ALBERTA, CANADA
There are few bike builders better known than Indian Larry; the two-wheeled wonders he created are legendary. Though Indian Larry’s untimely death in 2004 was a tragic loss to the motorcycle world, his legend continues to live on. To honour his memory, and add their own page to the story, Bad Ass Customs Inc. in Edmonton, Alberta, decided the best way to keep Indian Larry’s legacy alive was to build a tribute bike dedicated to the man and his creations.
Showcasing Bad Ass Customs’ skills as a build team, the bike is based on the retro bobber style Indian Larry was so fond of. Taking about three months to complete, the bike was finished in a simple but effective matte black finish with marble red inlay and silver grey pinstripe by Baker Boyz Design in Edmonton. “The bike has been well received at the many shows and events we’ve attended,” says shop owner Lee Ripley, “We’ve taken home a few awards for our efforts as well.”
Lee has been in the motorcycle industry since the age of fourteen, whether he was racing off-road and motocross or dragging a knee on the track racing a superbike, motorcycles have always been a part of his life. Lee can even remember the first chopper he built back in the late sixties with his father. Starting with a used Honda 50 Super Sport, Lee and his father rebuilt the motor, installed 16” apes and fabricated a banana seat with towering sissy bar “Thinking back on it now, it’s quite funny, however that was probably the start to what the shop is about today,” Lee said.
What began as a hobby turned into a business in 2002 when Lee opened Bad Ass Customs Inc. “Other than a few small shops in the city, there weren’t many shops building full ground-up customs.”
“The build you see before you is a recreation of our Indian Larry tribute bike. We found that the trend was leaning more towards Bobber style and Retro looks. Our goal was to combine both the retro look with new technology to provide a dependable yet performance enhanced motorcycle. In other words we wanted a ‘simple but effective’ motorcycle which is a street legal everyday ride.”
Adding to the team, in 2003, Dennis Neiman brought his skill with the wrenches and wiring and combined with Lee’s extensive background in mechanics, machining, welding and fabrication their reputation as a custom bike shop began to grow. Lee continued, “Dennis is a Provincial Red Seal ticketed mechanic in both the motorcycle and automotive industries plus his passion for motorcycles opened our doors to the custom building, restoration and maintenance of American V-Twin, British and Metric motorcycles”.
As more biker building related shows began appearing on TV, Bad Ass Customs found themselves rebuilding or finishing started builds more than actually building bikes from the ground-up. “The market was becoming saturated with backyard builders, people who didn’t have the know-how to finish their bikes or the qualifications to be building bikes. With over 35 years of experience being a rider, mechanic and fabricator, plus having Provincial and Red Seal staff qualified in multiple trades, we are able to provide our customers with the quality workmanship they deserve and expect,” Lee stated.
Today Bad Ass Customs are considered one of the largest after-market accessory suppliers in the Edmonton area representing 25-plus suppliers and manufacturers as well as an authorized dealer of Ural and Pro-One Motorcycles. Bad Ass Customs still has customers coming to them with a dream bike on their minds. Lee says. “There are customers who want ground-up customs built or want something different for their current ride and at Bad Ass Customs, we can definitely provide it for them.”
Bad Ass Customs
8170-50 Street, Unit 412
Edmonton, AB T6B 1E6
780-436-3279
www.badasscustoms.ca
BAD ASS BOBBER
Make: Custom Build
Model: Bobber
Builders: Dennis Neiman and Lee Ripley
Shop: Bad Ass Customs Inc.
Engine: 100” Ultima / 110 HP
Carburetor: S&S Super E
Air Cleaner: Custom Cycle
Ignition: Crane Hi-4 Single Fire
Exhaust: Kerker 2 into 1
Transmission: Road-Max
Type: 6 Speed
Primary: Ultima 3-3/8 Open Drag Style
Clutch: Ultima
Frame: RC Components
Type: Single Down Tube Rigid
Rake: 36 degrees
Stretch: 4”
Front End: Pro One – Black Series
Type: Hydraulic Dampened
Length: 2” over
Wheels: Midwest 60 Spoked
Front: 3.5 x 16
Tire: Metzeler 130 x 16
Rear: 5.5 x 16
Tire: Metzeler 200 x 16
Headlight: 4” Custom
Signals: Auto Gem
Taillight: MID USA
Horn: Useless
Seat: MID USA
Fenders: Bad Ass Customs
Oil Tank: Bad Ass Customs
Gas Tank: Bad Ass Customs
Hand: Pro One Controls
Forward: Midwest
Controls: Chrome Horse
Handlebars: Burly 1-1/4” Drag Bars
Chain Guard: Bad Ass Customs
Gauges: Wire Plus Speedo/Tach
Paint and: Baker Boyz Designs
Pinstripe: Edmonton, AB
