Metric Cruiser - Written by Keith Fudge

It’s time to face it: there are cruisers and there are cruisers. Let us be the first to say that Tom Fulks’s metric cruiser definitely fits the latter category. What do we mean by metric cruiser, you may ask? Well, it used to be that pretty much all big V-twin cruisers were American made, with measurements in inches or SAE; however, during the past couple of decades, international bike makers, who measure in millimeters, have created a wide range of metric cruisers. And take it from us, in Huntington, West Virginia, there is one show-stopping example of a “metric work of art.” Or, to better describe the bike, since Tom is a jeweler by trade, according to Brian he has produced one gem of a custom cruiser.

Tom’s bike is a brilliantly customized Yamaha Road Star that has taken home the hardware in every show in which it has been entered! Some of his show titles include: Best of Show, Best Paint, and Best Overall Custom! Hey, but the best part about this bike is that it is no “trailer queen” as Tom built this bike to be ridden, and ride it he does! Talk about a rockin’ daily commute!

First of all, this bike is a great marriage of stock parts and custom accessories. The front end has been extensively chromed and features parts from Performance Machine including the braking system. The bike also rides on low profile Avon tires to give it a lean and sleek look as it hits the boulevards and byways. The engine is a high-compression, hyper-charged, nitrous-fed, 1600cc Road Star, and as I mentioned, features a myriad of custom accessories such as after-market wheels, bars, and exhaust, and more—not to mention the stunning purple and flame custom paint job done by Bill Clark. After looking it over, it was obvious why this bad boy brought home the gold at every show that it has been to! Tom, as we said before, you have one gem of a bike and thanks for sharing it with us!

     

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