2006 Custom Builders Showcase

BUILDERS’06
SHOWCASE
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, it
doesn’t have to be a Harley to have style, and it doesn’t need to be American to be cool. The current
pack of metric masters continues to crank out the quality, from radical choppers to sexy streetfighters
to classy, comfortable cruisers. The market for metric customs and parts is quickly expanding, and with
it grows the crop of custom builders.
Four years running, and RoadBike’s Custom Builders Showcase continues to swell. This year’s group
is our deepest, most diversified yet. However, it also includes a few builders established in the American
V-twin industry — and they’re not the only ones starting to cross over. What’s going on? Maybe it’s
because the American market is so saturated with similar product, and the media has so completely
burnt 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 and
wanted to spend $40,000 on upgrades. But in the last two years, there’s been a big boom in metric customs, and the metric market has come to the point where it’s worth paying attention to. Now plenty of guys
in the American industry are toying with metric bikes.” He adds, “True motorcyclists will ride anything.”
Revolution
Doug is one of 10 cruiser builders to be featured on the new television series Metric
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, sportbikes, and rookies. We’ve highlighted the cruiser builders here. Next month, we’ll show you who the
sportbike builders are.
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: The art of 360 Design NW is making handcrafted motorcycles for unique
people. Simplicity and attention to detail equals elegance, and that’s what we do. Our
company gives masculinity a new look. Money doesn’t matter; the artist and his art do.
JIM GIUFFRA AFT CUSTOMS MARTELL, CA 209/267-1678 AFTCUSTOMS.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.
TODD ANGLANI AFTER HOURS BIKES DAVIE, FL 954/316-9170 [email protected]
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: To build one-off radical metrics that truly stand apart. We specialize
in all metric cruisers — any brand can be cut up into something bitchin’. We also sell
a billet wheel adapter for bolting a Harley wheel to a shaft-drive bike.
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JOHNNY DOUCET BAD AZ BIKEZ CARENCRO, LA 337/230-6019 BADAZBIKEZ.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 smooth
lines. My work is distinct and out of the ordinary — every time you look at one of my
bikes, you see something new. My goal is to be an innovator, not an imitator.
JOHN BARON BARON CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FALLBROOK, CA 888/278-2819 BARONCUSTOM.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line), ground-up builds, kits, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Baron’s creates easy-to-install products and customizing kits for
metric motorcycles, with products that transform your bike into a dynamic, attentiongrabbing custom for pennies on the dollar. We offer great customer service and
awesome technical assistance.
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, paint, stock
customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: We give customers the ability to attain a radical custom bike with
the reliability of a metric cruiser. We grow our business by building outstanding customer relationships and offering superior customer service.
STEVE “BREWDUDE” GARN BREW BIKES WEST JEFFERSON, NC 336/246-8555 BREWRACINGFRAMES.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 building
the Ol’ Skool bobbers and choppers, and also the ultimate streetfighters! We do all the
design, fabrication, and powdercoating in house to meet customers’ individual needs.
SCOTT BRITT BRITT MOTORSPORTS WILMINGTON, NC 910/791-8321 BRITTCUSTOMMETRIX.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, paint, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Britt Motorsports is considered one of the oldest metric custom
builders. 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 and
services we provide.
SAM NEHME BROWARD MOTORSPORTS/BMS CHOPPERS DAVIE, FL 954/436-9905 BMSCHOPPERS.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.
ROB JENQUIN BROWN COUNTY CUSTOMS GREEN BAY, WI 920/321-0668 1BCCINC.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, stock
customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: What good is a radical bike if it can’t be ridden? But if you only
want to win trophies, we can do that, too. Our work stands out because we are the
innovators in cutting-edge technology.
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METZELER CUSTOM BUILDERS SHOWCASE
Cutting-Edge
Creators
BUILDERS’06SHOWCASE
BUILDERS’06SHOWCASE
RYAN & JASON SCHUPPERT
BUILDERS’06SHOWCASE
CANNONBALL CUSTOM CYCLES REDDING, CA 530/518-0399 CANNONBALLCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Cannonball bikes are built to ride. All of our bikes perform as good
as 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.
CARL KULUNGIAN CHOPPERS BY CARL CHATSWORTH, CA 818/341-3338 CHOPPERSBYCARL.COM
OFFERS: Ground-up builds, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: We’re detail fanatics. Bikes don’t leave our shop until they’re finished
to our standards. We use the best parts available, and we stand behind our workmanship. 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.
SCOTT HALL CORRUPTED CONCEPTS MELBORNE, FL 321/751-5400 CORRUPTEDCONCEPTS.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 it
belongs there. I also make a lot of unique one-off custom parts, and some small
touches that you might not notice until you look closely. None of my bikes are alike.
JASON CONLEY COYOTE CUSTOMS OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 405/949-0808 COYOTECUSTOMS.COM
PHILOSOPHY: My goal is to offer a unique product line that complements our reputation for being on the cutting edge. Using our line of radical parts, consumers can build a
custom bike to their specifications and have the same style Coyote Customs is known for.
JAMES M. ERICKSON CRUISER MAGIC APPLE VALLEY, CA 760/961-2905 CRUISERMAGIC.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 outstanding
work and use only quality products. We say, leave the hack work to the hacks — only
top craftsmanship will do at Cruiser Magic.
MIKE DUSOLD DUSOLD DESIGNS LEWISVILLE, TX 972/221-1455 DUSOLDDESIGNS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stock
customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: I like to make everything flow together — the wheels, the lines of the
sheetmetal, the style of the paint — so it looks like one single piece with nothing detracting
from anything else. It’s also fun to work in interesting custom-engineered pieces.
DAN BIANK GAS GUZZLERS PLAINFIELD, IL 630/922-4494 GASGUZZLERSGARAGE.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.
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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 parts
and builds are 20 percent function and 80 percent art. But the most important
aspect, overall, is quality craftsmanship.
DON GRAY DON GRAY CUSTOMS (AKA BOBSTAR CUSTOMS) HENDERSONVILLE, TN 888/822-7780 DONGRAYCUSTOMS.COM
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!
SCOTT DOLAN GRIMSTONE CUSTOMS CLAY TON, NC 919/427-1682 [email protected]
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.
SHAWN HENDERSON HIGHLANDER CUSTOM CYCLES DANIA, FL 954/929-7657 HIGHLANDERCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
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.
SHANNON “SHOE” GOWER HOTSHOE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE ELIZABETH, NJ 908/352-3002 HOTSHOECUSTOMS.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 of
each job is carefully considered for fit, finish, and reliability. As a second-generation shop
owner, I understand that our future depends on our reputation as a shop that can do it all.
BRYAN HAGAN IRON THUNDER CYCLES RALEIGH, NC 919/855-8508 IRONTHUNDER.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 and
finish, and we believe that the last two hours of a build can make or break a bike. Ridability
is just as important as looks — your bike doesn’t look good sitting by the side of the road!
DOUG KEIM DOUG KEIM CREATIVE CYCLES FARMINGDALE, NJ 732/751-1403 CREATIVECYCLES.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.
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OFFERS: Custom parts (product line), ground-up builds, stock customizations.
KURT PETERSON GLACIAL GRAPHICS/SUMO-X GLENWOOD, MN 888/634-4597 GLACIALGRAPHICS.COM
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BRAD RUEL MAD WRENCH CUSTOM CYCLES TAMPA, FL 813/248-4443 THEWRENCHONLINE.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.
MIKE STAFFORD MGS CUSTOM BIKES LANCASTER, CA 661/951-9878 MGSCUSTOMBIKES.COM
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 that
look alike.
ANTONIO RENZI MODESTO CUSTOM CYCLE MODESTO, CA 209/575-4393 MODESTOCUSTOMCYCLE.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 a
touch of chrome or full-blown customization. Honestly, I test my own limits; sometimes
it’s just about seeing what I can get away with.
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 original
character of the bike without over-designing it to where it can’t be recognized.
WAYNE RANSOM RANSOM MOTORSPORTS EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ 609/576-8919 RANSOMBIKES.COM
OFFERS: Ground-up builds.
PHILOSOPHY: We’re starting a new revolution with the Revelation custom bike. With
170 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!
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: Our philosophy is simple: Listen to the customer, provide the highest
quality products and service, and do it right the first time.
KURT SEEGER SEEGER CYCLE NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH 888/479-3288 SEEGERCYCLE.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 of
money. We build bikes that look completely custom but use many stock components. One of
our favorite upgrades is our chopper kit, which stretches the bike without cutting the frame.
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OFFERS: Custom parts (one-offs), ground-up builds, kits, stock customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: We build hardcore custom metric bikes that appeal to the everyday
rider. 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!
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: We put creativity and quality above all else. We appreciate every
customer and work hard to build each bike to the highest detail. Our bikes are built to
win shows while remaining 100 percent reliable and ridable.
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: “Unique: remarkable, having no equal. In other words, the one and
only.” From conservative jobs to extreme ground-up fabrication and unique custom metric
designs, our one-of-a-kind, made-to-order rides make our customers’ dreams a reality.
ANDY MANNA/JUSTIN SCALZI VIKING MOTORCYCLE UPLAND, CA 877/RIDE-VMC VIKINGMOTORCYCLE.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 personal
rides. Our rule is, when it leaves, it’s a “go” bike — something that performs as well as it shows.
ROBERT PRISTAU WICKED CUSTOM CYCLES HIALEAH, FL 305/557-8001 WICKEDCUSTOMCYCLES.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stock
customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: Don’t do it because it’s just a fashion. Do it because it’s a passion.
JAXON FYFFE WILDCARD CUSTOMS BEDFORD, TX 817/571-1066 WILDCARDCUSTOMS.COM
OFFERS: Custom parts (product line and one-offs), ground-up builds, paint, stock
customizations.
PHILOSOPHY: We love to build bikes that blow people’s minds. I want to take a
bike and turn it inside out. I want to show everyone that a metric bike is a fantastic
canvas to do art on. Let me show the world what can be done!
HANS KLOCKES XTREME POWERSPORTS TAMPA, FL 813/626-6060 XTREMEHONDA.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
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METZELER CUSTOM BUILDERS SHOWCASE
METZELER CUSTOM BUILDERS SHOWCASE
CARY EDWARDS PACIFIC COAST STAR LAGUNA HILLS, CA 949/916-7271 PACIFICCOASTSTAR.COM
SKY ASRAEL/JASON LIVINGSTON SINISTER CITY MOTORCYCLES HOLLY HILL, FL 866/32-CYCLE SINISTERCITY.US