“Dear Friends and Colleagues:
In 1995, Cheryl and I opened a small motorcycle shop in the back of a gas station. Over the last 13 years, our passion for building custom motorcycles, along with the world’s passion for riding motorcycles grew and grew. We worked very hard to bring custom bikes into the mainstream and have loved doing so. Cheryl and I feel that our company has done a great job building a great product and truly appreciate the work our employees have done as well as the support from our colleagues and customers.
Over the past year, the poor economy has hit the nation hard, and with that the motorcycle industry. Financial outlets are not lending money for the purchase of motorcycles or are requiring almost perfect credit in order to do so. Fuel prices have risen to the point that patrons have to make hard decisions on where to spend their expendable income. People are afraid to make that luxury purchase that a year ago was in their plans.
We have seen many of our friends and peers have to leave the industry that they love so much due to these circumstances. With that said, it is with much thought and soul searching that we too have decided to close KC Creations. We plan to pursue other business interests that we have set aside for many years. Cheryl and I wanted to put this information out to you and the public ourselves to avoid any negative rumors. It is our hope that you, our friends and colleagues, will understand our decision and will stand by us as we go through this process.
Thank you for your support over the years. It’s been a great ride”. Kim Suter. KC Creations (picture with Kim during better times)
A Letter From Custom Builder Kim Suter (KC Creations)
Published by June 3rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.30 Responses to “A Letter From Custom Builder Kim Suter (KC Creations)”
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I read this with deep regret and saddest for not have the opportunity to cross paths more with Kim and Cheryl.
I must say they are two people of the highest integrity.
They consistently put out a superb product and I heard nothing but the best from anyone who dealt with you. The industry will suffer a loss without you.
I wish you the very best with whatever path you choose and please know that the both of you have had a positive impact.
Love and respect,
Brenda Fox
Robb Report Motorcycling Magazine
I know this was touched on a headline a couple months ago, but it is a shame that between the economy and all the new shops that have popped up, good shops will not be able to continue with what they love to do. I will also assume that to have been in business for 13 years, you were good to your customers and provided a good product at a good price.
Unfortunately, all the bad shops are not gone yet. I know that first hand and believe it or not I had a custom builder here in South Florida finishing a bike for me and the service I received was so poor, I was forced to pull the bike and take it to another builder. Unfortunately, some good guys go but hopefully all the bad ones will be gone too.
Good luck in your future endeavors.
I met Kim and his wife at Daytona Bike week. It just happened that I parked my motorcycle in front of their trailer and display at the speedway. I talked with them for quite a while and got the impresssion they were great down to earth people with class. Therefore, I was sad to see the news of their closing.
I can only conclude that if people of their caliber are having to close, we are going to see a lot more before its over with. Their closing will probably be another blow to Big Dog that they didn’t need.
Like most of the population, I too wish I could afford a custom motorcycle. Could it be that the industry will revolve full-circle and go back to how it originally started, with people buying a stock motorcycle and customizing a little at a time as they can afford to.
Well I am sorry to hear anyone is closing there business it is very sad. But the one think I know is you never treat your employees bad. But there are people out there that do. No one should be treated like that you treat your employess the way you would like to be treated. I hate to see anyone close up shop. I did meet Kim few times at Bikeweek in Daytona. And he did tell me he does know who I am that he has many of our plaques hanging on his wall. I was very happy to hear that. Until I got back to my office and I did go on my computer and was very upset to read some of the notes from my employees that he is not doing business with us anymore because he is going with other Company, well that is fine that he went somewhere else but don’t tell me that you are happy with my Company just because we are in the same room. But I do understand Business is Business but as far as anyone closing the doors it is very sad. I one thing I do want to say whatever you choose to do in life I wish you the best luck in the world. But I hope if you are ever in the news again you will think of us again and I hope we can do business with you again. So enjoy life and take some time off and enjoy your family and relax. And it is so funny but I have the same picture that is taken with you and Cyril from the Builder’s Breakfast this year 2008.
Good Luck
June
Best of luck in your endeavors, Kim and Sheryl.
We hope to see you again in the future, when things get better, and they most likely will over time. Ride free!
Don’t forget the late 70’s, beginning of 80’s when many custom builders had to give up and got another job. They came back later when the economic situation improved. When you love working on motorcycles the passion never stop. Kim and Cheryl may come back in a couple of years. It’s what I wish them.
I guess negative people write more than the others. I don’t know Kim Suter. But make you all notice that in a very bad economy, even the good ones can fail. KC Creations didn’t fail when the economy was good.
This is indeed a sad situation for both Kim and Cheryl. I must admit I was shocked to learn of the closing of KC Creations. This economy we find ourselves in is no doubt a tough one and many people and companies in this industry, as well as others, have suffered because of it.
I am proud to say that I have had the pleasure of knowing both Kim and Cheryl for many years now. We have worked together in several charitable functions, most recently the Kids and Chrome Benefit of South Dakota, and I have always found the Suters’ to be of highest integrity and moral courage. One of the “Bloggers” herein stated that “what goes around comes around” and I am a firm believer in that statement. I am therefore fully convinced that Kim & Cheryl will land on their feet when this is all said and done.
I sincerely wish the Suters’ continued success in whatever field of endeavor they may choose in the future. I am sure this is not the last we will hear from Kim and Cheryl in this industry.
Jeff Nicklus
Desperado Motorcycles / Jeff Nicklus Customs LLC.
I have been looking at one of the BigInch Bikes to purchase , but now I will look elsewhere for that Top Gun. This one is still on the floor in Dallas that I wanted.
Hey robert, give us a call in Dallas @ 214-357-0707.. let’s talk about that Top Gun you want..Ask for Johnnie
I was sad to hear someone like KC was closing their doors. I don’t know of the behind the scenes issues but from what I’ve seen they always produced a decent product. Too bad the ones that are producing junk like BMC, BBC and U.S. Kustoms can’t get run out of the business instead of those builidng decent stuff. Maybe some day they will. I know the economy is tough right now but I hope it helps weed out those that shouldn’t be in our industry to start with instead of those that are doing the right thing with their customers and their products.
Robert, if you’re looking for a custom bike that has the biggest proprietary OEM production engine in it,, ( 152 cu in short stroked at 128 HP and 141ft/lbs of torque @1000rpm) we have it ! Any color you want designed and painted by Airea5150 Contact Viper motorcycles in Minnesota or see the write up on the bikes in the May issue of American Iron.
Sure going to miss you guys! Good luck in your endeavors, and please keep in touch.
Ok, this has become straight up bullshit. There is no need to talk bad about Kim and Cheryl especially about the closing of their doors. Not everyone is perfect in every way shape or form.
So as for “Karma’s a b**ch!! Long Live Pink Chopper!!!!”, Gotta Luv a Pink Chopper, blahblahblah….Go screw yourselves!!! Dont act like a pack of pissed off teenagers because you are the local low blow baby shops. We have been here LONG before you and will be here WAY after you are gone. It is people like YOU, the companies who are here to make a quick buck, that give the real people in this industry a bad name. So, close up your baby shop and stop ripping people off, its rediculous.
Now as for Viper Motorcycles and whoever else on this board who has tried to take this misfortune to their benefit. That is wrong and should not be tolerated. If you want to make the sale do it through advertising not by directly disrespecting one of the nicer people of the industry and using their press realese as an advertising forum. Kim may not still be in business but he will forveer be a part of this industry.
So,Good luck in your future endeavors Kim and Cheryl.
RESPECTFULLY
Conrad Nicklus
Thank you Conrad. I remind everybody that I made the choice to not moderate comments and that they appear as posted. But to those who are abusing this Blog and its readers by advertising themselves, making offensive comments while hiding behind fake names and emails, I remind them.
1- That we can trace the source of each comment through your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
2- That my Blog has “terms of services” that I recommend everybody to read at least 1 time.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/terms-of-service/
Thank you for your attention and understanding.
I have been a dealer for Kim’s products for 3 years, and Kim and Cheryl have been top notch to work with. I knew Vickie as well, liked Vickie very much, but there is ALWAYS two sides to every story. Kim and Cheryl will always be successful in anything they do, cause they are hard working, honest, quailty people……period! I did business with them on a weekly basis and have a couple of his bikes in stock now. I know they will sale, and I wont have to worry about them flying apart cause they are quailty bikes. I dont see how anybody that doesnt personally know someone, can just rip the hell out of them, based on rumors and other internet crap. I agree with Conrad 100% whoever is representing Viper and writing this crap should be fucking ashamed……damn, I know it’s a tough market, but really, give that shit a rest.
Kim and Cheryl…..I love the both of you and will help in anyway I can, and I will be up to see you soon.
No disrespect was intended, Apologizes to all. Crew has read the “terms of service”. No more late night 1am blog reading, either!. Also, read the terms of service on the use of profane language on the blog. Again, no disrepect to KC Creations.
Kim & Cheryl Suter are the best of the best. They have always been quality people & they will continue to be quality people. Our industry has benefitted from their time here & I hope they come back to the motorcycle industry.
I want anyone who has read my comment about looking elsewhere for that Top Gun motorcycle that I personaly do not know Kim Suter or any of his staff. I have seen his bikes and have always been impressed by what I saw. I was seriously looking at the Top Gun bike in Dallas but when I read that K C “S was quiting business I have second thoughts about purchase. The last two bikes I have owned have gone down to bankruptcy and closed doors forever. As for as Viper Motorcycles comment on here I did not sense any disrepect directed at K C Creations.I have noticed the vulgar and profane writings of others comments on this and will say that those comment are very disrespectable to all that read here. I do not know or have I communicated with the Viper staff but I will say that what they wrote here is very professional and written in a very civilized manner.
MR HUZE BLOG IS IN MY OPINION, INTENDED TO PROVID THE PUBLIC WITH INUSTRY INFORMATION. WE ALL SHOULD BE VERY THANKFULL FOR THE TIME AND EFFORT HE PUT’S FOURTH. If MR HUZE DECIDED TO HAVE A MODEST FEE FOR LEAVING COMMENTS, I BELEIVE THE READING WOULD IMPROVE, IGNORANT AUTHORS MIGHT THINK TWICE INSTEAD OF USING THE BLOG FOR THEIR PLAYGROUND. GOULISH SALES PEOPLE MIGHT NOT PREY ON OTHERS MISFORTUNES. FACE IT VIPER, YOU ONLY APPLOGIZED AFTER YOU GOT CAUGHT. VIPER HAD NO CONSCEINCE AT THE TIME THEY SAW BLOOD ON THE STREET. IF VIPER HAD TO PLACE A NICKEL IN THE METER, THEY WOULD PROBABLY HAVE FOUND ONLY EMPTY POCKETS, MUCH LIKE THEIR MORAL FORTITUDE.
NOTICE HOW THOSE USING FOUL LANGUAGE NEVER APPLOGIZE. DO THEY KNOW HOW ?
EVERYONE THAT HAS SOMETHING OF VALUE TO ADD TO THE BLOG PLEASE DO SO
QUALITY INFORMATION WILL HELP OUR INDUSTRY. INFORMATION WILL LEAD THE PATH FOR A MORE SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY FUTURE. BE A LEADER, PLEASE
MR. HUZE’S TIRLESS INFORMATION IS A FORUM WE SHOULD ALL RESPECT.
WE CAN BEST REWARD AND THANK MR. HUZE BY PROVIDING QUALITY COMMENTS
CYRIL, THANK YOU FOR THE INSUSTRY NEWS. PLEASE KEEP IT COMMING
TO KIM SUTER AND COMPANY, GOOD LUCK ,TAKE YOUR EXPEREINCE FORWARD AND USE IT WISELY.
Do not know all the facts by any means. I will say that it is never good to hear of anyone that fails if they have done right, followed the rules and treated their employees and customers well. Without knowing the facts, would be interesting to see how much notice that KIm gave to his employees before closing the shop, how much if any notice did he give to his other partnership shop such as in Florida and TX if any.
Would be a shame to hear that he pushed for dealers for his Big Inch line only a few months ago and had not been keeping them in the loop or to hear that like many companies that forget roots, to hear that his employees which I still would like to call team members did not get sufficient notice or something. Hopefully he did the right thing and kept those folks informed of the expected changes way before the public and industry knew. If not, as the old saying goes “You Reap What You Sow”
funny that a guy like andy donnie proudfoot would mention anything about apologies after he ripped off all of his dealers.
I am confused…I have been reading all the articles of their grand opening party at their huge new place…and then they close it? Don’t know them personally, but have always like their rides…and have bought some stuff from them….I’m just confused at why you build, open and promote a new shop…then the same week as I read about the opening, I hear they are going out of biz!???????
Toyz. Probably because it takes 2/3 months for a monthly print magazine to publish a press release. I guess that Kim Suter realized that his move was a mistake, and it may be that his mistake accelerated his problems and downfall.
To Jimmy John.
This blog is about the Sutter’s, can you not respect that? What value is there with your off topic, unfounded statements? Try not to use this valuable forum as your play ground, hiding behind your internet name. If you have something to say about me, be a man and call Titan 623 215 3629, we will talk about your false accusations. Please do not waist any more reader’s time who wish to know about the Sutter’s.
Andrew, Why don’t you call your ex dealer in Wisconsin and Florida, and start with your own apologies there.. or WAIT! how about your dealer in Washington, wait didn’t the one in MN sue your rear end? Didn’t you have to close down your place because you couldn’t pay him for cancelling the dealer agreement? Wait! isn’t there one in Nevada you did that to as well? Didn’t they cancel theirs too? Wait.. from previous blogs.. isn’t your real Name Andrea Donald Proudfoot Snyder? or Schnieder? Let he who is without sin cas the first stone Andy. Maybe you should start there before you try to suck up to Cyril. And what are you still doing at Titan anyway? Isn’t that your girlfriend Hope’s Shop now? How do you like being 2nd on the purchase paperwork? Whats it like to fall from # 2 to # ZERO? Please disregard any of Andrews comments on apologies. He owes many to many people in the industry.
Thank you.
Sorry to hear about your closure guys. met with you in Daytona and purchased a bike, which is in transit to Ireland as I write. Found my dealings pleasant and professional…. there were many decent people selling at Daytona, but I choose to do biz with you, and found your staff helpful afterwards also Hope things work out for the future.
Jimmy John,
Like Mr. Proudfoot has stated a few times now, leave his business out of this blog. This is for KC Creations not Titan Motorcycles. Its not your call on who he does and does not owe an apology to.He is a grown business man who has run a MAJOR business prior to Titan, Im sure he can handle his own.
Kim and Cheryl:
I so admire your works of motorcycle art. You created an amazing enterprise that will forever be a part of motorcycle history. We look forward to your next adventure in the motorcycle business. Passion is quite the “fuel” that keeps our hearts aglow through the toughest of times. Your passion for the motorcycle lifestyle and business is nothing short of first class all the way. Kim and Cheryl, you are living legends, indeed!
Yes, it is a sad state of affairs how the economy has become so challenging for everyone of us.
Oh, think of all the s’miles you have given and continue to give to riders everywhere. You have inspired many people to ride and to take interest to customize their bikes. You are both so wonderful. Mark always spoke so highly of your fantastic business and customer service. God bless you both with a brand new adventure and peace, and passion. Love, Sasha
Conrad Nicklus
Thank you for the comment. I have not read the Blog in the last few days as I have been busy assisting with Titan affairs. Is it not incredible that when an author provides a positive comment to Mr. Huze (which he certainly deserves), some moron (Jimmy Jim real name Artie Welch whom is actually the Min. dealer he refers to.) claims it is sucking up? Our industry needs a lot of positive Karma now. Let’s thank those that did the best they could. That put their time in, all of it, their heart and sole. Some of us did not make it. But we did our best. I spoke with Kim many times in the past. The Suter’s did their best. Shutting down a business is a very difficult decision. It is certainly not part of your original business plan It leaves a person wondering, what could they have done differently? I do not dare speak for the Suter’s, but I know it is a soul searching experience.
I some how believe that the Suter’s will pass on what they have learned form their achievements and their final decision, to others.
As for Jimmy Jim, AKA, Artie Welch, please take your crusade elsewhere. Have some respect for the Suter’s Forum.
ARTIE, EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN OPINION, BUT NOT THEIR OWN FACTS.