I always say that a client should select his Custom Builder like he would select any top expert, like deciding on a Surgeon. After thoroughly checking his references and spending a lot of time talking to him. After that, trust him at 100%. Let him do his work and never challenge him. He is the expert. Not you. It’s exactly what Daryl did when he selected Mike Tomas as his Custom Builder. After several years checking on many builders’ work, when he saw the custom Indian bike built by Mike for the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration, Daryl knew right away that “Kiwi Indian” had to build his dream bike.
And he took the best approach for a successful collaboration. He just gave Mike Tomas a short list of his requirements along with a deposit, and after agreeing on a paint job color told him that he would not intervene until the bike would be finished. If you are serious Custom Builder, nothing more motivating than to feel 100% trusted by a client who let you free to work your magic with your crew.
I am in Cincinnati at the V-Twin Expo, and although it’s a trade show with entry only for professionals and medias, this morning Daryl will be authorized to access the show floor and the Kiwi Indian booth to look for the 1st time at his bike (reason why I didn’t publish sooner these pics taken in California before the trip to Ohio). Follows the list of main parts used on Daryl’s Retro 30’s Kiwi Indian custom built. Kiwi 84″ Flathead engine, 4 speed overdrive synchromesh transmission, Kiwi rigid frame, Kiwi leaf spring forks, Kiwi internal controls, Kiwi adjustable height seat with classic external springs, Oil tank in right front side of gas tank, Kiwi tail light, a vintage style luggage rack that is easily fitted to the bike with an easy on/off mounting system (not visible on these pictures), Removable electronic speedometer. Optional on this model are foot shifter, hand clutch, electric start. Kiwi Indian Motocycles (letter r is omitted on purpose in word “motocycle” and you should know why)
How can one not be pleased with this eye appealing piece.
Poetry with or without motion.
Awesome ride…..Spend some time around Mike and you soon realize that he has the gift for design and fabrication.The engineering that goes into a bike like this is phenominal. Whenever Mike is in SD I try to spend a little time in his shop and bring my students by for a lesson or two when he has time.I have been blessed to call Mike my friend(most days, my six year old wants to move in with Mike and Carolyn instead of Mom and Dad) and have his guidance and expertise with the projects that my students here at MTI put together. Thanks Mike. Have a great time time in Cinci….and congatulations on another job well done.
Here is something I have always wondered about…with “Indian” being back in business, are they on board with what Kiwi does?
I just wonder if there will come a time when Indian will come down on Mike since he uses Indian in his name & has Indian on the bike, even though his bikes are actually more the real Indian then Indian is now.
Another thing I also wondered is, when there was the Biker Build off…why did Trevelen get the name recognition for “building” the bike against Indian Larry Legacy – Paul Cox & Keino? The Kiwi guys did way more then Trev, other then riding it to the event.
Beautiful. Love it.
Wow, that is gorgeous….. Puts the new Indians to shame.
Brett, I didn’t keep up with things, but at one time there were at least 3 different companies in 3 different countries with the rights to use the Indian name. Maybe the current Indian (old CMC) has only the “USA Indian” rights?
Yeah Woody, don’t know about that, but Kiwi Indian is in Riverside California, so if Stellican just has US rights to the name, Kiwi would still have to be fearful….also since Stellican is a London England company, I don’t know if they would only buy US rights, but could be….
I mean obviously these are 2 different products being put out, but I’d think the people that would have the cash to buy a new Indian are exactly the people buying from Kiwi, since both are about the same price. $34,000…I’d have to really consider getting a Kiwi bike before the new one, but I’m not Jay Leno or Brad Pitt, so I won’t be spending $34,000 on a bike anytime soon. 🙂
True, forgot he was from CA.
A true “custom product”….. built to suit.
And as usual, Kiwi delivers a great scooter.
Looks like the manufacturing model of the future.
Wish i had a Jay Leno budget……….. 🙁
-nicker-
That’s a awesone work like usually!
God job Mike!!
Lookin good
Another incredible machine built by Mike and the crew at Kiwi. You guys are always an inspiration to my bike building kids in the Canadain Chopper Class.
Thanks for building bikes the way you do.
mazz.
I have too say I really enjoyed putting 70+ miles on this bike when it was here at the shop. I rode this bike all over the place, both highway and city streets, The amount of looks and compliments was overwealming. I really admire the work and craftmanship Travis put into the bike as well, he is a first rate builder and knows his stuff. I was sad too see such a nice motorcycle leave the shop, i wanted to keep it for myself, really bad.
thank you very much Mike and I put alot of work in these bikes trust me on that the color Mike picked is perfect good call MIKE look for more of the same craftmanship in furture projects we got cool stuff coming around the bend.
awesome great job mike a lotta love went into it.
I am fortunate to have great guys who share the same vision and level of perfection. More cool models are in the works so keep tuned. Proudly made by American Craftsman
Great seeing you in Cinci Mike, I am excited to get moving on the 47 Indian motor build with you and then finish the build with the kids in my class..THANKS AGAIN!
kennedychopperclass.com
Although I didn’t see this particular bike, I did see some of his others at BUB a couple of years ago and the quality is top shelf. Good work Mike!
Great work M8!!!! Hope you had/have a safe trip home!
Joe
Your Buddy James would be so proud !!!!!!
Keep up the good work MATE ….
nice bike. kiwi builds some of the nicest bikes on the planet. he also stands behind his work above anyone in the industry. i have been buying parts from him for almost 20 years