It isn't every day that a custom bike builder gets approached to make a bike for a worthy cause. Sure, money talks, and most of the high rollers that can afford a world-class builder's hands on his machine want the ride for their personal amusement, but not this time.
Roland Sands was approached with the opportunity to help raise money for the www.rideforkids.orgcharity, and he jumped at the chance to show his skills for a good cause.
Starting with a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR as the base, RSD created an entirely new look: an aggressive yet clean bike that's been dubbed "The Mission."
The custom CBR recently finished traveling with the International Motorcycle Show tour where it was displayed to raise awareness for the charity before going off for auction. "I wanted to create a bike that everyone would want to win," said Sands.
RSD drew from its own line of accessories to dress up the exterior with such pieces as a top triple clamp, reservoir covers, mirror block offs and sliders. Another big ticket item came from the same firm in the form of the RSD "Mission" wheels.
Additional performance enhancements such as Vortex rearsets, Performance Machine rotors and calipers, and Dunlop 208GP tires helped keep the CBR's lines neat and tidy, while also adding a custom touch.
Though surely not Sands' wildest work, the CBR is a custom bike that appeals to the masses with just enough pop and flair-and all for a good reason.
Buyer's Box2008 Honda CBR1000RRFront end: RSD "Mission" wheel, Performance Machine rotors and calipers, Spiegler brake lines, RSD top triple clamp, Dunlop D208GP tire
Rear end: RSD "Mission" wheel, Performance Machine sprocket, Dunlop D208GP tire
Motor: DID chain
Paint: Chris Wood at AirTrix(www.airtrix.com)
Accessories: Hotbodies undertail, LED lights and hugger, RSD reservoir covers, mirror block offs, axle/frame sliders and bar ends, Vortex rearsets and levers
Builder: Roland Sands Design(www.rolandsands.com)