In the world of custom motorcycles, Ron Simms is a legend. For approximately thirty years, Ron’s Bay Area Custom Cycles has created high-horsepower bikes that not only possess unique beauty, but that also give top-of-the-line performance. Recently, Ride On host, Brian Jackson had the opportunity to sit down with this legendary motorcycle guru and talk about the bikes that he has been creating for more than a quarter of a century.
Ron told Brian that the company offers custom bikes including old school and retro choppers. In fact, Ron also said that they offer bikes that no one else has ever created. Ron also told Brian that he still designs most of the bikes himself, but that he works closely with the fabricators themselves in the creation process. Later, we visited with a couple of fabricators and an illustrator whose love for what they do was so obvious that it was evident that it instilled a great amount of pride in their work; another reason that these bikes are so special.

If you read motorcycle rags, you are probably aware that a large number of magazine covers feature Simms’ Customs, and that high-profile athletes and celebrities are some of the more famous owners of Ron’s creations, but don’t be discouraged if you aren’t one of the rich and famous. Ron told us that it isn’t that difficult to own a Simms bike, and for just a few thousand more than a factory bike, anyone can ride home on a Simms’ Custom.

Concerning the bikes themselves, they are---well, they are just awesome. With great graphics and paint, and powered by Ron’s own creation, the Thug Motor, these bad boys are state-of-the-art in both looks and power. Ron went on to tell us a little bit more about the Thug motor, saying that it is a 131 c.i. and makes close to 150 horsepower! He then stated that there was a new version of the Thug that would be bumped up to 158 c.i. and make over 200 horses. ‘We scare people,” Ron said with a prideful and boyish grin.
During his visit, Brian got to meet the future of Simms Customs, Ron’s son Dane. Dane, a former college scholarship baseball player, is now getting a Ph.D. in custom bikes at his dad’s shop. It was obvious from our conversation with Dane that his love for the business, and for custom motorcycles assured us that the Simms name would be found on bikes for years to come.

Finally, Brian got the chance to see just what the big deal was all about and he was turned loose on a classic black and chrome number that was raked, stretched, chopped, and motivated by 131 cubic inches of pure Thug power. After his ride, Brian caught his breath long enough to say, “for a big barhopper, this was a really fun bike with terrific balance, amazingly smooth handling and way, WAY too much torque—but if nothing else, riding a Simms Custom is all about going to the extremes of power and style.”

At the end of our stay, perhaps Ron himself shared with us the secret why his bikes are so revered, and why he has stayed on top for all these years. Ron stated, “The best bike that we’re building is the one we’re building right now.” With that type of pride and meticulous craftsmanship it is easy to see why Simms Customs are truly legendary. If you want more information about Ron Simms Custom Motorcycles, you can check them out on the web at www.ronsimms.com.

That’s it for this week. So, until our next visit, always remember, “Keep the shiny side up and Ride On!”

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