23/01/2007 by info.

The current crop of custom bike builders is a lot like rock stars. They have to come up with a bike that is on the cutting edge to make people notice but also keep its design within the conventions of contemporary design so that it will appeal to a greater market. They’re much like musicians who have to think up songs that are similar to their original sound so they can keep their current listeners happy. On the other hand, the tune has to be different enough to be considered fresh and new. As with some of the great independent/unsigned bands, builders can be extremely knowledgeable about their craft and receive little or no recognition.It’s easy to see the parallels between popular music and builders. For example, Hank Young could be a musician who likes songs from the ’30s to the ’50s and relates them to contemporary sounds, the way his bikes incorporate old ’30s car parts with a newer-style Evo motor. El Pitts, owner of Vegas City Choppers, would be something like blues fused with rock and a little funk. Johnny Chop was punk rock and old country-western; his minimalist themes and old technology would fit into that category perfectly. Arlen Ness through the ’70s and ’80s would be experimental, testing the range of building much like the rock and roll of the Beatles in the early ’70s. Dave Perewitz and Donnie Smith fall in with good ol’ classic rock with their classic custom-bike lines and paint.

A bike can be built that is technically perfect and runs great, but if the builder lacks imagination (or great marketing), the public won’t pay attention. Manufacturers and shops know how much marketing it takes to get a shop or manufacturer noticed—and some of the most talented shops aren’t interested in making a name for themselves; they just want to build good-looking bikes that run well. The same goes for musicians. A band that only performs covers of other bands’ music will never make it because its members aren’t thinking up anything new—even if they’re playing the songs better than the originals did.Good or bad, each shop and manufacturer is fighting for exposure by building a bike that the media and public can’t resist. Just like a song or an album that puts a band on the map, the same can happen for a shop and a style of bike. Look at Russell Mitchell’s sanitary, black-only bike style, or Matt Hotch’s smooth, flowing sheetmetal and hidden lines. Even Orange County choppers have a distinct style that the informed can easily pick out from a crowd.

So just because your local shop hasn’t been on TV or in any magazines doesn’t mean that they’re doing bad work. Keep in mind that some of the best music is played by unknown musicians, and in the end the good local mechanic that can tune your bike to sound like music to your ears is just as important as all the rock stars out there.

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23/01/2007 by info.

Rucker Performance has unveiled a customer program that redefines the benchmark for customer satisfaction—from the time of the sale to the ride. The FLY-N-BUY program will include a complete round-trip ticket, one night’s stay in Fort Worth, and a factory visit for customers interested in purchasing the new Assassin model.Included in the visit are airport service to the Rucker Performance factory; lunch with founder Bill Rucker; a factory tour; a test ride on the Assassin; custom fitting for handlebars, controls, and seat; and a design consultation to choose the bike’s signature colors along with graphics and paint scheme.

The Assassin is the first OEM-produced motorcycle to run the all-new S&S 124 Twin Cam VFI closed-loop, fuel-injected compression motor as a standard feature. The Assassin also features the new Rucker Performance air-adjustable Air Cushion suspension, an all-billet swingarm, 300 rear tire, and Goldammer front suspension. To find out more about this program and Rucker Performance, contact Rucker Performance at (817) 838-3200, or visit www.ruckerperformance.com.

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23/01/2007 by info.

Tom Zimberoff, author of Art of the Chopper, has a special treat for you: He’s making all his images of your favorite builders available for you to decorate your garage, shop, or rumpus room. Many exclusive items of the highest-quality motorcycle merchandise will ultimately be available at www.ArtoftheChopper.com, with the first offerings including two high-quality, 24×36-inch lithographs of Billy Lane and the late, great Indian Larry. These images can’t be found anywhere else and will be joined by autographed copies of Art of the Chopper, as well as limited and signed editions of Zimberoff’s original photographs.

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23/01/2007 by info.

American IronHorse has completely redesigned its ‘07 Slammer model. The new bike features a crazy split gas tank that exposes the frame’s backbone, a 300mm rear tire, dual PM six-piston differential-bore calipers, and up to a 124ci S&S motor.

For more information, visit your local IronHorse dealer, or visit the company’s website at www.americanironhorse.com

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