A Shop Is BornChildhood Friends Reunite And ChangeThe ScenePhu "Felix" Nguyen grew up in Southern California and was always into fast bikes. During his childhood, Nguyen met and became good friends with a boy named Robert Fisher. Fisher would eventually head east to become one of the most recognizable names in the custom sportbike scene with his company Roaring Toyz. When it came time for Nguyen to build his first custom bike, he called his old friend for help. "I grew up with Bob Fisher. When I decided to build my own bike, Bob helped me get it started with advice and a bunch of parts."
It was during the building of the bike that Nguyen was introduced to an up-and-coming bike builder named Tony Sesto. The two eventually joined forces to start a custom bike shop called Tek9 Cycles.
When it came to paint selection, Nguyen wanted something that would stand out. "I had a Nicky Hayden replica Arai helmet and I wanted the design to go along with that. I chose skulls to represent the kind of music I was into. Instead of a 300 or bigger tire, I went with a 240 to appeal to riders on the West Coast that are more accustomed to riding canyons. The bike was intended to highlight all the performance of the ZX-10."
From a childhood friend and a chance encounter, Nguyen's ZX-10 not only represents a single bike build but a new era in the West Coast bike scene.
Buyer's Box2005 Kawasaki ZX-10RFront End: Chrome calipers and rotors, RC Components "Havoc" wheelRear End: Roaring Toyz lowering links, C&S Custom 6-inch-over swingarm with 240mm tire, air ride, RC Components "Havoc" wheelMotor: Boz Bros exhaust, K&N air filter, Power Commander IIIPaint: Gordon PaintPolish/Chrome: Sport Chrome (www.sportchrome.com)Bodywork: Solo seat, flush-mount turn signals, taillight integrator kit, mirror block-off plates, Lockhart Phillips windscreen spikesAccessories: Fork top caps, frame sliders, Vortex levers, Roaring Toyz grips and kickstand, stainless steel brake lines, purple LEDs from Lockhart Phillips Owner: Phu "Felix" NguyenBuilder: Tek-9 Cycles (www.tek9cycles.com)
Higher PowerSsb Takes A Look At A Divineturbo Gsx-R1000 Running An Extra Bit Of Boost From Another Level.At first glance, Jason Jacob's bad blue custom GSX-R1000 looks just that-a sweet custom. It's not until closer inspection that the bike's secrets and higher power are revealed.
Poking out of the right side of the candy-blue plastics are the telltale tips of the Forced Air Systems turbo that really gets things spooled up. The Trac Dynamics swingarm becomes more than a showpiece and hints that this bike is ridden hard.
Beneath the fairings hide some high-end hotness. With the added pressure from the turbo pushing the motor to its limits, Jacob chose to beef up the internals with a slew of racy bits. A set of JE turbo pistons were hung on Crower rods while a lockup clutch was installed to handle the hard launches.
On the dyno the GSX-R is pumping out 246 horses at the rear wheel. But all that power came at a price-$40,000 to be specific.
But as Jacob notes, the real power comes from a higher power and his inspiration for the build. Painted on the tail section is a cross. Jason discussed his decision to place a crucifix on the rear cowl: "It's on the seat cowl to represent the unseen passenger of all my rides."
Jacob's passenger has guided him safely through 40,000 miles on this blazingly fast bike. From the dragstrip to bike nights, weekend rips and good old-fashion commuting, Jacob puts his ride to work and enjoys every penny he's put into it.
At one dollar per mile, Jacob, his bike and his inspiration have come together to produce one of the sickest street-ridden drag bikes in the country. If you run into him on the road don't let the custom look fool you. Jacob, his wild ride and his perfect passenger throw down a mighty wrath.