If there's one thing all Texan's love, it's their beloved state, and of course, anything that celebrates it. Since first strapping oversized bull horns to a boat-sized Cadillac, Texans have always seemed to dance to their own tune. It's that drive to make things shinier, cleaner and of course-a lot bigger-that took Daniel Rucker's limited edition Hayabusa from a stocker to the big old custom king it is today.
Rucker's custom craze started off with a simple repair that snowballed into a stretched and slammed sled. "The bike was in my garage, and as I was pulling it out I saw a piece of glass. I stopped right between the outside and the inside of the garage and it fell over-putting a dent in my tank. I took it to Aggressive Edge to get it fixed, and before I knew it I started to ask about chrome parts and stretched swingarms-it's like an addiction."
The rose flame paint job that blankets the bodywork wasn't what Rucker originally had in mind, but sometimes it's the hands off approach that lets the experts provide the greatest results. "I had a helmet with some flames on it and told the painter to do whatever he wants in that theme."
The smoky red flames over a gloss black base makes for a unique look with a defining style that, according to Aggressive Edge, dominates the scene in the local area.
While the glowing paint demands attention there is one person who's not completely fond of it. "My wife has a 600 Ninja. She says she hates to ride with me because there are always people around the bike asking questions and I get too much attention!"
While being the big dog around town has its advantages, it's that hometown Texas pride of ownership that sets the bike apart. According to Rucker, "I just did it because it's what I like-and I like toys!"
Buyer's Box2004 Suzuki Hayabusa LE
Front end: Myrtle West wheelRear end: Myrtle West wheel, 14-inch over swingarm, Eye Candy air ride, Goodridge brake line, Galfer rotorMotor: Airbox mod, velocity stacks, Nikko TRE, custom exhaustPaint: Cueva CustomsPolish/chrome: Sport Chrome (www.sportchrome.com)Bodywork: Aggressive Edge custom hump, rear fender, Mototech undertail
Accessories: RIS Design clutch cover and stator cover, Ransom billet rear and passenger pegs, kickstand, grab bar, brake and clutch reservoir, Apache billet grips, Eye Candy bar ends, frame sliders, front axle cover and fork top covers, Arlen Ness mirrors, Harris windscreen with custom LED by Aggressive Edge, Yana Shiki triple cover, PPM gauge housing, Myrtle West chrome switch housing, custom seat, license plate bracket, wire mesh, LED kit by Aggressive Edge, HID, angel eyes