For Nick Gale, the Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) custom produced more than pleasing results when finished, but it pushed him to the limit when it came to creativity. For example, the bike does not have a normal sidestand. Nick created a special hidden center stand that utilizes a Legend Air hydraulic system that lowers the stand and raises the bike. When it’s time to ride, the hydraulic system quickly tucks the centerstand neatly away under the bottom end of the frame just behind the engine.
This custom bike has no keys. It starts and shuts off with hidden switches that have to be pressed in the correct pattern, which is known only by the owner. Hit the wrong switch and the bike will remain immobilized. A very neat and reliable system. The bike is fitted with a 23-inch front tire and a 380mm wide rear tire. The frame is designed so that the rear wheel sits dead center, which allows the bike to run in a smooth and straight path.
Exhaust design plays a significant part in the overall enhancement and appearance of a custom built motorcycle. The sound of the exhaust system is also important, and louder doesn’t always mean better. The curvy design of the P&D modified exhaust system used on the Rosso Corsa is precisely shaped and molded. The pipes upsweep along the side of the seat and are placed in such a manner that they don’t burn or even cause uncomfortable heat for the rider’s rear end. A quick glance could easily make one think the pipes are too close for comfort.
All the switches, except the hidden ones, are located on the top of the gas tank on a one off billet plate. The electronic speedo and tachometer is also located on the gas tank, giving the bike the look and feel of a race car.
The Rosso Corsa is a custom motorcycle masterpiece built in honor of one of the highest paid sport figures in the world, Michael Schumacher, who earns an annual salary of $80 million plus, which is second only to that of golfer Tiger Woods. Speaking of money, the bike’s photo shoot was done in southern France in the beautiful Riviera area. During the photo session, a wealthy French gentleman just happened to walk by and fall in love with the bike. He offered Nick $120,000 cash for the custom machine and wanted to take immediate possession. Nick loves his Schumacher custom and had to turn down the offer, but promised to build him an exact copy. So a clone is in the making. Stay tuned, you can expect more radical custom machines from NGCC.
Builder
Nick Gale is a bike builder with an amazing ability to create award winning custom motorcycles. Many of his bikes have won major trophies in top European custom bike shows. He and his father, David, plan to visit the 2005 Biketoberfest event and enter some of their machines in the fall show.
Nick started building bikes as an extra hobby, in addition to his favorite pastime of collecting rare wristwatches. His bikes quickly caught the attention of the public and now his hobby has evolved into an enjoyable business. He works with Paul Lamar, who owns the Three Rivers H-D dealership, which is Europe’s largest H-D dealership and is located in London.
NGCC is currently producing approximately 30 custom bikes per year with a price tag that starts around $55,000 for a handcrafted custom machine and runs up to $115,000 for a bike such as the Rosso Corsa. Harley framed bikes start around $27,000 for a custom Sportster and go up to approximately $50,000 for a heavily customized Big Twin.
SPECIFICATIONS | |
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Owner: | Eddie Marin / SCC |
Designer: | Tako / SCC |
Make/Year: | 2005 Bones Bike |
Model: | X-Ray |
Fabrication: | SCC / Freddy |
Assembly: | SCC / Kris |
Build Time: | 1 Year |
Engine Size/Type: | 124†TP |
Pipes: | Martin Brothers, Slickstas |
Transmission: | Roadmax 6-Speed |
Primary Drive: | Hi-Tech |
Frame: | 2004 Rigid, Race Innovations / SCC |
Rake: | 38 Degrees |
Stretch: | 6″ Up / Dropseat SCC |
Front End: | Paughco |
Front Wheel: | Xtreme Machine |
Rear Wheel: | Xtreme Machine |
Rear Brakes: | PM |
Front Brakes: | Paughco |
Fuel Tank: | Tako / SCC |
Oil Tank: | Tako / SCC |
Rib Cage: | Eric, Tako, SCC |
Front Fender: | Tako / SCC |
Rear Fender: | Tako / SCC |
Bars: | Paughco |
Headlight: | J.B.S. Engineering |
Chrome Plater: | V.M.A. Chrome Specialist / Victor |
Painter: | Tako / SCC |
Type: | Candy’s, Bone Texture |
Special Paint: | Sonny Depalma |
Seat / Builder: | Hi-Tech / Leo |
Special Thanks: | Russ / Russ Racing, Jeff / JT’s Welding, Sickasso Cycle Creations, Sonny Depalma |
Model: | Claudia Verela |