When you think about it, it's phenomenal how far motorcycling has progressed since the early days. Back in 1953, a young Marlon Brando portrayed a biker heading up a band hoodlums as they terrorized the small Central California town of Hollister. That movie (The Wild One), along with countless others, proved to be fuel for the fire as Hollywood vilified and turned mainstream Americans against almost anyone who rode a motorcycle. Well, you don't need us to tell you how much the tide has turned in recent years. Guys on bikes who were feared just a few short years ago are now welcomed into the living rooms of millions of average Americans. Case in point, countless motorcycle shows now air on TV, with many of the central characters gaining near-cult status.
One such show gaining respect and a large number of viewers is the Speed Channel's Build or Bust. February 2006 marks the kickoff of the series' second season.
For anyone who hasn't seen the show, here's the premise. One lucky person is selected to try his or her hand at building a complete motorcycle under the guidance of a professional bike builder. That person is referred to as "the wrench." Said wrench has 30 days to complete the build; if they do, they get to keep the bike. If not, they go home with nothing. Sounds easy, but it's not-those who have seen any of the episodes from the first season know just what kind of twists and turns can trip up even a well-qualified wrench.
Show creator and director Scott Gillen has put together a talented and entertaining cast for the upcoming 13-episode season. Although last year's pro builder was Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles for a majority of the shows, this year's offerings will include Russell along with a host of other guest builders, including the likes of Gard Hollinger of LA Chop Rods and Scott Long, owner of Central Coast Cycles (C.C.C.).
For 2006 the guest builders will not only assist the wrench but will also build a bike of their own alongside the fledgling bike builder as the show progresses. Needless to say, Gillen expects the professional builder to come up with something very special. When it came to Long's creation, he was not disappointed. Gillen has had his eye on Long for awhile, and when it was decided there would be more builders this year, Gillen jumped at the chance to have Long join the show. The guys at C.C.C. have been building a reputation for putting together some very sweet, no-nonsense rides that bring styling and performance cues from hot rods, classics, and race cars.
The bike you see here was the culmination of efforts put forth by the C.C.C. team of Long, Darin Morris, and Harry Cournoyer. Back at the Build or Bust shop the trio worked long, hard hours as they juggled fabrication and assembly of the C.C.C. Gasser along with taking all the time necessary to give the wrench all the assistance he needed.
Building the dragster-inspired bike began with one of C.C.C.'s own rigid frames, which was comprised of 1-1/8-inch tubing and a 1-3/4-inch backbone setup with no stretch, along with a 45-degree neck. Long's initial vision of the bike was short and tight, with an aggressive-looking frontend. The Harley-Davidson narrow triple-trees and 39mm tubes go a long way in helping the bike achieve that look, as they culminate in a set of chromed lower legs straddling a fenderless 21-inch chrome wheel wrapped with an Avon Roadmaster.