As part of our sponsorship with Las Vegas Bikefest’s Artistry In Iron, we wanted to take a closer look at the builders who have been invited to this years event. So one at a time we are going to ask each of the builders the same ten questions and let our readers get to know them all a little more. Led Sled Customs is our second interview, but stayed tuned for more as they come in.
Led Sled Customs:
Pat Patterson has risen to the top of the customer motorcycle world with his skills and eye for design. Pat thrives in the Sportster market with his custom bikes, complete product line and unique approach to style. Pat and Led Sled Customs have separated themselves and continue to plow a path for the new generation of bike builders. Led Sled Customs has been featured in nearly every major motorcycle publication in the world with their custom builds. Pat has also led the way in the custom Sportster components and modifications. For the last decade, Pat has focused his attention on the overlooked Sportster market, chopped it up, rebuilt it, and stamped his style all over it.
It actually all started while Pat was running a trucking business. Having a few drivers and still driving himself, time on the road kept him dreaming. What began as a hobby trying to fab up his own 1993 Sportster, ended up as a side business out of his 100 sq ft garage. Led Sled Customs had its own business card in 2002. After a few paint jobs and the first frame modification, in 2003 Pat Patterson ended his trucking business and opened the doors at an old five-n-dime store with a huge future ahead of him.
Going from mostly paint jobs to an entire line of custom Sportster parts and builds, Led Sled has skyrocketed to truly becoming the Sportster Authority. There was such a need to make this really cool, fast Sportster model into something people, at first glance, have no idea is a Sportster! Working in space that doesn’t really seem like more than 100 sq ft… Led Sled has produced hundreds of custom bikes and shipped parts not only to all 50 states, but over 90 countries worldwide.
At the beginning of his 10th year, Pat is not stopping. He has more ideas for more parts than anyone could even fathom. We, the Sportster lovers, like Pat, are looking forward to everything that comes out of that old five-n-dime in the months, years, and decades to come.
LedSled Customs
937-879-4645
10 Questions:
What people places or things do you get your inspiration from for bike building?
Our customers. We really enjoy building for guys that have a vision and then love to put our twist on it.
What is your personal philosophy on custom bike building?
It must be a functional, ride-able motorcycle. It cannot be a spaceship, cartoon character, or dragon.
What is on your “Must Do” list while you are in Vegas for Bikefest?
To win all their money.
What does being invited to build a bike for Artistry In Iron mean to you?
It is very cool to be recognized and invited as a builder alongside the caliber of other builders invited.
How do you feel about the judging at Artistry In Iron being peer based?
It is cool to have people that you respect and regard highly in the industry be part of the overall process.
What is the best or worst feature of your Artistry In Iron build?
The best features are all the new parts that we designed for the EVO Sportster. The worst part is trying to find time to ride it.
What kind of time goes into a build that’s at the level of an Artistry In Iron bike?
Sometimes it is not about the time, but more so the thought involved. However, it usually involves an intense couple of months.
What is you most prized possession in your shop? Example: a tool or machine that was handed down from a family member etc.
The most prized possession is probably the shop itself. It used to be the old five-n-dime candy store when I was growing up, so there are a lot of memories with all that.
If you had the ability to look into a crystal ball and see trends in the future, what would you expect to see coming or the custom motorcycle scene?
The industry is so creative, but I do see that all styles come full circle. There is something for everyone and it will be interesting to see what’s ahead.
What do you see yourself doing ten years from now?
In 10 years, I see myself still building choppers and manufacturing many parts. I also see riding dirt bikes with my kids and teaching them how to build and make their mark on the motorcycle industry.
See the Led Sled Customs entry and the other Artistry And Iron Bikes during Las Vegas Bikefest October 3-6 or to find more info go to www.lasvegasbikefest.com
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