Rusty and the Illusion gang just signed up as Bikernet Sponsors, January of 2010. I've known Rusty Coones for 20 years. I've watched him through the ups and downs of life, but Rusty always worked hard. He's a creative type, a rider, and a businessman. He also has a rock band, Attika. It's about to scramble through a nationwide tour.
The Bikernet staff enjoys working with sharp, no-nonsense companies who put their customers first. It's hard to explain, but I'll try to paint a picture. I don't know about you, but when I wander into a shop, first impressions are critical. I like a clean orderly shops that contain style. Illusion's shop is comfortable, clean and there's style evident right down to how they colorfully painted the concrete walls and detailed the floors.
Then I checked out the bikes. No frills here, but tough customs, again with unique hard-riding style elements, such as wild but strong tall billet risers, or one-off exhaust systems that flow with the lines of the bike and still contain mufflers. Then there are two aspects of any shop that jumps out at me. If a shop is neat, and the tools are cared for with respect, I'm impressed. Finally, detail build aspects are critical. If a bike is properly detailed, it will generally hang together for the long haul. Illusion bikes are finely assembled with carefully strengthened brackets, thoughtfully placed electronics, and well thought out wiring. These bikes are tight.
So, what level of service does the Illusion Team supply? They are capable of product design and manufacturing. T-Rod is a master with sheet metal, trained by his dad. They handle engine and transmission rebuilds, or pure service work.
Illusion is one of a few motorcycle manufacturers currently selling a California Air Resources Board/EPA-approved bobber in the state of California. Illusion can put you on one of these beauties for around $19,900 with all conforming hardware, compliance stickers, and DOT approved lighting. Insurance and financing is a snap because Illusion is a certified manufacturer.
If you custom order one of these bobbers, Illusion will build it to your exact specifications and your chosen paint theme. Rusty runs a tight fabrication shop at Illusion and tells us that he can build just about anything you can imagine. You can purchase an Illusion motorcycle or a ground up custom. They're game for anything.
With Billy McCahill of Spyke engineering and Compu-Fire at Rusty's back, they offer a complete line of compliant Illusion motors and transmissions ranging in size from 80 to 114 cubic inches. Their transmissions are beefed with steel bars for performance applications. Bikernet will cover their engines and transmissions shortly.
Anyone who’s ever tried registering in California a home-built machine knows just how tough it can be when you don’t have all your ducks in a row. But if you’re building a custom bike in your garage, Illusion Cycles can set you up with a CARB and EPA-approved V-twin engine; it will make your life a lot easier.
Illusion currently offers a 107-inch V-twin for $4,050. This comprehensive motor package includes all conforming hardware and stickers to prove compliance with the California Air Resources Board and EPA. With this you get a polished motor with Spyke dual-fire ignition, Spyke ignition coil, 42mm Mikuni carb and manifold, conforming airbox, all necessary compliance stickers (with installation instructions) and an engine owner’s manual.
If you need a transmission for your project, Illusion can provide a 6-speed left or right-side drive starting at $800. They are available with a black or polished case. And if you have a need for speed, make sure to ask then about a transmission with the inner steel bar support; these will handle serious horsepower.
I'm sure Bikernet will be working with the Illusion team on tech projects over the next couple of years. We will bring you all the reports.
Click on the Illusion banner below to visit their website and tell ‘em Bikernet sent you.
Illusion Cycles
14726 Goldenwest St #F
Westminster, Ca. 92683
714-894-1942 office
714-894-1922 fax
illusionoc@gmail.com
www.illusionmotorcycles.com
