What began life as a 1996 883 Sporty has now become a rideable work of art. That comment about photos not doing justice rings true when you start peering into the depths of his bike. Take that oil tank that serves as a rear fender of sorts, what a delightful way to incorporate something into the design instead of feeling like it’s an add-on. It’s so beautifully integrated that you could see it and miss it at the same time. Or just roam around the handlebar area and take in all the different stuff going on yet never feels like it’s busy. Or the use of multiple aluminum plates for mounting the fuel tank, tail section, or the number plate/headlight/oil cooler setup. They’re all great and cohesive visual elements that are even echoed in the rear stand and don’t look like they’re trying to be part of a theme, just a natural evolution of style. And, style is what Steve does best with a subtlety that’s quietly dramatic. His designs are not set in stone before he begins, but are like a living machine that evolves until it’s just right. Again, the closer you look, the better and better an Iacona Custom Cycles’ build gets. Just like himself, his bikes aren’t some crazy flamboyant creation, but full of character and honesty that speaks for itself and the guy who built them.

Working out of his Brooklyn shop, Steve’s managed to build just about everything you see here without needing millions of dollars of equipment. Sure there’s a lathe, English wheel, and a good lathe, but not a Waterjet machine or anything of that ilk in sight. Things are truly handmade there. Steve even handles all the engine work including a total rebuild of the old 883 into a 1200cc with Buell cylinders and heads. The dual 30mm Mikuni setup is not just for looks as he doesn’t do anything just for shock value. It’ll run hard and clean as he won’t have less than perfect when it comes to performance. Maybe you noticed the New York plates and those aren’t just for show either. I’ve seen him ride his bike we featured in Barnett’s Magazineto shows in Sturgis that he ended up winning against trailered customs. And not just parade cruising around either, but riding the pee out of it because that’s what he enjoys.

Steve’s a great builder, a hard worker, a wonderful husband and dad (his wife told me so), smart, and to top it off, he’s no stiff, but a real fun guy too. Oh man, I’m showing my man crush terribly, but spend some time with him and you’ll feel exactly the same way. Oh, and his bikes are simply stunning too.

For more information on Iacona Custom Cycles, visit his new site that’s still a wee bit under construction www.iaconacustomcycles.com (or this more active link to his old one http://iaconacustomcycles.com/motorcycles.html) and see what all the fuss is about.