I am always intrigued by these type of discussions. There is a bit of a theme running through the discussion which is basically covered in the first couple of replies ... yet I still find myself compelled to comment 5 pages later.
The analogies to custom made suits and Architect designed houses are valid and points well made. But just because an Architect specifies appliances from a catalogue or a tailor doesn't weave their own silk ... doesn't mean they are not turning out custom made products. It all comes down to personal interpretation of where the very IZ_ line exists ... its completely subjective and dictated by our own prejudices.
For me I have always preferred the term 'custom-made' as it has a slightly different implication but often find myself falling for the abbreviated version of 'custom' which has gained such popularity. For example my exhaust was custom made ... and I think it meets most peoples definition of 'custom'. It was made by hand bending pipe and turning sheet (cut, shaped, welded and polished) to my instructions. But bolting that on my bike hasn't made it a 'custom bike' IMO, although I can honestly say I don't think there is another bike like it anywhere in the world.
In fact I don't even like to say my bike has been modified as this tends to draw negative connotations of dodgy backyard work and it really depends who your audience is ... I would not say my bike has been modified unless I knew they understood what had been changed and why. Which is why I prefer to say my bike has been 'changed' to suit me and much of it is for aesthetics.
Now for the thing that is going to get me in to trouble ... I really think the term 'custom' is used for marketting and sales. It doesn't matter who you are 'selling' to: readers, on-lookers, show judges, your peers or a potential purchaser. Again this all comes down to perception or amateur psychology but, hey, thats the way I see it.
If I was to ever sell my bike I would be focussing on the custom made exhaust. Like I said I don't consider my bike to be a 'custom' but I would sure be pushing that shit on anyone who might be interested. So if you are making a living from building bikes then sure as shit you will be pushing the 'custom' angle as well ... just that different people will do it in different ways.
Long may the debate continue .......
