| When I am asked what kind of customized bikes | | | | our sport because they love what they see on TV, in |
| people will want to ride next year, in 5 years or in the | | | | magazines and in the streets. Yes, as artists, we |
| future, I usually answer that I don't care. When I started | | | | expect recognition & acknowledgment. But |
| building custom bikes professionally 15 years ago, I | | | | everyone should realize that what we do is for the |
| made a choice that I never reneged on: to never to | | | | love of it and that we just try to make a living from our |
| duplicate a one-off bike built for a client, even its color, | | | | passion Whatever their background, physical |
| whatever the amount of money offered to me. There | | | | appearance, style of bikes, the true custom builders |
| is just something about each individual that sets him | | | | (you know who they are) are modern day "greasers" |
| apart. So, since two clients will never be alike, the | | | | identifying themselves with the "Kustom Kulture." They |
| same should be true of their custom motorcycles. It's | | | | are an artistic subculture that celebrates everything |
| what true custom builders do: they innovate for each | | | | custom. Our love for custom motorcycles is still a |
| client. Because we are a close knit community, yes we | | | | mystery, even for ourselves, but it is pure love and we |
| launch big new trends, choppers, bobbers or whatever. | | | | should be respected for such integrity. |
| But inside each trend a true custom builder can be | | | | How the industry and the public can give us more |
| identified by the fact that with each new project he is | | | | respect? By acting such a way that the true custom |
| able somewhat to reinvent a style, to bring new ideas | | | | builders receive the just rewards of their work and |
| mechanically & aesthetically. It's what makes him | | | | may be able to continue to be creative without |
| a true custom builder. | | | | worrying every month about paying the rent. Show |
| We design and build a bike for you and only you, even | | | | organizers: pay us to drive coast to coast to show our |
| if you are a corporation trying to promote itself or a | | | | work. Would you make money without us? To |
| charity trying to raise money for a good cause. So, | | | | motorcycle shops: we give you inspiration and bring |
| why would we care about what the mass wants to | | | | you clients who would like a bike from you, but"just like |
| ride? Custom building a motorcycle is not "one style fits | | | | this one in the magazine". Please, pay us back by |
| all". I must admit that it doesn't sound very smart to try | | | | buying the parts from the original custom builder who |
| to build and grow a business by refusing to take | | | | created them? To the public at large: you pay for |
| advantage of your successes. Most of our custom | | | | what you get, and although I am for free trade, you |
| motorcycle industry is making a living by selling good or | | | | should not buy a China part when you know it's only a |
| bad replicas of the work of the true designers & | | | | copy of the one just created by this custom builder |
| custom builders. And the public must know that these | | | | that you pretend to like so much. One way or the |
| copy machines are the ones who make the most | | | | other, I know for sure that motorcycle design and |
| money by knocking off in the US or in China our | | | | technology will continue to advance. Whatever |
| designs & parts. | | | | tomorrow's style of bikes, custom motorcycles must |
| It doesn't mean that the true custom builder doesn't | | | | remain an object of desire and affection and a pretext |
| want to be an inspiration for others, motorcycle shops, | | | | to new friendships. So, please, whoever he is, respect |
| garage builders, individuals who, maybe, will want to join | | | | and protect your favorite custom builder. |