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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