The good thing is Russel's 'key' parts are not too expensive. I just can't see spending that amount of coin even though there is alot of built in attitude in his bikes.

Don't get me wrong, I love his bikes but the upcharge is steep to say the least even for the kits. The Swift Lucky Strike bobber and Sucker Punch Sally's are close in concept and can be easily made into an Exile clone. If I was going to build, it would be a tough choice between the Pimp Daddy Pan bobber kit or the SPS working mans special with about 3-4K of Exile goodies added in the right places.

 

For anyone interested Exile Cycles is having an anniversary party on April 22. I'll probably be down there with some of the Blundering Herd.

Primo

 

Yes Russell has attitude, but the entire "Bike Culture" was based on attitude. You'd have an attitude too if you were one of the most recognized bike builders of all time. I used to think he was a d@#k but he's really just staying true to his style and his "mine is right and everyone else's is wrong mentality" will make his bikes stand the test of time. His shop puts out the most instantly recognizable rides out there. Nobody will ever ever look at one of his creations and say "I woner who made that?" unless they're looking at one of Johnny "Exile Clone" Goodwhatever's bikes. Some of the bikes on his site even have Exile air cleaners on them. I know he used to work for Russell but come on, show some creativity. I'll bet in 10 years Russell's bikes will still look essentially the same while the majority of other builders will go through the fat tire/skinny tire, long bike/short bike, modern/retro flavor of the month style phases. I'll bet if you asked Paul Sr. he would build you a flat black / brushed aluminum 230 tired Exile clone if you were willing to hand him your checkbook and bend over, but I can't imagine Russell turning out a circus themed clown bike no matter how much you paid him. Kudos to Russell and the crew for keeping it real! Just my 2 cents.

 

Well put Babs,

I had the opportunity to meet both Russell Mitchell and Johnny Goodson. I had a booth at a bike builder show back in Oct 2005, I crossed path with Russell and Johnny and invited them both over to my booth for a visit, and I also invited a few other builder that I kindda respected (their work) over to my booth. There were at least 15 of top name (TV) builders there, Ness and family, Hoch, Chica, Mondo, Johnny Chop, Martin Bros., Trotta, (sp??)etc,etc... The funny thing is the only guys that took the time to stop by for a visit were Russell and Johnny. Both very approachable people. Russell hung out for 20 minutes and talk to the wife and I, I told him that his builds were the ****, and that was the end of it, we spoke of everything else but motorcycles. I’m sure that he appreciated having a conversation about something other then choppers. Johnny was the same; he's a local boy, so I see him a couple times a year around town, real nice guy. Let it be known that Exile's bikes are my #1 choice if I had that kind of money for one bike. A person could buy many bikes for the price of one Exiles bike. Their still the coolest!!!!


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Actually, that was J that put it well.
But I'll take the opportunity to say "Dude!! Now THAT's a Pool Table!" Cool!!

 

I like the look on most of his bikes, but those fat front tire models look like crud to me. Just my personal taste. Same reason I would not buy a chop w/a 330 rear and a 21/90 front. I do not like them.

 

off the subject those pool tables kick AZZ. I have been looking to get an oldhausen but sure like the looks of those better.

 

Thanks Babs and Scrappy!

Scrappy,

Drop me a line; I build them completely from ground up, any theme or style. It’s my little side Gig. Hope you live in good riding territory, so I could bring my bike when I deliver your table.

 

I live in NH we have a nice riding season. BTW these are the tables I looked at

 

Scrappy,

Can't wait to get up to NH and do some riding! I sent ya an email.

Let's keep it on the the Subject, and that's the most bad a$$ bike's in my opinion, simple, clean and mean!!!!