Ask the man (or woman) who owns one and they’ll tell you “absolutely” or they just don’t care. The few I’ve spoken with seem to love their V-Rods and only have kind words to say about them. But, I did mention “the few” as frankly, I don’t see a lot of them and when I do, they’re usually being ridden, not parked so maybe that says something right there. The few that I have seen...

 “This is where I come in —Start over, disassemble bike, go through everything, reassemble and upgrade with parts like the exposed primary with custom cover, bigger carb to handle the 113” stroker, custom stinger air cleaner, controls, ignition, etc.” It didn’t hurt that the project started with a first-class Rolling Thunder Fat Attitude Softail-style frame sporting six-inches of...

Although I like NASCAR, I am not a die-hard fan like the dozens of people that waited all night in the rain under tarps and umbrellas to be the first in line for autographs. Thaat’s crazy!! What I am is a fan of is the cars themselves. These cars are mechanical marvels built and maintained by some of the best mechanics in the world. Every part on these racing machines is engineered...

  Okay, that’s all a lot of introductory blather on my part, but what I think I’m trying to get at is that everybody has their own idea of what’s cool and what’s currently the hot thing may not be in their taste palette. Radical beyond belief custom baggers or hot rod bobbers might be the flavor of the moment, but that doesn’t deter those who get all hot and sweaty just thinking...

  The thing I like the most about this competition is that the builders vote on the winner, not a bunch of questionable hand-picked judges like myself. If the best should win then the best should judge. In the land of conspiracies this way leaves little to doubt. About the only thing negative I can say about the show was that I don’t think there were 20 bikes there. I...

  Chris left the Twin Cam 88 basically alone as it’s got enough power for any show bike. I mean, how much do you need to just parade around? Good tough looks and a nice set of pipes will do it every time for most people. Throw on an Evil Engineering open belt primary and you’ve got enough visual appeal to satisfy any showgoer. Chris did stay with a set of laced wheels that add just...

  So with all that totally to you unnecessary blather out of the way, let’s get on to T.D.’s striking trike. If there was ever a tough, but pretty one-off trike that bridges all the gaps between show bike, eye-ball searing design, wicked performance, and the often needed practicality of three wheels, T. D. Ward and his main man and tech, Scott Fuchs, have hit the custom world’s...

Fabricator Kevin (formerly known as Kevin Verkest) has been specializing in building parts at his shop, Fabricator Kevin’s Steel Chopper Parts in Clinton Township, Michigan, for the home builder who’s not just bolting on some chrome thingie on his Road King. His expertise in CAD and CNC plasma and laser cutting along with an artist’s eye has provided not only great parts, but...

  Sundance Enterprises Inc. in Tokyo, Japan, is the lovechild of Zak Shibazaki, who makes custom bikes that focus on overall performance, rather than only on looks. The term “Custom Builder” is not an image he really identifies with. If anything, “Custom Engineer” more closely identifies his approach to bike building. When his friend and editor of Japan’s Hard Core Chopper...

  Whatever Buell that engine came from is just about intact other than the engine as TPJ built a new frame, swingarm, tank, fenders, seat, and more to house the engine. A new set of lightweight spoked wheels with Excel rims and Avon tires allows this sucker to be thrown around with reckless abandon, yet all that happens is a bit more seat patina. Braking is courtesy of France by...