Taking our sportbiker build off idea further, let’s look at frames. The UK seems to have a few shops currently in the business of building custom frames for modern sportbikes. The names Harris and Spondon have been around for some time, Steelheart (pointed out by Doug) seems to be a bit newer to the scene. There’s also Dresda and Nico Bakker (Dutch). The UK and Europe in general, in fact, seem to have a much more active group of rider/builders creating “specials” or “streetfighters” than we have over here in the states. I wonder why? The cafe racer scene like you see at the Ace Cafe has quite a following, yet if you visit their site, many of the photos submitted are from the US. So why isn’t there more activity over here catering to that segment of the market?
Maybe with Harley Davidson being the homegrown motorcycle, people over here feel a closer attachment to the brand and the chopper builders modify that type of bike. Folks over in Europe modify their brands. Maybe, too, with more activity from guys like Michael Czysz or American Cafe Racers, people over here will find there is a whole world outside of choppers. If there was any kind of build off on Discovery like the chopper series, custom sportbikes would take off. Lots of guys just need to see it once and it hits them. There is a lot of room in the custom motorcycle world for non-choppers. It’s time for the alternatives to get a little of the spotlight.
drunkpuppy.net says
Amen.
hoyt says
i posted the topic on Discovery’s message board…..if anyone wants to add to that link I would appreciate it. Thanks Kneeslider !
If Discovery doesn’t pick up on this major opportunity, then maybe Speed Channel or TLC…..
drunkpuppy.net says
Hey, do you guys remember a few years back in RoadRacing World and MotorCycle Tech magazine, there was an article about a place in Texas that made frames and swingarms for Kawasaki EX 500 motors? It was very clever. You could adjust how the motor set in the frame AND you could adjust the swingarm too. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the company though.
Tim Kreitz says
Roland Sands seems to be the closest thing we have to a custom sportbike builder here in the States. That said, he has yet to deviate from the standard, boring V-twin fare of his piers.
The current resurgence in motorcycle popularity has yet to peak, I predict, so we may indeed see the cafe racer seen explode before things die down. Let’s hope so.
Brad Green says
The name of the company IS A N D they are in Livermore Ca.
A very good frame for an EX500 especially for Sears Point
Oh excuuuse me Infinoeon or whatever! BJG
anthony vaughn says
hi im looking for a frame for a 1998 honda cbr600 f3 if u come across one please notify me my number is 515-494-0252 or even a non running cbr with no motor would work thanks.