What is going to happen if you belong to the custom motorcycle industry, take your young son on the road during years, let him wander in rallies to meet with vendors and custom builders who are going to become his new friends? As a teenager, and whatever your status or prestige in the biz, he is already going to tell you that he can do much better than you. At 18, without authorization, he is going to tinker with your own bikes trying to impose his point of view. And as soon he gets some student job money or find a friend who wants a bike so badly, he is going to build one himself in a style which is never yours… It’s all good and one of the ways new pro custom builders are born. The story of Jeff Nicklus of Nicklus Customs with his son Conrad (whose other passion is to throw flames in my Blog) is not new, and as long it is repeated, the industry will keep moving forward. This intro to announce that Conrad Nicklus, at the age of 23 (met him when he was 8!) has formed a new manufacturing company called Impressive Motorsports LLC.
“With the encouragement and assistance of my father, Jeff Nicklus, I have taken the leap into the world of Production Custom Motorcycle Manufacturing. I now have my manufacturers license, I have leased some building space and I am now set up and ready to start producing a small quantity of bikes.” Nicklus Junior stated. “While it is true that I am in my Senior year of college, and that it will not be interrupted, it is also true that for the last 4-5 years I have been building bikes on the side for several friends and a few customers. So this leap into the world of Production Custom Motorcycles was to be expected by many. Further, I have been associated with every phase of the motorcycle industry most of my life, 15 years of my 23 years on this earth to be exact, so this transition is not totally foreign to me.” Nicklus continued.Right now, Conrad Nicklus is building a single old school style model called “The Madrad” selling for $18,500.00 and equipped with a 80” HD Evo and six-speed tray. The one featured here was built for a friend who graduated from West Point last May and is now getting ready for deployment in Afghanistan in November. The bottom of the seat has the MIA-POW logo worked into the leather. Within the next six months Conrad hope to add two more models to his line up. Impressive Motorsports (website to be fully operational within the next 30 days).
Congratulation.
One step at a time.
Good looking ride .
Good price point.
I wish you well.
Always like it when the next generation keeps it going, has the old guy been looking thru the crack in the door for new insight for his styles. It is good to see as there are a lot of cases that when the family patriarch gives it up it is over in a lot of industries. Not saying your ready for the rocking chair yet Jeff but you know.
Did he pass on a copy of the old notebook on things not to do/lessons learned?
Was one of the names you were considering for the company, “Flaming motorsports”, ha. Good luck.
Good Luck and congratulations. The bike looks awesome. Jeff should be very proud of your accomplishments. As Cyril said, The new generation looks at the world i little different than we do, and that’s a good thing. I can see it in your bike here, and I see it in the work that my students turn out. Not always my style, sometimes more radical than I can appreciate, but always theirs. And that’s what you and your generation are going to bring to this industry. A fresh perspective and a new chapter. Enjoy the ride Conrad. You’ve got a great start.
-Darin
Now that’s one fine setup for 18.5
Conrad, please don’t let this new venture derail you from achieving your goal of being a doctor. Go get your medical degree & then at some point take over Desperado from the old man if that’s what you want to do! You’re only young once, don’t blow that education. The motorcycle business will be there when you’re ready. Good luck son.
Hey Rick,
Conrad just changed his major back to Business Admin/Finance at the end of this semester. He did a study of costs and time associated with med school and the expected cuts and caps on Doctor fees with this Obamacare crap and he concluded he would be in the hole over $600K by the time he is ready to start a practice. I must agree with his evaluation. So now he will not graduate until next Christmas. Then he is planning on doing his MBA here in Houston as well so he can do the bikes and school and earn a few bucks and maybe have a few grins and chuckles along the way. Besides, he and I had an agreement that he would finish school before I threw Holy Water on the new company idea.
See you in Austin in a few weeks.
Over & Out,
Jeff
Jeff so very proud for you. It has been said: “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.”
And from what I know of you. Conrad will grow into a Giant Redwood, just like his Dad.
Ride safe. love you my bro. john
That’s cool Jeff, I figured ya’ll had a “Master Plan” in place. I look forward to seeing you in Austin.
Way to go Conradroid…. I knew you had the edginess in it that Jeffroid had when he was smaller.. haha. I remember your comments on my rigid and you liked it and the Big boy didn’t… Way to go, but I agree with Mr. Fairless, get that education first…. The Dustroid might need a stable partner just for the hell of it. Way to go young man. You have got it… I’m really proud of you and glad to know you and your wonderful family… Dustroid
Conrad,
Nice scoot.
Smart move…….. 🙂
Go-Get-em.
-nicker-
Way to go Conrad! Keep your feet on the ground and always look around. You have the background to make it and I wish you all the best! Make your own road!!! Do your own thing!!! Hope to see you and the Old Man in SD this summer.
Jim
Good on ya mate. Nice to see a family member pave his/her own road but DO listen to your old man for advise. Experience counts for a lot. Go forth young whiper snapper.
Conrad:
Congrats. I got a look, up close and personal, at Thunder Beach and your work is most impressive. I expected nothing less. Definitely something I would be proud to ride.
As Rick said, get the education. You can be a maverick AND be educated.
I always enjoy our time together if for no other reason than to watch the look on Jeff’s face at some
of the things you say after a couple of beverages. He’s gonna need a neck brace one of these
days from shaking his head so much.
Best of luck and I look forward to seeing you again soon. The next one is on me.
Nice bike tho it is an catalog parts bike for the most part. Just sayin what he would say. 😉 with that said,good luck
Good Deal young main!! peace
Nice ride .Keep up the good work it show your must be working harder than the old man. Ha Ha Hope to see you all soon Trav.
Sorry but I would agree with Jim. I think an SPS is probably better bang for your buck but good luck.
Best to you even though I don’t know you. I have to admire anyone who sets out to do soemthing worth while. Stay the course and be willing to make corrections along the way (which is sounds you are doing). We will have to get Jeff on Hog Radio show for an interview soon.
The producer
You continue to “impress” me with your varied attributes. Your good fortune started when you were born – glad you watched, listened and learned from one of the best. Follow in your father’s footsteps but don’t be afraid to walk beside him making your own. No matter what venture you choose your education will be the future. Remember to always be honest with yourself and others, cherish your customers, don’t take yourself too serious and enjoy the ride.
congrats – wishing you much success!
Will you sell one to a Mexican?
Good to see you are keeping the faith and the old school chopper style. May it never die. Doing what you love and are passionate about is a great blessing in life. Making a living at it is the challenge.
Better to have and do with less and be happy, than to sacrifice what you cherish on the altar of things. Keep it up and if this first effort is any indication , the craft and your place in it is assured.
happglide. Have a good un, whatever it is.
Thanks Everyone!