IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN to Hollywood, you've probably had a map to the stars' homes waved in your face by a pushy salesman on
the sidewalk. As much as I would love to go ring the front doorbell at Johnny Depp's house, I suspect I'd be escorted away
before my fingertip ever made contact with the button.
Sportbike celebrities, on the other hand, make up an approachable group that includes builders, stunters and racers. Here's
a guide to show you who's who in the sportbike industry, and why we're putting them on the sportbike celebrity map.
THE BUILDERS
NICK ANGLADA (PHOTO BY SCOTT GARRITY)
Nick Anglada, Custom Sportbike Concepts: Anglada is one of the true celebrities among custom sportbike builders, and he has earned a reputation for his cutting-edge
style. Every show bike that rolls out of the CSC shop in Winter Garden, Fla., has at least one component that wows onlookers.
Last year, it was clear wheels on a Hayabusa built for the apparel brand L-R-G. The style and the association with L-R-G earned
Anglada a plethora of broad exposure, including the cover of Cycle World's Sport Bike 2008. Anglada followed that up with an R1 featuring a rainbow-hued titanium finish, a first in the sportbike scene.
(The R1 also had a paisley paint job, and let's face it, not just anyone can make paisley look good.) http://www.cscbikes.com/
ROBERT FISHER (PHOTO BY SCOTT GARRITY)
Robert Fisher, Roaring Toyz: A roadracer before he ever customized a bike, Fisher favors a blend of performance and style. His signature megaphone exhaust
has been a hit with riders for its short, distinct design and monstrous sound. Even hip-hop artist Ludacris is a fan: He turned
to Fisher and the Sarasota, Fla.-based shop for a custom Kawasaki ZX-14 in 2007. That project was just one of many done in
conjunction with Kawasaki, and chances are you've seen one or two of Fisher's custom Kawis in the manufacturer's displays
at Dealer Expo or the International Motorcycle Shows. http://www.roaringtoyz.com/
ROB UECKER (PHOTO BY THOM SIVO)
Rob Uecker, Voodoo Industries: In an industry filled with copycats, Uecker has developed a classic, clean style that is uniquely his. If you visited Suzuki's
display at Dealer Expo 2008, chances are you couldn't miss Uecker's bright red Shelby-themed Hayabusa. Clean lines, simple
paint instead of busy airbrushing, and the lack of any Voodoo badges are the hallmarks of his style. Among his production
aftermarket parts are a successful line of wheels, which feature such names as "Fetish" and "Viper." Working out of his shop
in Cleveland, Ohio, Uecker has customers that range from budget-minded riders to UFC fighters. http://www.voodoomoto.com/
NOTABLE MENTIONS
Other sportbike builders who bear mentioning are Randy and Ron Kleber at Gator Customs ( http://www.gatorcustoms.net/). These are the guys responsible for backlit bodywork panels, but don't forget that they customize everything else on a bike,
too. Louis Grasse at H2o Cycles ( http://www.h2ocycles.com/) likes to turn heads with unusual touches, like the copper finish he gave a Ninja-themed ZX-14. On the West Coast, Roland
Sands has made a name for himself with his Roland Sands Design parts, custom builds and lifestyle ( http://www.rolandsandsdesign.com/)
THE STUNTERS
JASON BRITTON (2WHEEL TUNER PHOTO)
Jason Britton: It's hard to choose any one category for Britton, who has transitioned from stunter to superstar as the host of SPEED's "Superbikes!"
and Celebrity Editor of our sister publication, 2Wheel Tuner. Britton draws a crowd at both his autograph sessions and stunt shows with Team No Limit. If you want to stay on top of the
latest in the urban sportbike world, then watching his Tuesday-night TV show is your homework assignment. http://www.jasonbritton.com/
KANE FRIESEN (2WHEEL TUNER PHOTO)
Kane Friesen: There aren't many people who can get away with stunting on a pink bike, but Friesen does it with finesse. With sponsorship
from such heavyweights as Kawasaki and Joe Rocket, Friesen is as popular within the industry as he is with the fans that turn
out to see him perform. http://www.kaneone.com/
AARON COLTON (DEALERNEWS PHOTO)
Aaron Colton: Few riders have drawn attention like Aaron Colton, who was out-stunting many a rider before he could even legally ride. At
17 years old, Colton is already a veteran of the sport, and he has the talent, professionalism and likability to become a
stunt legend. http://www.aaroncolton.com/
Looks like this should have been a "who's who in the United States custom/stunt bike industry". There are many such as Valentino Rossi, Nicky hayden, The Bostrom Brothers, Kenny Roberts, etc..o were not even considered as a mention?
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Posted 2009-04-10 12:31:18.0
