In their own way, some custom builders are philosophers. And their philosophy defines who they are, or who they want to be, or at least how they want to be perceived… Entering George Stinsman website the splash screen is not displaying the latest custom of Chaos Cycle but instead a bold red letters statement “Without order nothing can survive. Without chaos nothing can evolve” Ok, chaos is supposed to have preceded order and George warns you that his work is based on the creative power of building bikes with a disruptive attitude. In a few words, his mission is to challenge conventionalism and to explore the unfamiliar.
Philosophy aside, George Stinsman is emerging as one of the most hardcore builders of the east coast. The custom featured here is a great example of what he likes to produce. Disruptive custom bikes looking thrillingly dangerous in appearance but extremely pleasing and cool due to their visual intensity. His own perception of what a real custom bike should be.
It was the second custom ordered by owner Marco Leonetti. The first one was the kind of bike where you feel guilty if you don’t wash, polish and shine it each time you come back from a short spin… This time, he asked Stintsman and crew to build him a bike with deep soul and that you could clean off with a hose. More time for riding and no time spent brightening it…
Chaos Cycle decided to start off with a VL Harley frame that someone had already raked and stretched way out there. After rebuilding the 1983 80″ Shovelhead motor at the shop and sourcing a 4-speed tranny at Baker Drivetrain, the frame was modified to fit super tight around them with the neck dropped way down. Gas tank, fender, oil bag, handlebars, jockey shift, foot Controls and struts were all built at the shop by George Stinsman and Patrick McColgan. A modified Springer front end was installed, and because there was an orphan old Firestone tire laying at the shop a matching one was found and installed. Buchanan spoke wheels, drum brakes and a narrow primary complete the retro look..
Contrary to what many builders like to do – for visual simplification hiding mounting point
s, brackets, fluid lines, electric wiring, etc – Stuntman is more inclined to put them in your face to display the bike’s full blueprint and intricate architecture. Once all fabrication was complete, the tins were sent to Chris Mauro for some sparkly magic he has been doing for Chaos Cycle for years. The frame was given to Prismatic “Pete” for powder coating, and when it came back to the shop received a silver leaf treatment on the castings to make them stand out.
As for the bike name “The Hate Tank”, it’s in reference to an old song from a 80’s band called M.O.D. George Stuntman told me: “the bike is “tankish looking” and I am confident it will be haters fuel for trolls on social networks. And it’s something fueling my drive…” Regarding owner Marco Leonetti, he changed his tune. Now he says about his new build: “I will never hose it…” Chaos Cycle (Photography @ Chaos for Cyril Huze)
Owner- Marco Leonetti
Frame: 1937 VL frame modified by Chaos Cycle
Rake: 38 degrees
Engine: 1983 80″ Shovelhead rebuilt by George Stinsman of Chaos Cycle
Heads: Harley
Cylinders: S&S
Pistons: Weisco
Cam: Andrews
Crank: S&S
Cases: Harley
Exhaust: Chaos Cycle
Ignition: Morris magneto
Carburetor: S&S super E
Oil filter: Belmit
Transmission: Baker 4-speed
Drive:BareKnuckle choppers
Gas tank, Fender, Oil bag, Handlebars, Jockey shift, Foot Controls and Struts all built by Chaos Cycles George Stinsman and Patrick McColgan
Front end Chaos cycle modified Springer
Front wheel- Honda CB350 front drum with Buchanan spokes and HD rim
Rear wheel: Harley hub and drum with Buchanan spokes and HD rim
Headlight- Emgo
Tail light: After Hours Choppers
Seat- Xian Leather
Paint- Chris Mauro
Powdercoating: Prizmatic
Nickle plating: Super Chrome of N.J.
I think your phrase “visual intensity” describes this bike well Cyril. Busy but well done. Even looks like a bike someone could take out to the country, a mountain road, or cruise a beach community. I often wonder if bikes like this end up getting ridden or are they regulated to shows. I do hope this one, after the show circuit, does see the highway.
Definitely takes many ques from the hippy dippy days of the 60’s such as the paint job, balloon tires, and handlebars. This is a bike I would love to own – and ride.
Like it!
“Visual Intensity” Cyril masters motorcycle design poetry.
Great sled. Like it, too.
Love the Hate! =)
It’s what custom building is all about. Attitude…
Well done. A pretty neat chaotic bike.
Sometimes good design is the opposite of what is supposed to be good design. A great example showing that there are no custom building rules.
Blood, sweat and miles. It’s what this chop makes me think of.
Front to rear, it’s a bad boy!
I love it when a bike looks “dangerous”
Great bike George.
WTF???
Bitching bike. And Cyril knows how to present a builder.
Nice ! Retro but very nice !!!!
Love it. Especially dig those pipes!
Nice scoot!
Nice bike.
Very japanese style like MC Basara
Ouch my back. But I still want to ride it.
Got the right word, Cyril. Disruptive!
The sled of a rebel. With a cause?
Nice lookin’ bike. Kudos to George Stinsman and the Chaos Cycle crew for a job well done.
as Billy Milano said in the quintessential last song on USA for MOD ….
the love boat …the HATE TANK!