A.J. Duran's all-new chopper bike has a devilish look that's so extreme, it's almost scary. Forged in the flames of Gilroy, California, is this 2004 Micargi frame which was bent, twisted and contorted in all ways evil and what emerged from the ashen and sooted floor was much more than expected. The only question is will you bow down when he comes riding your way...?
Before you know it, the bike will have you hooked from wheel to wheel. The tires are 26-inch hoops with flame-throwing aluminum rims precision machined by Mike Lewis at Arizona Quick Speed. What will more than likely steal your attention is the long triple-tree, 32-inch extended fork tubes and the trick springer suspension system made by Gary Silva at 3G Bikes in El Segundo, California. We try to find likeness in shapes and what stood out is the top tree clamp which reminds us of a moosehead only brushed in aluminum. In turn, that leads us to the custom bent handlebars with fish scale grips which are nice and wide for u-turns after you've spotted that cool ice cream truck.
Designed by the eye, A.J. has always built bikes with his dad ever since he was a small tyke so graduating from pedals to pistons (as in Harley-style motorcycles) was no hard task. However, it was the knowledge of custom chopper fabrication that led him to apply some motorcycle principles to the latest trend in bad moto-bicycling. The front head tube is raked 42 degrees, the down tube was stretched and arched 5 inches (home-bent by A.J. with a tube bender) basically until it fit to the crank housing. Remember, this frame is based off an excellent Dyno design which is where A.J. began his two-wheel nightmare.
Doesn't run on gas? This question almost always gets tossed at A.J. The tank is fiberglass (and lengthened like a long teardrop) molded over and separated from a real Harley Sportster fuel tank. Note how the tank and top bar (which is under the tank) sweeps down to the serpent-skin seat. The bike also features what seems to be a motor-mount, however, it's for the welded skull and chain brake lever... you can see a stroke of darkness and genius all in one bike.
Looking for more diabolical details? The rear quarter fender (taken from a Triumph motorcycle) is part of the seat and it attaches to a pointed chrome sissy bar. Other hot tricks that got us fired up were skull-cut sprocket, chrome twisted pedals and super-cool Shimano Deore rear disc brake. Now a bike like this may melt your wallet but look at the vicious results. Lending a nasty pitchfork or two were Adolfo Arias for the flaming candy apple red paint job which suits satan's muraled angels just fine. A.J. and friend Pete Salazar maintained bodywork while Barrios Upholstery (San Martin, California) skinned the seat. Polished parts will get you looks and The Best Chrome (San Martin) dipped everything including the teardrop headlight.
Seriously though, A.J.'s not a triple six kind of guy, but instead enjoys building themed bicycles as he learned from his late cousin James Duran. The talent and skill for building top motorcycles and chopper bicycles lives and breathes in A.J. and he gratefully thanks two families, his own and the Uce Car Club.