Collector-car auction houses expecting very good year

Vintage Ferraris, classic Duesenbergs and American muscle cars again are drawing investors' interest, and for the past week, metro Phoenix has been the place to make a bid.The market for high-end specialty cars tanked in the recession, but many auction houses had their best year ever in 2010 and are optimistic this year's sales will come in substantially higher.Six different auctions were scheduled in sites from Tolleson to Scottsdale, beginning with the Phoenix Classic and Exotic Car Auction Jan. 14 and ending with Silver Auction's "last chance" sale on Jan. 29.The big week for sales wraps up today. It's one of the world's biggest groups of auctions held at in the same time period in one general location, rivaling the late-summer sales in Pebble Beach, Calif.The ambience ranges from the high-testosterone theme-park atmosphere at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at Scottsdale's WestWorld to the subdued elegance of RM Auctions event at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.The events attract hundreds of thousands of spectators, car buffs and collectors. Spectators and bidders fill hotel rooms, jam restaurants and give Arizona's economy a major boost each January.For some auction houses, the market's recovery came too late. Kruse International and International Classic Auctions, which had long-running Phoenix-area events, went out of business during the downturn.Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auction co., said the improving economy and rising stock market have made people more comfortable about splurging on collectibles.The year "2011 should be a very good year," Jackson said. about $178 million worth of collector cars sold at a week of auctions in Pebble Beach in August, up from $118 million in 2009. If Pebble Beach is any indicator, sales in metro Phoenix could top $200 million, eclipsing the $122.6 million in sales at 2010's string of seven mid-January auctions. Most of the auctions conclude today, and the results will be tabulated afterward.Jackson said that his company has seen a 50 percent increase in new bidders for this year's sales."We could see 300,000 people go through the gates," he said.Vintage and classic vehicles are increasingly seen as a viable investment alternative, sometimes appreciating much faster than stocks or bonds, he said."It's an investment you can have fun with," he said, noting that buyers should be more concerned with buying something they like than earning a profit.What's hotAston Martin DB4s and DB5s from the late 1950s and early 1960s have appreciated particularly well, said Don Rose, a car specialist with RM Auctions, one of six firms that held auctions over the past week.Mercedes 300 SLs, produced from 1955 to 1963, continue to go up in price. Londoner Alex Ladi picked up a 2005 Motor City custom chopper motorcycle at Barrett-Jackson for $25,850 on Wednesday and was looking to make other purchases throughout the week. He was in town with his father and brother, adding to their collection of 65 cars and seven motorcycles.He was sent to Barrett-Jackson, while his brother was at the Russo and Steele auction, and his father planned to focus on the RM Auctions and Gooding & co. sales.This year they are particularly interested in vintage Corvettes and classics from the 1920s and 1930s. "We look at our cars as pieces of art and only buy the best of the best," Ladi said.Joe Clevenger of Kansas City, Mo., attending his fifth Barrett-Jackson auction, was impressed by the large crowds early in the week and the influx of Canadian buyers.His red and black 1955 custom Chevrolet convertible was going on the block Saturday, and he hoped it would bring $135,000 to $140,000.Clevenger specializes in '55 Chevys and usually restores about one a year, which he sells at Barrett-Jackson.Gary and Cathy Sweet traveled from New York to attend Barrett-Jackson as spectators. They own a 1968 Corvette and a 1992 Corvette and have been watching the auction on television for years."We just wanted to experience it live," Cathy Sweet said.Paul Godfrey, who owns a 1965 Corvette, flew in from Napa, Calif., and was surveying the auction lineup at RM Auctions on Thursday. He and a friend, who owns a Mercedes 300 SL, planned to attend the auction that night and hit Barrett-Jackson on Friday.Lots of nichesThe giant weeklong Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event, celebrating its 40th season in Scottsdale, always has been a dominant player."We were the first, and the others are just riding on our coattails," Jackson said.Over the years, the other auction houses have specialized, developing their own niche and followings.St. Louis-based Motoexotica Classic Cars, which held its first auction in the Arizona this year, joined Gooding & co., RM Auctions, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions and Silver Auctions as competitors.Even though Barrett-Jackson and Russo and Steele waged a fierce turf battle late last year over a north Scottsdale auction site, the companies don't believe the field in Arizona is getting too crowded."The different auction houses go after different markets," Jackson said.Shelby Myers, a specialist for British collector cars for RM Auctions, added, "Each auction house brings its own level of clients, and everybody feeds off each other.""Barrett-Jackson is bigger and more casual and RM is smaller and more elegant," said Roger Russell of Tucson, who owns a rare 1957 willow-green Thunderbird.Stephanie Quinn, a spokeswoman for Russo and Steele, said, "Indications are extremely positive."She said that there were three times as many pre-registered bidders this year than last and more interest from international buyers.Quinn acknowledged that competition was intense among the auction houses for the top cars."It would be easier to line up consignments if there were one or two auctions, but you would never attract anywhere near the people you get when you have all these sales," she said.The demise of the Kruse and ICA auctions helped attract Motoexotica."We saw an opportunity, and it worked out well for us," Motoexotica president Scott Brandt said.More than 100 vehicles sold at the event at Manheim Auction's indoor auction arena at 201 N. 83rd Ave. in Tolleson. "We had a great time for our first auction here, and we will be back next year," Brandt said. He said the company was still tabulating the total sales.Typically owners consign their vehicles to be sold by an auction house, which takes a percentage of the sales price as a fee. Motoexotica wants to make its auction more accessible to the general public, with less onerous credit requirements for bidders and lower-priced cars."We're trying to bring in cars that people can afford," Brandt said.Quinn estimated the average selling price at the Russo and Steele auction will range from $80,000 to $100,000. Gooding & co. spokeswoman Katie Hellwig said the average selling price at the firm's 2010 auctions was $413,000.Santa Monica-based Gooding & co., which is holding its fourth annual auction at Scottsdale Fashion Square this year, specializes in ultra-high-end vehicles.'Comeback year'Russo and Steele came back after last year's calamitous collapse of its auction tent during a storm that caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage to a number of vehicles."This is our comeback year," Quinn said. "We have a new auction facility and a new format that allowed general-admission ticket holders into the bidding arena. last year only bidders were allowed in the auction tent."The tent collapse during a fierce storm damaged about 50 cars whose owners initially sued Russo and Steele. The car owners have now joined with the auction house in a pending lawsuit against Tri-Rentals, the company that provided the event tent.Tri-Rentals is a subsidiary of the Los Angeles-based Classic Party Rentals, which declined to comment on the lawsuit.Out of the mixTwo long-running auctions were absent this year.Kruse International Auctions, a mainstay in Scottsdale since 1972, suspended sales last summer due to mounting financial problems and charges it failed to pay consignors.Owner Dean Kruse is working to pay off his debts and hopes to be back in business sometime in the future.International Classic Auctions, which held events on the 11-acre Diamond Ranch in Gilbert for the past six years, did not operate this year, citing the poor economy. The auction featured moderately priced muscle cars, classics and street rods.ICA owner Stan Torgerson did not respond to requests for comment.Reach the reporter at max ..

Collector-car auction houses expecting very good year

Sideshow: Rendell to be NBC analyst

"While the Stateside Jersey Shore locales have become iconic," says MTV exec veep Chris Linn, "it's really the constantly evolving dynamic amongst the cast that keeps them coming back." (Next he'll tell us the show is the culminating dialectical synthesis of Nature and Spirit foretold by Hegel.)Snooki, The Situation, JWoww, and pals are "headed to the birthplace of the culture they love and live by," Linn says. "We can't wait to see what erupts as a result."Dude, it's like, après nous, le déluge . . . .Kate Middleton gives up job Kate Middleton, slated to wed Prince William in April, is giving up her flourishing career as a member of her parents' social-event-planning biz, Party Pieces. Buckingham Palace officials confirm that Kate has quit, and is now poised to tackle the really hard job of being a gazillionaire, leisure-class, elite princess. - John TimpaneVrooom, vroom . . . pfffft Orange County Chopper is the real-life, Newburgh, N.Y., custom motorcycle shop featured in Discovery Channel's American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior. It's run by Paul Teutel Sr., whose disdain for Paul Jr. is a major theme of the show. well, now there'll be a new major theme: foreclosure.Seems Teutel père has been withholding mortgage payments ($84K monthly) on his shop in an effort to force the bank to renegotiate his mortgage. (Do not try this at home!) Weirdly enough, it seems to be working: GE Commercial Finance reps say they're talking turkey with Teutel. - John TimpaneImportant news about the important Howl star James Franco has made a home porno, he declares to Newsweek during a discussion of the great respect he has for porn stars. "I think if anybody who has made a home sex tape knows, what feels best doesn't always look best," he says. (Whaat?)"I remember when I was 19 doing that, and then watching it back and thinking, oh, that looks horrible." so titillating!This article includes information from Inquirer wire services and websites. Contact "SideShow" at sideshow@phillynews.com.

Sideshow: Rendell to be NBC analyst

Gruskin Group™ Designs Insurer’s Newly Expanded Headquarters with Motorcycle Enthusiast in Mind

Springfield, NJ, (PRWEB) January 22, 2011 Rider Insurance, new Jersey’s largest provider of motorcycle and ATV insurance, has just completed the renovation and expansion of its Springfield, NJ, headquarters located at 120 Mountain Avenue. Gruskin Group™, an integrated design firm, designed the company’s 24,000-square-foot headquarters to appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts with a 1940’s industrial aesthetic and integrated motorcycle exhibits. Specifically, Gruskin Group designed the expansion for the company’s existing 12,000-square-foot office building, a former bank built in a colonial style complete with dormers and a cupola. The 12,000- square-foot addition is to accommodate Rider’s growth. “Rider Insurance was founded for riders by riders. our underlying concept was to imbue the facility with their inherent passion and to better align the headquarters experience with Rider’s corporate values and beliefs,” explained Kenneth A. Gruskin, principal and founder of Gruskin Group. To house their growing departments and to accommodate visitors for customer service and sales, the retrofit included the redesign of the building’s existing third floor to support more offices, as well as a redesign of the company’s lobby. The two-story addition is level with the existing structure’s second floor and sits on piers over a brook buried below the parking lot. The new office space offers an open and airy work environment and flexibility to accommodate the firm’s future growth. Gruskin Group completely redesigned the building exterior and main entrance lobby with the motorcycle enthusiast in mind. “For example, the exterior evokes the feeling of old motorcycle factories from the 1930s and ‘40s with period details such as vertical, fluted cast piers, pop rivet detailing and streamlined metal, combined with multicolored brick and precast stone,” explained Gruskin. In the lobby, visitors are greeted with displays of motorcycle memorabilia, artwork, and two classic bikes including a fun selection of finish materials – all of which communicate just how much Rider ‘gets’ riders. “We understand that motorcycle owners have a strong connection to their bike and the motorcycle lifestyle and wanted to create the kind of experience at Rider’s headquarters that would resonate with visitors and set Rider apart from its competition.” The space also features closed-circuit cameras so that visitors can keep an eye on their bikes while conducting business at Rider’s offices. “The bond between man and machine, where motorcycles are concerned, runs deep, and our design reflects and seeks to enforce that connection,” Gruskin added. Another central feature in the redesigned lobby is an interactive kiosk that looks like a motorcycle itself. With its custom painted motorcycle gas tank, handlebars, metal support tubing, and an integrated LCD touch screen and keyboard, customers can review insurance policies and complete applications online. Gruskin Group created the specialty kiosk from real motorcycle parts exclusively for Rider Insurance. The LCD screen attracts customers with first-person riding videos, music, and engine sounds that simulate an actual motorcycle ride, as well as customer testimonials and messaging highlighting current offers and programs. The work areas for Rider employees are designed with many of the same materials used in the main lobby, such as the accent floor tile located outside the conference area that looks like pavement complete with a manhole cover, a classic collectible motorcycle, silver wall trim and motorcycle collectibles. “The redesign of our headquarters allows us to keep pace with the demands of our growing business while accommodating future growth. It also sends a clear message to motorcycle owners and enthusiasts that as a company, we have an acute understanding of the unique mindset and needs of our customers, and further positions Rider Insurance as the go-to resource for like-minded enthusiasts,” said Rider Insurance President Charles Lally. The Project Team Design/Architecture: Gruskin Group™ (Gruskin Architecture + Design, P.C.) Architect: Kenneth A. Gruskin, AIA, PP, CID Structural Engineer: Jason Tarantino General Contractor: Structure Tone inc. MEP: Pro-Energy Design Photographer: Kenneth A. Gruskin AIA, PP, CID About Rider Insurance Founded in 1971 to provide the motorcycle enthusiast with an alternative to the limited and expensive insurance available at that time, Rider Insurance is the largest provider of motorcycle insurance in the State of new Jersey. The company also offers motorcycle insurance coverage in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. About Gruskin Group™ Gruskin Group™ is an integrated design firm that builds unified brand experiences through architecture, brand development, visual communications, web/interactive, industrial design, interior design, strategic consulting, and sustainable design. Ranked by DDi magazine as one of the top 20 retail design firms in the U.S., as well as one of new Jersey’s top architecture firms by NJBiz, Gruskin Group was named to the inc. 5000 in 2009 and 2010. The firm’s and its professionals’ award-winning work has been recognized by AIA, the Retail Design Institute, new York Ad Club, new Jersey Ad Club, ASID, Graphis, and the Association of Graphic Communications. for additional information, visit gruskingroup.com. ###

Gruskin Group™ Designs Insurer's Newly Expanded Headquarters with Motorcycle Enthusiast in Mind

What to check out this week

POSE You don't have to be a size zero to feel like a supermodel. Just ask Toby English. The celeb photographer is the go-see man at Pics Boutique, a new studio in South Beach. Staff is on-hand to do your hair and makeup and once you're dolled up, choose your scenery. There's a custom-made chopper, a futuristic fireplace, a silver, loungey couch, red beach chair and a grandiose white chair to create the perfect memory. Shoots start at $49. Pics Boutique, 305-604-8744, . SNIFF Nothing to feel guilty about for picking up a bottle of Gucci's latest sumptuous scent, Guilty. think floral with a hint of hedonism. your nose begins its journey, picking up a mandarin rush, then moves onto pepper (no sneezing, though). Middle notes include lilac and geranium laced with peach. It's all Jennifer Lopez spritzes these days around the American Idol set. well, she is the spokeswoman. $55 for a cute purse spray to $95, at department store counters.WATCH You better work -- and talk about RuPaul's Drag Race. The time has come for you to lip-sync for your life! The (man) ladies are back on LOGOTV. Watch as contestants compete, presenting their own unique costumes and makeup, to be titled the ultimate drag queen. Did we mention RuPaul serves as their mentor/host--proof that this series will never be a drag. 9 p.m. Monday.LOUNGENew, hip treasures keep popping up in the Wynwood District, and the latest is the El Bolero Room, upstairs at The Electric Pickle, the speakeasy lounge Miami has been missing. what previously felt like an abandoned warehouse has turned into a cozy, intimate lodge. Enter through a side door, go up a flight of stairs, and you're in a space that feels like a combination of old Miami, Chicago speakeasy and 1940s officers club. Soon there will be plenty of World War II Air Force photos from the designer's family heirlooms. 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. 305-456-5613.

What to check out this week

Motorcyle shop and burger restaurant to set up shop in Old Town Keller

By Adrian McCandless The rundown fueling station and one other vacant building off Main Street in old Town are about to be revitalized into a custom motorcycle shop and a burger restaurant.The City Council approved a permit last week to allow Flying Tire Motorcycle and B&B Burgers to set up shop at 250 S. Main Street.Plans call for a 1,800-square-foot motorcycle shop, which needed a permit to operate within old Town, and a 1,000-square-foot restaurant to accompany the project.There is a third vacant building on the premises that will be torn down."The whole entire project is circled around to make this look like an old, 1940s era gas station and motorcycle shop," said Joseph Russell Flying Tire Motorcycle CEO.Flying Tire Motorcycles has two other shops, one in Fort Worth and one in Lewisville, Russell said.City Council members were excited by the proposal."I think it is a very intriguing combination," Councilman Mitch Holmes said.Councilman Tom Cawthra liked the idea that this project would help make old Town a destination place in Keller."I think that this is great," he said. "That is exactly what we are trying to do."However, one resident had concerns about the development being approved as one project, Keller resident Tom Buckman said."I am really hesitant to have both of these tied together," he said. "What happens if the restaurant doesn't work and then we have the motorcycle shop with a vacant building in front?"The restaurant aspect of the project didn't bother him, Buckman said."I just don't think the motorcycle shop if the right fit for old Town," he said.But, Barraco and Russell were confident that both endeavors would succeed."This is going to by our main hub where our satellite stores will pull in the bikes for custom work to this location," Russell said. "Our main goal is to try to make this fit in with old Town."James Barraco, who owns the property and is in charge of developing the burger joint, said that the B&B Burgers and Flying Tire Motorcycle will work together to make it a unified project."We have 30 plus years in the restaurant business, so naturally we are confident that we can do the right thing at that location," he said.Adrian McCandless, 817-431-2231 Looking for comments?

Motorcyle shop and burger restaurant to set up shop in Old Town Keller

Mavericks Weekly

January 24, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL) Missouri Mavericks (Week of January 24-30, 2011)WEEK AHEADFriday, January 28 - Missouri Mavericks at Tulsa Oilers, 7:35 p.m. CSTAudio: KCWJ - 1030AM or through MissouriMavericks.com Video: CHL-TV (chltv.neulion.com)The Mavericks and Oilers will play a home-and-home series this Friday and Saturday. The teams have already met six times and the Mavericks have had the upper hand over the Oilers. Missouri has not lost in regulation to Tulsa going 5-0-1 and Missouri has outscored the Oilers 21-13. after this weekend's games, the teams will meet just one more time. Tulsa is currently tied for third place in the Berry Conference with a 21-18-1 record. Tulsa has scored the third most goals in the CHL this season with 145 however the team has also allowed the fourth most goals this season (140).Saturday, January 29 - Missouri Mavericks vs. Tulsa Oilers, 7:05 p.m. CSTAudio: KCWJ - 1030AM or through MissouriMavericks.com Video: CHL-TV (chltv.neulion.com)Same as aboveSunday, January 30 - Missouri Mavericks at Quad City Mallards, 4:05 p.m. CSTAudio: KCWJ - 1030AM or through MissouriMavericks.com Video: CHL-TV (chltv.neulion.com)The Mavericks close out the weekend with a game at Quad City on Sunday. Currently the Mavs and Mallards are tied for second in the Turner Conference with 44 points. A total of four teams are tied for second right now including Wichita and Colorado and the Bloomington PrairieThunder lead the conference by just two points. The Mavericks are 2-2-0 against the Mallards this season and all of the games have been close. Three of the four games have been one-goal games. The Mavericks have outshot the Mallards by a considerable margin averaging more than 10 shots per game more than Quad City.WEEK IN REVIEWWeekly Record: 1-2-1 overall: 20-14-4Monday, January 17 - Missouri 1 at Dayton 2 - LossRecap - BoxscoreWednesday, January 19 - Missouri 5 at Fort Wayne 4 - WinRecap - BoxscoreFriday, January 21 - Missouri 3 at Wichita 4 - Loss-ShootoutRecap - BoxscoreSatruday, January 22 - Missouri 0 at Wichita 4 - LossRecap - BoxscoreNotesPK Strong - The Mavericks penalty kill unit has steadily moved up to the top spot in the league with a 85.8% kill rate. The Mavericks have not allowed a power play goal in each of their last six games and Missouri has only allowed one power play goal in the last 12 games. overall in the last 12 games, the Mavericks have killed 44 out of 45 power plays for an astounding 97.8% kill rate.Tough January - The Mavericks have started 2011 with a 3-5-1 record, but the team is still tied with three other teams for second in the Turner Conference. Missouri has been outscored 29-21 in the month of January averaging just 2.33 goals per game.Thunder Bounces Back - after losing all 10 games to the Missouri Mavericks last season, the Wichita Thunder are 6-2-0 against Missouri this season. Missouri has lost the last three games to Wichita and has been outscored 29-20 overall.Sellout Streak - The Mavericks have sold out their last six games at Independence Events Center and a total of 10 games this season. Missouri currently ranks second in the CHL in attendance averaging 5,315 fans per contest. only the Fort Wayne Komets average more fans (7,388).PromotionsHockey Bingo - This Saturday's game against the Tulsa Oilers will be the first of two Hockey Bingo nights presented by Missouri Lottery. all fans (18 & over) at Independence Events Center will receive a bingo card and will have the chance to win great prizes from Missouri Lottery.Price Chopper 2-for-Tuesday - The Mavericks host the Wichita Thunder on Tuesday, February 1 for Mac's Birthday and it is a Price Chopper 2-for-Tuesday. The two-for-one tickets will go on sale Tuesday, January 25 at 10 a.m. and are available at the Independence Events Center Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com. Fans must have their Price Chopper Shopper card to take advantage of the special offer.Mac's Birthday - Join the Mavericks on Tuesday, February 1 for Mac's Birthday. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Mac bobblehead and everyone in attendance will get a free 2-liter of Pepsi Max. Mac is also bringing all of his mascot friends from around Kansas City for some fun on the ice.Silverstein Tic-Tac-Go - Silverstein Eye Centers is offering Mavericks fans a chance to be a contestant in Tic-Tac-Go during the first intermission at five upcoming games (January 29, February 11, February 19, March 1 and March 18). Fans can register online by clicking on the Silverstein link on the Mavericks website or at the Silverstein kiosk at Mavericks home games. Winner of tic-tac-go receives a gift card valued at $150 for sunglasses from Silverstein Eye Centers and a Family Pack of four great tickets to attend a Mavericks game.Kennedy's Jewelers Diamond Giveaway - Kennedy's Custom Jewelers will be giving away a one-carat diamond valued at $2,500 at the Mavericks home game on Friday, February 11. The first 1,000 ladies in attendance will receive a one-carat cubic zurconia, and one lucky lady will win the real diamond. Ladies must then check to see if they have the real diamond by stopping by Kennedy's Custom Jewelers located at 900 SW State Route 7 Highway in Blue Springs. Kennedy's will offer ladies the opportunity to have their cubic zurconia mounted into a ring (10k white or yellow gold) for $200, earrings (14k white or yellow gold) for $175 or pendant (white or yellow gold) for $75. every 10th customer will also receive a small gift courtesy of Kennedy's.AppearancesCoach's Show at Side Pockets - Coach Hillman, Nathan O'Nabigon, Robby Nolan and Sean Muncy will all be at Side Pockets tonight for the Coach's Show from 6-7 p.m.Shocking Prices - Join Carlyle Lewis and Mac on Tuesday, January 25 at Shocking Prices from 6-7 p.m. Carlyle and Mac will be signing their trading cards and will be available for pictures.Price Chopper - Ryan Jardine and Toby Lafrance will be at the Price Chopper located at Woods Chapel Road and 470 this Wednesday, January 26 from 6-7 p.m. • Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board... • Digg this story • Add to Del.icio.us Tweet • Shots from the Point for January 24, 2011 - CHL • Mudbugs to Clash with Brahmas Tomorrow at 6:35 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs • Mallards Weekly Update: January 24 - Quad City Mallards • Berube Signs PTO with San Antonio - Allen Americans • Bennefield Named Player of the Week - Wichita Thunder • CHL Oakley CHL Player of the Week Announced - CHL • Mavericks Weekly - Missouri Mavericks • PrairieThunder this Week - Bloomington PrairieThunder • Komets Southbound - Fort Wayne Komets • Killer Bees Weekly - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees • Dayton Gems: Weekend Review - Dayton Gems • Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs • Sizzling Oilers Home twice - Tulsa Oilers • Thunder Sweeps Three-in-Three - Wichita Thunder • RiverKings Weekly - Mississippi RiverKings • Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes • Icemen Back Home after Successful 3-Game Road Trek - Evansville IceMen • IceMen Weekly Notes - Evansville IceMen The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Mavericks Weekly

Cross Roads Custom Rides » Blog Archive » Choppers Made Simple (?)

How many people out there haven’t heard of Orange County choppers; the TV show where dad and his two sons do more sparring than assembling, then it comes down to crunch time so they frantically try to finish the job; something inevitably goes wrong and you’re thinking “oh no, they’ll never finish”… And then they do. how can you build a chopper?A chopper is a motorcycle that has been changed, or “chopped”, from its original design or possibly even built from the ground up. What sets a chopper apart from other motorcycles is its unmistakably lengthy front end frame; and more times than not the high handlebars that steer the front end. These bikes are low to the ground and require a bit of practice to maneuver successfully. The old movie “easy rider” shows a perfect example of a chopper. it is a stars and stripes customized Harley Davidson.Since building a chopper can start with either an already assembled bike or be built from scratch you’ll want to know the pitfalls of each option. Changing a motorcycle from its original design is a tricky endeavor. “Cannibalized” bikes, motorcycles which have assorted parts from other motorcycles, frequently run into compatibility issues. Buying a chopper kit is a more surefire way of being guaranteed that the pieces will all get along nicely. The drawback with the kit, of course, is that you better know what you’re doing! Fortunately classes and videos are available to help accomplish this task.So unless you know the Orange County chopper guys personally you’re going to have to decide whether or not this bike is really for you, will you be able to drive it, and the big question; who’s going to make it?

Cross Roads Custom Rides » Blog Archive » Choppers Made Simple (?)

Custom bike shop rolls out economical chopper

Borderline Customs & Motorcycle Accessories, in a strangely ironic twist, might not have come into being but for a devastating motorcycle accident.Best friends Beto Garza, a former pharmacy owner, and Agustin Mata, a former welder for Keppel AmFELS, had dreamed of opening a custom bike shop together. but in September 2007, Garza was struck by a car while riding his high-performance Suzuki, and came down on his head. Left for dead after the early morning hit-and-run, Garza, who was wearing a helmet, has been paralyzed from the neck down ever since.It was shocking, but for Mata, also a motivating factor.“everything gets in perspective,” he says. “Life doesn’t last forever. I took the plunge and started up the shop. it was slow the first year, and gradually we just started picking up.”Borderline Customs offers a full range of customization options for any type of motorcycle. Since November, the shop has been a franchise-dealer for Johnny Pag Motorcycles, based in Orange County, Calif. JPM’s products differ from other full-size custom brands by virtue of a smaller, two-cylinder, liquid-cooled 300cc engine, which makes for a gas-sipping ride that will still carry a rider at highway speeds. the builder claims 65 miles per gallon on its 300cc. Another big difference is the price: under $5,000, which is saying a lot in a market where new custom bikes typically start at $20,000 and up.JPM models include the Spyder chopper, the Pro Street and Raptor X cruisers, and the Barhog, a “bobber” style that evokes the stripped-down look of the 1940s and 1950s. during business hours the shop keeps a black Barhog out front in view of passing traffic, as well as a head-turning, limited-edition, Ferrari Red Spyder.Borderline has sold two JPM bikes to date, and they’ve made for good advertising, Garza says. JMP is adding to its line a more muscular, V-Twin chopper for just under $12,000, and it too will be available through Borderline Customs — the only JPM dealer in South Texas, he says.For Garza, who gets around in a motorized wheelchair, the shop is his home away from home.“this is where I come and hang out and help him out with whatever I can,” he says. “It’s what you do with what’s left of your life. I could have easily stayed home and bitched. if it weren’t for him I’d probably still be in bed. he pushed me a lot to get up and help him here at the shop. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”Though he can no longer ride, Garza still enjoys being around motorcycles and chatting with customers.“It’s passion, I guess,” he says.Mata says he’s often asked if it feels strange to be in the motorcycle business in light of his friend’s experience.“he doesn’t have any hate toward the motorcycle,” he says. “it was somebody else’s negligence that he had the accident. but I see it in his eyes: when I bring in bikes, he’s happy to see them.”—Borderline Customs & Motorcycle Accessories—2710 International Boulevard—10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Closed Sunday—543-4809, 640-7953—borderlinecustoms.com—johnnypag.com

Custom bike shop rolls out economical chopper

Cross Roads Custom Rides » Blog Archive » Choppers; The Great Advertising Ploy

Everything must look better on a chopper, kind of like “everything tastes better when it sits on a Ritz.” the rebellious, often painted to the hilt, biker image apparently sells.Children are usually a fast sell; that is, if you put a big, gnarly chopper on the cover. I found not only little handheld choppers but actual working models of the real thing, just “chopped” down a to a child’s size (adults, please maintain your dignity by staying off). there are comics, video games, watches, every piece of clothing imaginable; all with choppers on them. there is even a set of three PEZ dispensers modeled after the Orange County choppers guys. Monopoly (the game) has come out with more collectible editions than I can count; so it wasn’t a surprise when I saw the Monopoly American Chopper edition.What would a beer poster be without a beautiful woman straddling a chopper? Ignored, more than likely. if you thought that the kids were an easy mark, never underestimate the gullibility of fanatics and collectors (a group to which I ashamedly belong). from mouse pads to advertising brochures for Los Angeles and Daytona, throw a chopper on there and motorcycle fanatics will bite. Collectors are even worse, I should know. no one buys radios anymore; but install one in a flame painted gas tank and it’s a must have. the latest, and probably as expensive as the chopper itself, is a computer case mod designed to look like a souped-up chopper, custom paint job included.Just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone’s going to plop a chopper on something that absolutely no one wants… and we’ll be standing in line to buy it.

Cross Roads Custom Rides » Blog Archive » Choppers; The Great Advertising Ploy

Bobbers For Sale – Custom Motorcycles » Blog Archive » Custom Built Motorcycles : Bobber 2009 Custom Bobber / Chopper 100″ 5 Ultima NO RESERVE : $1000.00

Current Price: $1000.00Location: 91324Posting Date: 2011-01-16T19:12:12.000ZContact Seller: This content is for members only. Custom Built Motorcycles : Bobber 2009 Custom Bobber / Chopper 100″ 5 Ultima NO RESERVE This is a NO RESERVE Auction! this bike was built 2 years ago. It’s one of the nicest riding customs I’ve had. The El Bruto engine is fast and runs awesome. It’s a new engine has about 1500 miles. 3″ open bdl primary Custom Seat w/ Removable Rear Seat Bike is Flat Black w/ Pinstriped Tank 18″ Ape Hangers 21″ Front and 16″ Rear Wheels Call me with questions or to see it. 818.385.5255… Buyer is responsible for pickup, CASH is preferred at pickup, you are welcome to come check out the bike before bidding. If you bid and win you buy it. please bid to win. this bike is sold as/is where/is with no specified or implied warranties.Contact Seller: This content is for members only.

Bobbers For Sale – Custom Motorcycles » Blog Archive » Custom Built Motorcycles : Bobber 2009 Custom Bobber / Chopper 100″ 5 Ultima NO RESERVE : $1000.00

Next Page »