To me the customized motorcycle is the pinnacle of all art forms,
not just in the amazing paint work, but in the sculpture, and sound too,
to me the sound of a large V-twin, is music to the ear. Better than that,
they are still usable, I for one used to ride my old XS 650cc hard tail,
bored to 887 (2 SR500 pistons and sleeves gives you that particular bore
size when used in the XS engine, think it used SR con-rod too, but I'm
not totaly sure on that), black, and a bit of a "rat" though it was, everyday
to and from work. I origionaly built it for friend, I bought the frame
already chopped, and another friend did the wiring, I found the engine
which I bought from one of the "scrambler" lads, who used to race it with
a sidecar. and between us we put it together, and on the road. I
did end up owning it eventualy.
In the early days of customizing motorcycles, there very few
well known pioneers. In Britain there was Uncle Bunt who had his showroom
and workshop in Didcot in Oxfordshire, some of my older friends used to
use his shop on occaision, but I only remember walking past it as a little
one (junior gribling or rugrat as we used to say). I have been told built
the original choppers for the biker cult classic movie "Easy Rider", and
Arlen Ness, in the U.S.A., who's
shop
is still running, Arlen Customized his first bike in '67 and started his
shop the next year.
These days there two main types of customized motorcycles, Street
fighters being the newest began, in Britain at least, due to new laws on
"chopping" motorcycle frames, I think it was '86 was the last time we were
allowed to really play with the frames. This is the main reason Street
fighters have standard frames. So both those and the origional type "choppers"
will be featured here. Well they will be when I get more time, and better
piccies of some, If your into Streetfighters, or have one and you want
to join a uk based streetfighter club, check http://www.streetfightersclub.org.uk/index.php.
Some more Custom bike links...
In the U.S. I have worth mention are ...
http://www.alligatorbob.com/,
what this man do for your Chopper as fascinating, wicked leather/skin specialist
just hope they ate all the doners!
This one I've added for those who want something different from
the local stuff.
http://www.hotbikeparts.com/index.php?main_page=index
I've been asked if I know any good paint sprayers for this section,
so try, www.be-unique.com some nice lids & paitwork there for you,
there a couple more in the dealers and accessories section too. |
Click on Logo above for custom index
Click on photo's to see more and larger photo's.
This machine was seen at the International Bike Show N.E.C.
This machine was seen at the International Bike Show N.E.C
This bike was seen at the double trouble rally in North Somerset and
is also featured in the does section
Photo's are, as usual, by Si (Booger) Broberg
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