We're constantly bombarded with advertisements. Millions of dollars are spent to create the next catchy phrase, funny character or flashy image that will hopefully leave a lasting impression. Marcus Bowlin, organizer of the Biker Boyz Weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma, assigned Jerry Peters from Darkside Graphix just such a task of building him a rolling advertisement to help spread the word about his annual motorcycle event.
While MySpace bulletins, flyers and newspaper ads can sometimes be overlooked, a stretched out shiny Gixxer with bright orange and black paint is rather difficult to ignore. "We wanted to do a theme bike as an example of what the event represents. It symbolizes the new generation of custom bikes. We also wanted a clean look rather than putting some dragon or something like that on it," explained Bowlin.
Custom bikes come alive at bike nights and Bowlin didn't want the message to be lost after dark. "The LEDs are predominant on the bike. They flash orange and white on the solo seat cover, which is our way to identify the bike at night. Even in the rear taillight it says Biker Boyz."
Jerry Peters explained how this was accomplished: "I talked to Lex from Drastik Plastix and he stepped up with tons of LEDs. There're 220 LEDs in the bike. That's over 20 pods!"
The GSX-R1000 is currently on a tour of the East Coast, drumming up awareness for the 2008 event, but the official public unveiling is set for the event in late summer.
Buyer's Box
2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000
Front end: UII wheel, lowered
Rear end: UII wheel, Myrtle West 10-inch-over swingarm with 300mm rear tire, PPM solid strut, Rotor Woman custom-cut rotors
Motor: Hindle headers, custom exhaust
Paint: Jerry Peters, Darkside Graphix
Polish/chrome: Paul's Chrome Plating, Powertech powdercoating
Bodywork: Custom undertail
Accessories: Pro One clutch and brake levers, Myrtle West gas cap and kickstand, PPM fairing spikes and clutch cover, Spinwurkz lighted bar ends, Altered Chrome swingarm plate and heel guards, 2 Wheel Customs seats
Other: Drastik Plastix solo seat, fender, halo headlight with 220 LEDs
Owner: Marcus Bowlin
Builder: Jerry Peters, Darkside Graphix (www.darksidegraphix.net)