2004 Custom Double Cross - Finch's Fashion

On the left side of the bike, the crankshaft is hooked up to a Barnett Scorpion clutch via an open-belt Karata primary drive. Transmission duties are handled by a right-side-drive Baker Drivetrain six-speed gearbox that sends a secondary drive belt to the GMA rear pulley. Speaking of the pulley, it also serves as the floating brake rotor. This arrangement really cleans up the left side of the bike. A very unique set of floorboards, in the shape of a boot, was designed by Ron and fabricated by Mark the Welder. More rod-work magic was performed on the brake pedal and the shifter linkage connecting the left foot control to the transmission. Custom-bent loopy handlebars with the Double Cross motif sit atop custom-cut triple-trees that hold a set of Kosman inverted fork legs. Securing the rubber-and in keeping with the look and theme of the bike-a set of 80-spoke laced wheels was used. Custom-stitched crosses on the perimeter, as well as Finch's moniker, were sewn onto a leather seat that also includes a mini-backrest down low to keep you on the seat as you twist the wick.

This current Finch creation was completed with one of Ron's signature paint jobs. He loves to blend colors and use multiple effects, such as the scallops on the rear section that follow the contour of the tanks and fender. This bike is beautifully accented with old-style pinstriping, an artform that Ron hopes to keep alive. The frame and handlebars are also highlighted with blends of color to complete the picture. Every time you look at this bike, you see something you may have missed the first time around. Not bad for a bike that took three weeks to build under the pressure and deadlines of a TV production schedule.

During the 2005 Biker Build-Off finale in Las Vegas, Ron was honored with the "Biker Blacksmith" award for his extreme metal-fabrication skills. The award was decided upon by an expert committee that considered all 24 of the bikes in the Build-Off series. Some have labeled Ron's work as too extreme, but he claims his rolling sculptures exemplify the freedom and individualism associated with the motorcycle lifestyle. We tend to agree.