The basic stance of the bike was dictated by the Graves/Brighton frame with 10” of upward stretch and super long Mean Street forks. The 330 rear Avon wrapped around a Weld wheel balanced the long bike, giving it a massive look from the rear appropriate for the scale of this nearly 11’ bike. The awesome fuel tank was crafted by Jerry, as was the oil tank, handlebars, taillight, license bracket, and exhaust. A 2005 Trick Shift transmission transferred the 120 horsepower of the “little” S&S engine to the massive rear tire via an open belt primary.

So what did Rob do after taking delivery? He immediately took off on the Key West Poker Run and had a killer time. The bike’s geometry was spot on, so parking lots can be easily handled. Enough of the road could be viewed from the sides of the gas tank, so limited vision wasn’t a problem. In other words, Rob didn’t run over anything. But if Jerry ever builds one any higher, a television camera pointed forward with a screen on the tank will be necessary.

The bike was finished off with a host of high-end components you’ll find in the spec column. Overall, Mr. Defazio was very pleased. He got a custom bike that is very well-made and has a unique look to it, something that is no longer an easy task given the thousands of people building custom bikes these days. If you ever make it down to Boynton Beach, Florida, check out Jerry’s shop. And if you see a large, red chopper jammin’ through Philadelphia with a guy shifting with his hand and staring around the side of his gas tank, give him some room, will ya?

Builder: Jerry Graves, Graves Custom Cycles

Jerry opened his shop in October of 2002 and shortly thereafter built Rat’s Hole winning customs with exotic and original layouts. Previously, he used his degree from Purdue University in industrial management to run a plastics factory. But as a lifelong biker, he decided to follow his passion and enter the bike building business. With a schedule as busy as that of Orange County Choppers, he produces a custom bike about every three or four weeks, mostly made to order and sold in advance. While he will build to a customer’s specs, he usually prefers practical motors as his experience is that they make for a better ownership experience. While preferring a wild look and extreme geometry, Jerry tries to make sure the bike is built well and will make a decent rider for his buyer. His store is located at 403 NE 3^rd Street in Boynton Beach, Florida, and sells parts as well. The phone number is 561-364-BIKE (2453), or check it out on the web at www.gravescustomcycles.com