on our builds.
SAM NEHME BROWARD MOTORSPORTS/BMS CHOPPERS DAVIE, FL 954/436-9905 BMSCHOPPERS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, stockcustomizations.
PHILOSOPHY:What good is a radical bike if it can’t be ridden? But if you onlywant to win trophies, we can do that, too. Our work stands out because we are theinnovators in cutting-edge technology.
ROB JENQUIN BROWN COUNTY CUSTOMS GREEN BAY, WI 920/321-0668 1BCCINC.COM
BUILDERS SHOWCASE’06
Cutting-Edge Creators TIME FOR THEIR
DAY IN THE SUN
TODAY’S METRIC BUILDERS are proving that a custom doesn’t have to be huge to have power, itdoesn’t have to be a Harley to have style, and it doesn’t need to be American to be cool. The currentpack of metric masters continues to crank out the quality, from radical choppers to sexy streetfightersto classy, comfortable cruisers. The market for metric customs and parts is quickly expanding, and withit grows the crop of custom builders.
Four years running, and RoadBike’s Custom Builders Showcase continues to swell. This year’s groupis our deepest, most diversified yet. However, it also includes a few builders established in the AmericanV-twin industry — and they’re not the only ones starting to cross over. What’s going on? Maybe it’sbecause the American market is so saturated with similar product, and the media has so completelyburnt out the “chopper craze,” that builders are turning their attention to the versatility of metric bikes.
Take Doug Keim of Creative Cycles, for instance. He always tinkered with Harleys and American V-twins, having had a long-standing Harley business. But Doug’s well aware that Harleys aren’t the only motorcycles — he owns a Suzuki Hayabusa, a GSX-R, and a Honda ST1300ABS.
Says Doug, “In the metric market, as recently as five years ago, it was hard to get someone to do$15,000 in upgrades on a $7,000 bike. Meanwhile, American bike owners spent $15,000 on a bike andwanted to spend $40,000 on upgrades. But in the last two years, there’s been a big boom in metric cus-toms, and the metric market has come to the point where it’s worth paying attention to. Now plenty of guysin the American industry are toying with metric bikes.” He adds, “True motorcyclists will ride anything.”
Doug is one of 10 cruiser builders to be featured on the new television series The Metric Revolution(www.metrictv.com) — the first national show to celebrate the fast-growing metric motorcycle industry.’Bout time! The show includes a contest with cash prizes and three builder categories: cruisers, sport-bikes, and rookies. We’ve highlighted the cruiser builders here. Next month, we’ll show you who thesportbike builders are.
Cutting-Edge Creators
TODAY’S METRIC BUILDERS are proving that a custom doesn’t have to be huge to have power, itdoesn’t have to be a Harley to have style, and it doesn’t need to be American to be cool. The currentpack of metric masters continues to crank out the quality, from radical choppers to sexy streetfightersto classy, comfortable cruisers. The market for metric customs and parts is quickly expanding, and withit grows the crop of custom builders.
Four years running, and RoadBike’s Custom Builders Showcase continues to swell. This year’s groupis our deepest, most diversified yet. However, it also includes a few builders established in the AmericanV-twin industry — and they’re not the only ones starting to cross over. What’s going on? Maybe it’sbecause the American market is so saturated with similar product, and the media has so completelyburnt out the “chopper craze,” that builders are turning their attention to the versatility of metric bikes.
Take Doug Keim of Creative Cycles, for instance. He always tinkered with Harleys and American V-twins, having had a long-standing Harley business. But Doug’s well aware that Harleys aren’t the only motorcycles — he owns a Suzuki Hayabusa, a GSX-R, and a Honda ST1300ABS.
Says Doug, “In the metric market, as recently as five years ago, it was hard to get someone to do$15,000 in upgrades on a $7,000 bike. Meanwhile, American bike owners spent $15,000 on a bike andwanted to spend $40,000 on upgrades. But in the last two years, there’s been a big boom in metric cus-toms, and the metric market has come to the point where it’s worth paying attention to. Now plenty of guysin the American industry are toying with metric bikes.” He adds, “True motorcyclists will ride anything.”
Doug is one of 10 cruiser builders to be featured on the new television series Metric Revolution(www.metrictv.com) — the first national show to celebrate the fast-growing metric motorcycle industry.’Bout time! The show includes a contest with cash prizes and three builder categories: cruisers, sport-bikes, and rookies. We’ve highlighted the cruiser builders here. Next month, we’ll show you who thesportbike builders are.
February/March 2006 RoadBike 71www.RoadBikeMag.com
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Cannonball bikes are built to ride. All of our bikes perform as goodas they look. Our goal is to bring the best-looking and most reliable bikes to the custom metric market, and to change the way that people view metric motorcycles.
RYAN & JASON SCHUPPERT CANNONBALL CUSTOM CYCLES REDDING, CA 530/518-0399 CANNONBALLCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:My build philosophy is simple: It’s all about the art. Custom partsand builds are 20 percent function and 80 percent art. But the most importantaspect, overall, is quality craftsmanship.
KURT PETERSON GLACIAL GRAPHICS/SUMO-X GLENWOOD, MN 888/634-4597 GLACIALGRAPHICS.COM
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OFFERS: Ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We’re detail fanatics. Bikes don’t leave our shop until they’re finishedto our standards. We use the best parts available, and we stand behind our workman-ship. In the tradition of “old-school” bike builders, we don’t build for glory or exposure —we do it because we love what we do.
CARL KULUNGIAN CHOPPERS BY CARL CHATSWORTH, CA 818/341-3338 CHOPPERSBYCARL.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I like my bikes to have a lot of detail, so that everything looks like itbelongs there. I also make a lot of unique one-off custom parts, and some smalltouches that you might not notice until you look closely. None of my bikes are alike.
SCOTT HALL CORRUPTED CONCEPTS MELBORNE, FL 321/751-5400 CORRUPTEDCONCEPTS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line), ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:My goal is to offer a unique product line that complements our reputa-tion for being on the cutting edge. Using our line of radical parts, consumers can build acustom bike to their specifications and have the same style Coyote Customs is known for.
JASON CONLEY COYOTE CUSTOMS OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 405/949-0808 COYOTECUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Give the customer the best bang for the buck. We do outstandingwork and use only quality products. We say, leave the hack work to the hacks — onlytop craftsmanship will do at Cruiser Magic.
JAMES M. ERICKSON CRUISER MAGIC APPLE VALLEY, CA 760/961-2905 CRUISERMAGIC.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stockcustomizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I like to make everything flow together — the wheels, the lines of thesheetmetal, the style of the paint — so it looks like one single piece with nothing detractingfrom anything else. It’s also fun to work in interesting custom-engineered pieces.
MIKE DUSOLD DUSOLD DESIGNS LEWISVILLE, TX 972/221-1455 DUSOLDDESIGNS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: If you can dream it, we can build it. Our customers will tell you,“If anyone can build it, then take it to anyone; if no one can build it, bring it to Gas Guzzlers.” We specialize in customizing smaller bikes, like Honda Rebels.
DAN BIANK GAS GUZZLERS PLAINFIELD, IL 630/922-4494 GASGUZZLERSGARAGE.COM
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OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: A pioneer in the metric industry, Don has been building and customizing motorcycles for over 30 years. Using innovative designs to incorporate a clean look and sleek lines, our customs are not just for show, but are made to ride!
DON GRAY DON GRAY CUSTOMS (AKA BOBSTAR CUSTOMS) HENDERSONVILLE, TN 888/822-7780 DONGRAYCUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We believe in customization that’s both functional and practical.Each bike should have a unique design, with performance and reliability a must.
SCOTT DOLAN GRIMSTONE CUSTOMS CLAY TON, NC 919/427-1682 [email protected]
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:My builds incorporate personality, attitude, bone-jarring power,jaw-dropping beauty, and, last but not least, originality. I don’t believe in passing off somebody else’s work as your own. God gave you a personality, so use it.
SHAWN HENDERSON HIGHLANDER CUSTOM CYCLES DANIA, FL 954/929-7657 HIGHLANDERCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-off), ground-up builds, kits, paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:Our business was built on my lifetime of experience. Every aspect ofeach job is carefully considered for fit, finish, and reliability. As a second-generation shopowner, I understand that our future depends on our reputation as a shop that can do it all.
SHANNON “SHOE” GOWER HOTSHOE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE ELIZABETH, NJ 908/352-3002 HOTSHOECUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: If it’s made out of metal, it can be done! We offer a super-clean fit andfinish, and we believe that the last two hours of a build can make or break a bike. Ridabilityis just as important as looks — your bike doesn’t look good sitting by the side of the road!
BRYAN HAGAN IRON THUNDER CYCLES RALEIGH, NC 919/855-8508 IRONTHUNDER.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We still build motorcycles the old-fashioned way: one at a time! A custom bike should be unique. It should challenge tradition. It should provoke thought.And, most of all, its quality should reflect the time and effort that went into crafting it.
DOUG KEIM DOUG KEIM CREATIVE CYCLES FARMINGDALE, NJ 732/751-1403 CREATIVECYCLES.COM
BUILDERS SHOWCASE’06 BUILDERS SHOWCASE’06
February/March 2006 RoadBike 73www.RoadBikeMag.com
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits.
PHILOSOPHY: A modification has to be functional as well as enhance the look of a bike, and the lines of the bike need to flow. Paint is a very important component; it should neither make the bike nor detract from it.
BRAD RUEL MAD WRENCH CUSTOM CYCLES TAMPA, FL 813/248-4443 THEWRENCHONLINE.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We build hardcore custom metric bikes that appeal to the everydayrider. Our philosophy is “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It’s a shame that rich yuppies have hijacked the custom motorcycle scene — we’re here to take it back.Ride Sinister!
SKY ASRAEL/JASON LIVINGSTON SINISTER CITY MOTORCYCLES HOLLY HILL, FL 866/32-CYCLE SINISTERCITY.US
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OFFERS:Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint.
PHILOSOPHY:We provide quality craftsmanship and customer service. Building a bike to fit the specifications of our customers is what we pride ourselves on. No one likes to lose his bike in a parking lot — and you won’t find any MGS customs thatlook alike.
MIKE STAFFORD MGS CUSTOM BIKES LANCASTER, CA 661/951-9878 MGSCUSTOMBIKES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I believe that every bike deserves a little jazz, whether it’s just atouch of chrome or full-blown customization. Honestly, I test my own limits; sometimesit’s just about seeing what I can get away with.
ANTONIO RENZI MODESTO CUSTOM CYCLE MODESTO, CA 209/575-4393 MODESTOCUSTOMCYCLE.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We offer custom parts specifically for the Yamaha Star line. When we build a custom Star for a customer, we work on enhancing the lines and originalcharacter of the bike without over-designing it to where it can’t be recognized.
CARY EDWARDS PACIFIC COAST STAR LAGUNA HILLS, CA 949/916-7271 PACIFICCOASTSTAR.COM
OFFERS: Ground-up builds.
PHILOSOPHY:We’re starting a new revolution with the Revelation custom bike. With170 hp, a hand-formed aluminum body, and a twin-spar frame, this is the Ferrari of customs, offering breakneck in-line four-cylinder performance and jaw-dropping looks!
WAYNE RANSOM RANSOM MOTORSPORTS EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ 609/576-8919 RANSOMBIKES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Our philosophy is simple: Listen to the customer, provide the highestquality products and service, and do it right the first time.
SHANE SCALPI SS CUSTOM CYCLE WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 914/475-2551 SSCUSTOMCYCLE.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:Building something unique doesn’t have to mean spending a lot ofmoney.We build bikes that look completely custom but use many stock components. One ofour favorite upgrades is our chopper kit, which stretches the bike without cutting the frame.
KURT SEEGER SEEGER CYCLE NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH 888/479-3288 SEEGERCYCLE.COM
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OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We put creativity and quality above all else. We appreciate everycustomer and work hard to build each bike to the highest detail. Our bikes are built towin shows while remaining 100 percent reliable and ridable.
MICHAEL TOCKEY SPEED CITY CYCLE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 317/917-3211 SPEEDCITYCYCLE.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: “Unique: remarkable, having no equal. In other words, the one andonly.” From conservative jobs to extreme ground-up fabrication and unique custom metricdesigns, our one-of-a-kind, made-to-order rides make our customers’ dreams a reality.
EDUARDO ALBUQUERQUE UNIQUE CUSTOM CYCLES MIAMI, FL 305/669-9373 UNIQUECUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint,stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We’re a one-stop shop for metrics, whether you’re building a hot rod or a show bike. Every bike that goes through here gets the same attention as our personalrides. Our rule is, when it leaves, it’s a “go” bike — something that performs as well as it shows.
ANDY MANNA/JUSTIN SCALZI VIKING MOTORCYCLE UPLAND, CA 877/RIDE-VMC VIKINGMOTORCYCLE.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stockcustomizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Don’t do it because it’s just a fashion. Do it because it’s a passion.
ROBERT PRISTAU WICKED CUSTOM CYCLES HIALEAH, FL 305/557-8001 WICKEDCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stockcustomizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We love to build bikes that blow people’s minds. I want to take abike and turn it inside out. I want to show everyone that a metric bike is a fantasticcanvas to do art on. Let me show the world what can be done!
JAXON FYFFE WILDCARD CUSTOMS BEDFORD, TX 817/571-1066 WILDCARDCUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Ground-up builds, kits, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY:We take a new metric right out of the crate and build it into a custom, giving the bike a $30,000 look with a $15,000 price tag and a warranty.We build bikes that are totally custom-looking but can be ridden like animals — with that Honda reliability. RB
HANS KLOCKES XTREME POWERSPORTS TAMPA, FL 813/626-6060 XTREMEHONDA.COM
BUILDERS SHOWCASE’06 BUILDERS SHOWCASE’06