Ramble On

March 18, 2016

0Points

Article By: Matt Reel

Photos By: Mark V

Originally Published In The 2013 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine

Anyone familiar with the custom motorcycle scene knows that for about every 100 people that talk about building a motorcycle, hopefully one customer materializes. Now that one customer may have you do a few mods or he may let the builder really show his/her skills. The latter is what occurred when Marco Leonetti stopped by the Chaos Cycle display at a show one day. Marco told Chaos owners George and Dee Stinsman that he had a custom bike, but he wanted it updated with their style. George and Dee discussed a few things with him and then told him to bring his bike by the shop sometime. Now fast forward a few months and Marco shows up at the Chaos shop with a well built but slightly dated bike, complete with a strong running engine, some really nice parts, and green flames over an orange base. After reminding George and Dee of their earlier meeting (you talk to a lot of people at these shows), a plan started to come together.

The basis of that plan was Marco really liked the Chaos bikes and wanted his transformed into one. To begin the build, the original bike was torn down and an inventory of what parts were going to be used was taken. The “reuse this” list ended up being kinda short. It basically consisted of the original Kraft Tech frame, the engine, and the hand grips. So with frame in hand, it was time to get things rolling — literally. First, a DNA Springer with a Chaos custom front leg was attached to the frame. Then a set of DNA wheels, 16 x 7 rear and 21 x 2.15 front, were sourced, and a set of Metzeler tires were then added to the wheels to get things going. For binders, a Performance Machine caliper was attached up front along with a Hawg Halter caliper in the rear. With the chassis rolling around it was now time to put some power back in it. As I said, the original engine was a good one, good to the tune of 103 c.i., and Patrick Racing Heads. So, George just freshened it up and added a little hotter cam to take full advantage of the large displacement. A Baker 5 speed transmission with kicker was then placed in the frame and tied to the engine with a Midwest belt drive.

Next on the project list was sheet metal. For a gas tank a stock Sporty unit was chosen for its classic shape. Then one of Chaos’s “Leave Your Troubles at Home” fenders was placed over that fat rear tire. For an oil tank a fencepost ball from Kings’ Architectural received a transformation. A set of Chaos “Donkey Punch” handlebars were added along with a custom Chaos 2 into 1 exhaust system. To finish the “knees in the breeze” stance, a Xian Leather handtooled seat and Damraider mid-controls were bolted on. With the bike now together, it was time to blow it apart and get some finish work done. George sent all the aluminum pieces he could to Otto Carter in Texas for some heavy duty engraving. Just about everything else was given to Chris Mauro of Colour Works with the simple instructions: give it an East LA Low Rider feel. Both these guys knocked it way out of the park.

With everything back and bolted together, there was nothing left to do but just step back and stare in awe, then fire it up and ride the crap out of it. Marco was so impressed he has commissioned another build, this time from scratch. Chaos Cycle definitely has another dedicated customer. So the next time you’re at a show and see Chaos Cycle, or any other builder for that matter, stop by, kick some tires, talk some motorcycles, and just pass some time getting to know the crew. Who knows, I might be writing about your bike next time.