One dictionary definition of “rigid” is undeviating conformity. So when is a rigid not a rigid? Well in Frank’s case it starts with the Vendetta’s DRM designed frame that is obviously rigid, but it incorporates other design elements which make it stand out from other rigid production bikes. The exposed curved backbone has a large DRM gas tank that appears to be floating in space as one can see daylight all around it. Looks like you could just rip it out of the frame and take it down to the gas station to fill it up, very cool. Complimenting this airy design element is the single down tube that is carved from a chunk of curved solid steel and then shot full of light emitting holes. Like that guy Waldo, where’s the oil tank?  If you keep looking, you’ll find it hidden under the tranny, Waldo’s somewhere else. All these unique DRM touches totally expose the frame, giving it a simple, mechanical look. Like I said, this rigid creates its own definition of rigid, Funk & Wagnalls be damned.

DRM’s website lists frame specs a little differently than most. For instance, frame stretch is listed as “man size” while rake is “more than you got.” I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I did find out that the MID-USA Fat Bastard 12” over fork is actually hanging on a 48 degree rake while grasping a 21” RC Components Predator wheel which is echoed in the back, but in a wide 18” rim with a 280mm Metzler pushing the 120 Metzler front like the fat bully it is. Traction should not be a problem.

Hey, maybe I’m wrong on that traction thing. The Vendetta just has to absolutely haul ass with the S&S Super Sidewinder 113” providing forward motion. BDL’s open belt primary acts as the intermediary between that big mill and a Biker Pros Roadmax RSD five-speed transmission connected to that earth spinner rear wheel by a traditional chain wrapped around an Exile sprocket kit. . Hey Frank, you need to let me see for myself if traction is a problem, okay? DRM’s own Hell Raiser pipes imitate cartoon character Snagglepuss’s famous catch-phrase, “Exit, stage left,” balancing the bike weight-wise and adding a different look. By their seeming lack of muffling capacity, they appear to be aptly named too. When too much Hell is raised, yanking on the Performance Machine hand and Choppers Inc foot controls will connect you to the PM brakes so you don’t have to give your license and registration over to a uniformed brake and sound inspector by the side of the road. How much Hell you raise is left up to you, but at least you can end it easily before you have to pass papers.

Perched on the Paul Cox solo seat and stretching out to the DRM bars is a pleasant place to be and hard to feel like you’re on a production bike instead of a one-off. Details abound from judicious use of superior quality aftermarket parts like Exile and Chopper’s Inc to the tucked in and tidy, old school headlight complimented by the simple sissy bar mounted on ample DRM rear only fender. A Choppers Inc tail light does what it’s supposed to. Killer Creations tops it off with a way cool paint job that makes that gap from custom to production be very blurry. Speaking of that, production customs have to be made to cross that line in another way by being roadworthy as well, as their customers expect to be able to really use them, DRM is set to oblige them. Death Row Motorcycles is a licensed manufacturer, Kelly Blue Book and Nada listed and is ready to provide you with a wide variety of styles from simple bobbers to modified customs ranging in price from 19 to 65 big ones. If you’re ready to plead guilty to being interested in what Death Row offers, call them at 570-788-1660570-788-1660 or fire up the hard drive and surf on over to www.deathrowmotorcycles.com. Although their website promises you “the ride of your afterlife,” personally I’d skip that part and just enjoy the Vendetta in the here and now.

Up Close

This 5-speed right side drive transmission is one of many styles manufactured by Roadmax.  They make 5 and 6-speed transmissions for Dynas, FXRs, and Softails as well as 6-speed conversion kits for late model Harley-Davidsons.  A volume manufacturer who targets aftermarket builders who build hundreds of bikes a year, their products are also available to individual builders through their distributors Pro One, V-Twin and Biker’s Choice.  They manufactured 10,000 transmissions last year and offer a three year unlimited mileage direct replacement warranty.  As horsepower and tire width increase, Roadmax is planning to keep pace, designing stronger products to handle the increased loads. See www.roadmax.net for more.

Builder: Life in the Hot Seat

It’s a tough time to be manufacturing motorcycles right now. With all the coming EPA rules and what seems like millions (actually 1400 is the number bandied about) of manufacturers in operation, what’s a boy to do? Well Frank Stancato, founder of Death Row Motorcycles, is forging ahead into un-charted territory with only total success as a goal. DRM was started in 2003 in Washington State and has grown from a one man operation to seven highly skilled individuals (MMI certified) who produce a varied line of complete production customs within the confines of their new Pennsylvania shop. “I was influenced by great builders like Billy Lane, Eddie Trotta and especially Jeff Nicklus of Desperado Motorcycles,” said Frank, “I want to build production bikes that are not your everyday chopper, but are uniquely different.” That difference he’s searching for is done in-house in their new machine shop where DRM is also prototyping two new bikes and up to fifteen new parts that will be available soon. Currently wheels and pipes are available, but keep an eye out for other items. Frank’s another young builder with an off-road background who turned to the custom bike market to make a living. “I don’t get out as much as I’d like to with the business getting so busy and all, but I ride as often as I can,” said Frank. Taking care of business is important to him as he knows there is going to be a shakeout in this business, “Guys who aren’t taking the right steps are not going to work out in this business, I’m going to,” states Frank.  “I am part of everything done here from design to hands on, but I’m spending more time making sure the business is being run right,” he said.  Further adding, “We’re going to be at twelve shows in 2006 so we can communicate more with people, hopefully they’ll get to see and ride our bikes and I think we’ll show them who we are. We’re here to stay.” 

SPECIFICATIONS Builder: Death Row Motorcycles, Frank Stancato – president, Nick Lauro, Jesse Martin, Brad Sharwell – builders, Greg Stauffer – designer, Chuck Heathcoat – parts manager
Make:	Death Row Motorcycles
Model:	Vendetta
Year:	2005
Engine:	113” V-twin, air cooled, manufactured for Death Row Motorcycles by S&S
Transmission:	5-speed Right Side Drive Roadmax
Pipes:	Martin Brothers Trendkill
Air Cleaner:	Huze Velocity Stack
Transmission:	6-speed, Polished and chrome RSD
Wheelbase:	7’9”
Frame:	Death Row designed – round and tube steel with solid steel block single stylized downtube
Rake:	48 degrees
Fuel tank:	Death Row
Front Suspension:	Fat Bastard
Oil tank:	Death Row
Paint:	Kill Kreations, NJ