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The Art of Bike Building
By Janet Dacal
Motors revved up last
Sunday in North Miami, FL.
Phil Peterson's Harley Davidson hosted the
Chopper Build Off, providing builders an outdoor forum to display their
motorcycle creations and compete for top prizes.
People of all ages made their way to the event. For those hard of hearing, a
local Classic Rock Station doused them with loud music.
Custom-built choppers are works of Art -- depending on the detail, it can
take thousands of dollars and up to six months to design and build.
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| Janet with Jerry Graves from Graves Custom
Choppers |
I spoke with some of the builders. As artists, they are passionate about
their work. Still, they couldn't help appreciate the work of their
rivals.
One bike caught our attention. The bike's body, painted in blood
red and iridescent orange, glimmered in the hot sun.
Ray from
Insane Custom Designs said this bikes theme was inspired by the movie, Pirates
of the Caribbean. Custom rims with spokes designed as jagged knives were just
one of the outstanding features on this bike. This sleek machine also sported a
brown-leather, snakeskin seat and metal work that flowed without seams to create
a truly superior design. This bike sold for a staggering $90,000+ we were
told.
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courtesy: Discovery Channel - Jesse
James |
Popular television programs like American Chopper and West Coast Chopper
featuring Jesse James', prove America's appetite for custom
motorcycles.
Building a custom bike takes skill, creativity,
precision and dedication. Each piece of the bike is sculpted to fit together
perfectly, like a puzzle. Intricately painted murals, hand-built parts, and
innovative ideas give each bike an identity of its own.
Marlow from
Gangster Custom Cycles displayed a partially built custom bike sporting Dynamite
sticks for an oil tank. The sheet metal work was done in copper. An antique
revolver added to create a classic 1920's gangster look.
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Chopper Build Off
The Video: 
Photo Gallery:
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I
found that the competition was not about who had the best bike. It was about a
community that gathers to appreciate the creative work of their fellow
artisans.
The builders will tell you that they have found a way to earn a
living doing what they love, to make art out of their custom
creations.
Next time you hear a motorcycle engine reverberating
through the streets, take a look, - a work of art may be passing you by. -
ArtsyStuff Magazine
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| Janet with Ray from Insane Custom Cycles -
Pirates Theme Chopper - more in video |
Janet with Jerry - Graves Custom
Cycles |
Credits:
Janet Dacal - Reporter
Bibo - Cameraman
Hunter
Photography - http://www.hunterphoto.com
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