As a way to showcase exactly what they are up to at “school” and to have a wee bit of fun doing it, PSI student builders (and obviously kool kids) Brenda Riley, Angelica Hrach, Brandon Timberman, Matt Laughbaum, Tom Lucas, John Fabrizio, Carl Lehman, Samuel Doyle, Nat John, Lucas Berkes, Wade Haller, and Thomas McDaniel ripped apart a 2004 Big Dog and transformed it into their version of a custom bagger. Not only was it done well, but it was good enough to be invited to the 2011 AMD World Championship in Sturgis. In my opinion, throwing these students in contention with the best builders in the world says something pretty damn good about the program and the instructors at PSI, never mind the students’ skills.

It’s great to acknowledge what spectacular work these students did on transforming an old dog into a new dog, but I do think it’s also important to make sure that the aftermarket companies who helped make this dream come true get their due too. So, I’m just gonna blatantly list them and before your next parts purchase, just remember who’s going out of their way to make sure the custom industry has the talent to support itself and who deserves your support too. I doubt too many will surprise you as these are some of the best known and respected companies in the industry – S&S, BAKER Drivetrain, Ride Wright Wheels, Super Trapp, Arlington Plating, DP Brakes, Tricky Air, Corbin, Avon Tires, Gardener-Westcott, Diamond Heads, Daytona Sensors, JIMS Tools, Frame Lock, ACCEL, Cometic Gasket, and Sherwin Williams Paint.

For more information on the PowerSport Institute and what they offer, punch up www.psi-now.com and check it out for yourself even if you aren’’t a kid anymore. Just like the PSI-built Big Dog bagger, it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.