Karns Kustoms’ “Wrench in charge”, Adam Karns, has been quietly knocking out one award-winning custom after another since 2003 and proudly refers to them as “garage built” since that’s actually where they’ve been birthed. Nothing wrong with that, in fact you could say Adam was actually ahead of his time. Some of the biggest and well known builders have retreated to their garages and have turned out some of their best ever customs according to me at least. I love it when imagination and talented fabrication replaces deep pockets as the inspiration behind a build.

Lil Hot Rod is a choice name for this bike as that’s exactly what it looks like, a hot rod on two wheels. Adam started this build with a tatty 1996 883 Sporty and knew that one of the easiest ways to put the hot in hot rod was opening up the cylinders to much more hot roddy 1200cc. That extra 320cc’s gives instant street cred over having to say, “It’s an 883.” Adam added another bit of built-in tough with a change from the 883’s aluminum engine finish to a tough guy black combo of paint and powdercoat. He also whipped up a twin-pipe, header wrapped high exhaust that snakes through the frame behind the rear cylinder on their way to dumping out on the left side of the bike behind the primary. Speaking of the primary, Adam mounted a cool jockey shifter directly to it and with the foot operated clutch, the bars are almost control-free and clean.

Modifying the stock frame is a no-brainer these days as it makes life so easy in the real world of DMVs and such. It’s also something that started the chopper world in garages all across America before replacement chopper frames became the norm. Adam added a Led Sled Customs rigid rear end that brought along a nice 4” stretch to better balance the Sporty’s proportions. It also allowed him to install a 200mm rear tire that looks just fat and tough enough without looking silly. Up front he installed a DNA springer cradling a 21” spoked wheel that he’s running brakeless while any attempts at stopping are handled by the rear-mounted Wilwood caliper dragging on a Drag Specialties rotor.

Bodywork consists of a tank built from virgin sheet steel and a modified WCC rear fender. Like any true hot rod, bodywork is minimal but what there is is clean of line. The one-off take on Mopar Sublime Green was shot by John Dunning while Jason Wharton did the graphics including that crazy set of exhaust eyeballs. The tasteful solo seat is by Rich Phillps Seat Company and sits on a pair of springs that try their best to keep Adam’s eyes from rattling when he wicks up Lil Hot Rod’s throttle.

All in all, Adam’s put together a bike worthy of the hot rod title and regardless of my stupid “cute” accusations, is one cool-ass ride. To see more of what he’s up to visit www.karnskustoms.com.