I’m just a biker who found a living in the motorcycle press side of our industry, thanks to the big bastard Bandit. Some call me a writer others a hack, so when a talented builder, craftsman, designer, engineer volunteers to write his own story, I’ll head to the bar and let him have at it. The following was scribed by Darren ho, Roger’s partner of Kustom Fab in Hawaii–Renegade
After coming home from a Vegas road trip, It was decided, it was time to shake things up. It was proposed to Mr. Kuwahara that we should participate in the first Hawaiian Biker Build-Off. This was a contest to match-up the fabrication skills of Roger Kuwahara of Kustom Fab against the skills of Shannon Aikau of Counts Customs. The competition would allow both builders to show off their fabrication skills.
Fortunately, for us, we had a couple of concepts and tricks up our sleeves for just this occasion. We pondered a new frame design that would incorporate a cantilever seat. It was an idea that Roger has had for a few years and now seemed as good a time as any to try it out. We started brain storming and after hours of crazy ideas, we decided to call the bike Fusion. It was a concept of mixing old, traditional bike ideas with modern, sleek new ideas.
The first thing we needed was a sponsor for this hot new bike. A good friend of the shop and customer, Mr. Lindemann, was willing to give us free reign to design this dream bike. So with a sponsor who was just as excited as we were, we started production. Everyone had their “missions.” Mel’s job was to chase down all the parts needed. Roger had to start the seat fabrication and think of new concepts for all the LED lighting being incorporated. And the newest member of the team, Scotty, did whatever else was possible including sweeping the decks and running for lunch. For myself I concentrated on the frame Mods.
Besides all of the regular obstacles that come along with building a bike, the fact that it was being filmed non-stop seemed to make everything things harder. But like any other obstacle, we overcame it. Roger, aka “Mad Scientist” was constantly changing and adding new and unique designs to the mix. Some ideas fell through, but most of them were brought to life. From the Neon light in the beaker neck gusset, to one of the coolest seat mechanisms ever built, they worked.
All that was needed to dazzle onlookers was a glistening paint job that would blow people away. Dennis Matheson of Cosmic Air Brush was able to lay down a paint scheme to enhance and compliment each design of the bike.
With all the crazy-ness of television, deadlines, and wacked ideas, I’m happy to say that the story ended well. Roger was able to walk away with the Biker Build-off Victory and the bike pleased the people. All this work couldn’t have been done without the help of many people. Mahalo nui loa:
Rocky of Pure Kustoms Seats, for the sick seat work.
Tigman of World class Welding for the Tank help.
Tomo for the body work to the tank.
Mercury customs for the prototype electrical box.
Crime Scene Inc for the oil tank & air cleaner
Alisa for the home cooked meals during those late nights at the shop
and whoever else helped, you know who you are!
Fusion:The act or process of melting or making plastic by heat. A union made by use of light atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei with the release of huge quantities of energy Just in case you didn’t know.–Renegade
FUSION SPEC SHEET
Owner: George Lindeman
City/State: Honolulu, Hawaii
Builder: Kustom Fab Choppers, Roger Kuwahara
City/state: Honolulu, Hawaii, (808) 847-5322
Fabrication: Kustom Fab, Roger Kuwahara
Manufacturing: Darren Ho
Welding:Kustom Fab
Machining:Kustom Fab
Engine
Year:2005
Make: S & S
Model: Shovel
Displacement: 93 Cubic Inches
Builder or Rebuilder: S&S
Cases: S&S
Case finish: Natural
Barrels:S&S
Pistons: S&S
Barrel finish:Black
Lower end:S&S
Rods:S&S
Heads:S&S
Head finish: Natural
Valves and springs: S&S
Pushrods: S&S
Cams: S&S
Lifters: S&S
Carburetion: S&S “G”
Other: Crime Scene Choppers Air Cleaner
Transmission
Year:2005
Make: Baker RSD
Gear configuration: 6-SPD
Final drive: Chain
Primary: DM 1 ½-inch Belt
Clutch: PM
Frame
Year: 2005
Make: Martin Bros./ Kustom Fab
Style or Model: Trend Kill
Stretch:1-inch up 6 inches Foward
Rake: 47 degrees
Modifications: Seat Area removed and Gusseted
Front End
Make: Fred's Frames Springer
Model: Wide Glide Springer
Year: 2005
Length: +12
Mods: Nickel Plated and Scuffed
Sheet metal
Tanks: Tigman, Kustomfab
Fenders: Kustom Fab/ Fat Kat2
Panels: Kustom Fab
Oil tank: Crime Scene Choppers
Other: Hard Copper Oil Lines
Paint
Sheet metal: Kustom Fab
Molding: Tomo/Cosmic's
Base coat: Alsa-Copper Candy
Graphics: Comisc's
Frame: Dennis
Molding:Cosmic's
Base coat: Copper Candy
Graphics or art: Cosmic's
Special effects: Cosmic's Weathered Look
Wheels
Front
Make: P/M Contour “windowmaker”
Size: 21×2.15
Brake calipers: PM 2 Piston
Brake rotor(s): Russel
Tire: Metzler
Rear
Make: PM Counter “Widowmaker”
Size:18×10
Brake calipers: PM
Brake rotor: PM
Pulley:PM
Tire: Metzler 280
Controls
Foot controls: PM
Finish: Scuffed
Master cylinder: PM
Brake lines: Internal
Handlebar controls: P/M
Finish: Scuffed
Clutch Cable: None
Brake Lines: Internal
Electrical
Ignition: Mallory
Ignition switch:
Coils: Nology
Regulator: Scuffed
Charging: Compu-Fire
Wiring: Special Kustom Fab
Harness: Mercury
Headlight: Euro components
Taillight: Kustom Fab L.E.D
Accessory lights:Kustom Fab
Electrical accessories:custom Lighting by Kustom Fab
Switches: Minimal
Battery: Oddessey
What's Left
Seat: Pure Kustoms (Rocky)
Pipes: Kustom Fab
Mufflers:Nope
Exhaust finish: Nickel Plated
Gas caps: Pop-up
Handlebars: Independent
Grips: PM
Pegs: PM
Oil filter: Drop-In
Oil cooler: Nope
Oil lines: Kustom Fab
Fuel filter: Nope
Fuel Lines: Nope
Throttle: Stinger Internal
Throttle cables: One
Fasteners: Stainless Stell-Scuffed
Specialty items: Pure Kustom Seat- One off seat/ Shock Mechanism – Skeleton hand motor mount one of wiring accents and cloth covered wire.
Comments: Build-off bike winner against Count's Kustoms, Las Vegas
Credits: Thanks to the build crew, Darren HoScotty Wrecked, Mel Takano, Dennis Mathewson, Tomo, Rocky, Greg Zabinski, all friends and family.Special Thanks to Count's Kustoms crew, Danny, shannon, Correli, George, Pat, and Jimmy. We miss you, RIP.
