What makes it Custom?

[superjohn]

As long as it means getting the ride you've always wanted, I don't think it matters what you call it. Whether that be a complete custom one off bike built to your specs, a street bike that you've customized into your perfect machine, or simply a bike off the showroom floor that gives you the biggest smile when you go out for a ride. It's all good as long as it's what you want.

[Privateer]

you can't bolt-on custom.

[Speedbag]

Custom is taking a single funky part you machined as far as you could with manual equipment and finishing it by filing, sanding, and polishing for an entire day (or more) until it was just so.

Custom is agonizing over the smallest detail that 95% of viewers will probably not even notice.

And so on.

[hihhs]

I can't define "custom" as it applies to bikes...
But I damn sure know it when I see it...

[teddy037.2]

didn't this topic pop up once and cause a bunch of angry shit-talk?

maybe that was on TOB...

[Popeye the Sailor]

If I have to ask you what it started life as.....


it's custom 

[Vindingo]

It's all based on each individuals definition of the words:  Custom  --and--  Customized.

FOR ME:

Customized is stuff generally applied from a catalog or website, parts that have been removed, parts which there has been a color change and 'approved' modifications.

Custom is a whole other world for me.  That term I reserve for bikes that have a single congruent theme running through EVERYTHING.

What if the congruent theme is paint and bolt on parts?  

[arai_speed]

Custom is a one off - as in if I crash it it's gonna take a lot of work and time to replace.

Most of the stuff that I see is modding.

I will agree that bolt ons are not custom.

[hbliam]

What if the congruent theme is paint and bolt on parts?  

Paint and bolt on parts don't qualify for the term "everything".

[Bizzarrini]

you can't bolt-on custom.

What if I were to make a custom fender? I sure hope I would be able to bolt it on!

[stopintime]

I don't like the word custom, it has a Harley ring to it.
Same thing with customized - I like modified better.

Built sounds better. A bike must be "built" to get my  A well modded bike gets a 

[mikeb]

What if the congruent theme is paint and bolt on parts?  

Theme, carried out with paint and parts, doesn't cut it as custom for me.

Pretty much everyone that's owned a Monster, and decided to change it, used paint and parts to do so.  That's not custom....that's modding.

[Vindingo]

I think it also depends on who uses the word around here.  I think a lot of people like to rag on RetroSBK for some reason even though he puts out some really nice bikes.  

[ducrider45]

It's all based on each individuals definition of the words:  Custom  --and--  Customized.

FOR ME:

Customized is stuff generally applied from a catalog or website, parts that have been removed, parts which there has been a color change and 'approved' modifications.

Custom is a whole other world for me.  That term I reserve for bikes that have a single congruent theme running through EVERYTHING.

Nothing wrong with a well-ridden, much-loved Customized bike running around.  Owner is happy, bikes' being ridden...  The Customized Garage-Queens piss me off...


But, this is all my opinion and you know the adage about opinions...

I agree with this!

[RetroSBK]

Vin, thanks, but its not a big deal I tend to follow DiVinici and his thought on pretty much anyone looking at his stuff - "And often, when I see one of these men take this work in his hand, I wonder that he does not put it to his nose, like a monkey, or ask me if it is something good to eat."

My Stuff is often either way over the top or mis-understood by a lot of people, by design. If you look at my StreetFighter and ask me "what did you change" then my concept works. Ever seen a Riddler car? A Subtle Smack in the Mouth (tm) is the goal. If you have to ask, you don't get it, wont get it, and cant appreciate it. If that makes me an arrogant prick, without talking to me, then so be it. I don't defend my work to critics, and I don't get much criticism from my peer builders, so I'm not worried about it, really.

Ive thought long and hard about custom and how to define it... but its true, its like art, you cant define it you know it, and it maybe not be the same for everyone.

And now I have to ask... Is a OCC bike with spinner wheels and a monkey butt gas tank custom? They built it all by hand, but its a pile... lol (im kidding, relax)

Thanks guys fro keeping it flame free, it really was and is a question I have always wondered.

I tend to think of it like Cool... one of my quotes is "You cant buy Cool" maybe you cant buy custom either.. But then I would be out of business...

Will