Words from the Workshop with Dean
POSTED: 20/01/2022
Words from the Workshop...
...with Dean
We asked our experienced motorcycle technician, Dean, a few questions about previous custom jobs he's worked on. He mentions specific parts and upgrades that are growing in popularity right now, as well as his favourite bikes to work on.
Dean also told us a few stories about some wild ideas that customers have had in the past where the team at Maidstone Harley-Davidson® really had to come together to make them happen!
Read on for these awesome stories...
What is your favourite bike to work on?
"Sportster® motorcycles are really easy and fun to do stuff to. Customers like to opt for things such as a rear fender upgrade and adding drag bars. Older Sportster® models are great really because we can go crazy with them, and that's one of their most attractive selling points."
What custom work do you find most interesting to undertake?
"I find any custom work interesting, but it's not without its challenges. We do a variety of custom work here at Maidstone Harley®, including full custom builds, accessorised builds, and performance upgrades. Sometimes it’s straightforward, but occasionally we have to adapt to the fact that parts aren't made for the specific bike we're working on. I do really enjoy starting with a basic bike and creating something totally new and different with it though. We recently built a Fatboy with real Gold Flake incorporated into the paintwork!"
What is the most satisfying part of a custom job?
"Seeing the bike finished and complete in its full glory is so satisfying and makes all the hard work worth it. The look on the customer's face when they see it for the first time, geared up and ready to ride it home is just amazing."
Dean's favourite custom jobs...
BOBBY BUBBLE
"The paint scheme we ended up going with on this one was so different. Blacking out the chrome was a good move. It ended up looking so smart with the rear end chopped down and the single-seat customisation. We pretty much changed everything on that bike. A customer actually saw Bobby Bubble on our website and wanted a replica of the bike itself, just not with the unique bubbles."
FAT BOY STEALTH
"The minimalism and presence of this custom build is something that you don't see on many of our bikes. The idea of it being stealthy would make it seem like we wanted it to fade into the background... but that is definitely not the case. The hints of red just really made it pop, as did the addition of Air Ride suspension at the click of a button."
What are you working on at the moment?
"We've just bought a bike that's in a bit of a sorry state, so we plan on giving it a brand new life. We don't quite know what we're going to do with it yet... so stay tuned for that one. We've also been doing a lot of performance work lately for customers who want to get their bike ready early for the new riding season."
What are your plans for future endeavours?
"I’ve mentioned to the team a couple of bikes that I would like to do, but whether we get the chance is another thing. We only get the opportunity to do the big niche crazy ideas if someone comes in requesting it. I enjoy doing stuff away from the norm: Why not set me a challenge?"
Feeling inspired?
If Dean has inspired you to enquire about some custom work of your own...
STOP BY or CALL US on 01622 711680 and speak to our friendly team who are always happy to discuss your ideas, or...
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Laguna Motorcycles
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Maidstone, Kent
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Maidstone, Kent
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Telephone: 01622 713950
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Canterbury, Kent
CT4 6SA
Telephone: 01227 832601
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