Some customs have a way of concealing major aftermarket components because their dramatic appearance is so overwhelming. One such ride rolled out of Gator Customs' Chicago-based garage and has that special knack, and it's largely because of the outrageous amount of Gator Glass and custom paint that horde your attention. It's not until the ignition is fired up that the Hahn Racecraft turbo-charged and nitrous-breathing 'Busa motor growls its presence-perhaps this Reaper's fair warning to other street riders that might consider having a go at it.
And as it pulls ever farther away, the fat rear rubber becomes obvious as well. Helping to lay down the extra power is a 300-section rear end that's been stretched 10 inches over stock by swingarm specialists Trac Dynamics.
What initially comes across as an all chrome and paint bike has a healthy amount of performance goodies tagged on to compete the package. Besides the aforementioned motor and chassis mods, there are also Braking's Wave rotors on the RC Components "Gladiator" wheel, along with steel-braided brake lines front to back.
 RC Components "Gladiator"...  RC Components "Gladiator" wheel | 
Tobin embroidered seats |  Ant Racing's rear camera keeps...  Ant Racing's rear camera keeps an eye out and a heads up. |
The true craziness comes out at night when the Reaper floats down the road, seemingly aglow with haunting images of death and destruction. This effect comes from the shimmering Gator Glass that runs throughout the bodywork. The secretive process yields a clear piece of bodywork that allows light to shine through a painted image. It's a trick bit of design ingenuity, and the crew at Gator isn't quick to share the secret.
The Buyer's Box
2004 Suzuki Hayabusa
Front end: RC Components "Gladiator" wheel, Braking Wave rotors, Galfer steel brake lines
Rear end: Trac Dynamics 10-inch-over swingarm, RC Components "Gladiator" wheel, Tricky air ride with remote
Motor: NOS wet system with purge, Hahn turbo system, Power Commander, Racefit titanium exhaust
Paint: Gator Customs
Polish/chrome: Gator Customs
Bodywork: Gator Customs
Accessories: RIS grips and levers, Vortex gas cap, Tobin embroidered seats, Vortex rearsets
Other: Ant camera system, lighting system and strobe lights
Owner: Chris Ratlif
Builder: Gator Customs
www.gatorcustoms.net