Another Lightning Rod Custom Motorcycle

It has only be seen in Daytona this past Biketoberfest for one day, and it was displayed with the Renegade wheels display at Destination Daytona, personally invited by Chuck Frederick owner of Renegade wheels. It features a rigid US Choppers frame with 35-degree rake, 23” front and rear wheels by Renegade, 113” Ultima engine equipped with a 45 mm Mikuni Carb, a 6 speed tranny, Jay Brake Controls and a Kiwi front end. The shop offers this bike as a roller, or a complete build, and they offer custom frame building as well.  Contact Steve Carr or Rick Bonin at Lightning Rod Motorcycles.

20 Responses to “Another Lightning Rod Custom Motorcycle”


  1. 1 Dave B. Jan 5th, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Very sharp. Lean, clean, minimalist, approach. Nice work.

  2. 2 rodent Jan 6th, 2009 at 10:36 am

    Could the Van Buren sisters ridden a pair coast to coast?

  3. 3 Bad taste Jan 6th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    Someone else’s wheels. Someone else’s frame. Someone else’s carb. and I’m sure the list goes on. The motorcycle industry has turned into crap. I’m sad to say this as I once found pleasure in building bikes that were 90% original parts. Sad state of affair’s. Enjoy!!

  4. 4 Bill Cohen Jan 6th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

    Bad taste,

    90%….what was left that you didnt build, Please let us know, it seems you “were” a real bike builder…”once”. Ever think that you maybe “thought” you did 90%, when in reality you only built 20%?

    I commend these guys, they have vision, and style and are actually doing something with this art . What did you ever acomplish, let us all know?

    Go back to your rocking chair and watch more TV and sit on your ass a little more before you make any other comments on something you have little knowledge about, if you had a clue you would know. Oh by the way, do you build your own Carbs? Make your own wheels? Forge your own pistons? make your own front ends? OR, did you go to a junk yard and buy shit to put together and say that you built your own bike?

    Sir, with all due respect……………….you are the kind of ass we all know when we see you in a crowd, simply a know-it-all that cant turn a screw without a hammer.

    Sorry for the “Bad Taste”

  5. 5 Steve Carr Jan 6th, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    Question for Cyril if I may,

    Mr. Huze,

    There seems to be alot of opinion out there about what a “true” bike builder is. Sir as much as I respect you, I know you can answer this question so that it may help clear the air.

    Cyril, I am sure that you as a master builder do not “build” or “make” each and every part on the bikes you build, nor does anyone else build each and every part on a bike. Although some come close, no one person can build a complete bike with out the use of some parts from other makes, models, ect..

    Please clear the air for us so that we all know where each and every one of us stand.

    This seems to be a very broad and passionate subject, especially for those that “seem” to have all the right answers and abilities.

    Any comments on this subject would be greatly listened to and understood by most.

    Steve Carr,
    Owner
    Lightning Rod Motorcycles

  6. 6 takingnames Jan 7th, 2009 at 3:07 am

    Looked up these guys shop- looks like one guy working in his garage with links to youtube showing oil and gas leaking from fresh built bikes? – it also looks like he is trying to rip off those U.S. Choppers frames and sell it as their product?? You judge… http://www.uschopper.com vs http://www.lightningrodmotorcycles.com/CurrentBuild.html

    I keep seeing guys trying to burn others like this – is everyone out of ideas… or is it just everyone thinks their gonna make a quick buck off of someone else.

    If I was US Choppers I would be pissed! Someone should e-mail them this link.

  7. 7 Wade, SD Jan 7th, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Man. shallow people are out there and illiterates. They gave credit to the parts they used – which is a compliment to the manufacturer. Do your research before you throw stones bro…the original boardtrack frame was built in the 20’s – . I wonder how “pissed” those frame builders are that their frames were replicated. Shit man – look at the auto industry if ya wanna break it down who had what part first you’ll end up in a looney bin. These guys appear to have their shit together and I respect those straight up saying who they used on it. $13K, a bad ass bike, finally someone has the right idea for the working man. Take a Xanax, get off your pedestal and go buy a $50K bike that will still have other parts on it…instead of jumping up and down like a little cartoon character screaming the sky if falling. Don’t like it, don’t buy it. Either way there is little tolerance for crybabies pointing fingers and belittling the art of motorcycles. Variety is the spice of life. A motorcycle is an extension of the rider’s personality.

  8. 8 Mollie, RB, Florida Jan 7th, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I just want to say personally veiwing Steve’s creations, he has a unique way of bringing together a motorcycle, truley making them a -one-of-a-kind. I have had a Harley and a Big Dog, but when I saw the completions of his creativity, I myself had to have one. Steve built me one of the most beautiful bikes I have ever owned and it went straight in Hot Bike Magazine! Knowing my background with hotrods, classics and motorcycles, they have to be perfect for me to turn my head, much less own one!

    Keep up the great work Steve, I know how much time, thought and passion you put into your bikes, it shows!

    And as far as the above “Rick”, he would feel the same if he could touch, smell and breathe the bikes you build. We are grateful you are able to put together fine equipment from other companies with owners like yourself to keep everyone sharing their passion as ONE!

    Can’t wait to see the beast completed that you are currently working on

  9. 9 Cyril Huze Jan 7th, 2009 at 11:16 am

    Below, the email I received from Steve Carr, owner of “Ligtning Rod Motorcycles” and my answer to him.

    “Mr. Huze, There seems to be alot of opinion out there about what a “true” bike builder is. Sir as much as I respect you, I know you can answer this question so that it may help clear the air. Cyril, I am sure that you as a master builder do not “build” or “make” each and every part on the bikes you build, nor does anyone else build each and every part on a bike. Although some come close, no one person can build a complete bike with out the use of some parts from other makes, models, etc..

    Please clear the air for us so that we all know where each and every one of us stand. This seems to be a very broad and passionate subject, especially for those that “seem” to have all the right answers and abilities. Any comments on this subject would be greatly listened to and understood by most”. Steve Carr, Owner Lightning Rod Motorcycles

    Steve,

    “A custom motorcycle is one that was not built before and will not be duplicated by the original builder (but can be copied).One which is not mass produced.

    A custom motorcycle can be built from the ground up or be modification of an existing factory one.

    A custom motorcycle can be built from factory parts used a different way or modified, from after-market custom parts or from fabricated parts or a combination of all 3 categories.

    A custom motorcycle perceived merit and value (emotionally & financially) is based on it’s aesthetic, innovation, performance & reliability characteristics. Each person being unique gives a different weight to each criteria. Like when composing a song, although people use the same notes, it’s the architecture and combination of parts which make a bike a “hit”. It doesn’t matter if the parts are bought, modified or fabricated. Only the final result gives a motorcycle its unique flair and “Custom” status.

    A true custom builder is anyone who is able, amateur or professional, to “compose” a motorcycle looking unique and extremely desirable. A master builder is the one who is able to do this on a regular basis for each of his creations. His merit is not only to create something new, but also succeeding in not duplicating his former work and, at the same time, showing a unique style identified at 1st glance as being his own”. Best. Cyril.

  10. 10 R. Owens. Atl, Ga Jan 8th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    It dont matter where or how these guys build the bikes they do, The bottom line is they do a great job, and should be commended for what they do. Anyone who would say something negative about their abilities, where or how or what parts they use, has to just be a miserable person to be around at best. I did as well look at the website and was very impressed with what I saw.

    lightning Rod,

    you guys kick ass as far as I am concerned, keep doing what you do and dont let ANY negative comments posted here bother you. Its easy for someone to say things via a computer keyboard, these comments would never be said if these people saw the final product. What it is is Pure envy from those that cant do what you guys do, so they have to be negative to make themselves feel as if they can do better. If they could they would not be saying a word, especially, from behind a keyboard.

  11. 11 Jeff Nicklus Jan 10th, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    Cyril,

    I have never heard or read anyone render a definition of a “Custom Builder” better than you just did. That in and of itself was pure eloquence.

    I applaud you my friend!

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  12. 12 burnout Jan 11th, 2009 at 1:12 am

    I agree. peace

  13. 13 alan Jan 13th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    NICE BIKE BUT JUST BOLT ON PARTS

    NOTHING REALLY CUSTOM OR NEW

  14. 14 Steve Carr Jan 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Alan,

    Thanks for the comments. I am glad you are such an expert on all those “Bolt-on” Parts. Bro, you have not a clue about this bike or what is on it. There are very few “Bolt-on” parts. Sir if you have ever built a bike of any type you would know, Nothing “Bolts” on. Most everything has to be modified in some way ,shape, or form, if not made out of bare metal by us.. Sir no one person has the ability to make every part on a bike, its just imposible. The parts we did make for this bike blend in so well that they are not seen in the pictures, only when the bike is looked at in person do those parts shine through. We are humble enough to let everyone know about the fine parts we do use so that others may want to use the same parts for their bikes because of the reliability and cool factor.

    I would love for you to contact me and discuss this at any time. All of my contact information is availible on my website and I welcome you to call. I dont make comments here trying to be someone Who “knows-it-all”. We are actually out here doing bikes like this and not sitting at home being negative about what others do out there.

    Where can I find your information, or any of the bikes you build and sell on a regular basis? I am sure you have many new and innovative parts that you make that you can share with me.

    By the way, do you dissagree with what Mr. Huze wrote in a responce to my question above?
    Please re-check his definition above, then check on your own bike and see where you stand.

    It seems this blog is just a way for those of us that dont know, to annoy those of us that do.

    Stay on top of your game Alan, your ship will come in soon my friend.

    Thanks for your expert insight on “Bolt-on” Parts.

    Steve Carr

    Owner
    Lightning Rod Motorcycles.

  15. 15 Jeff Nicklus Jan 14th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    Steve Carr,

    We have never met but after reading your response to Alan I am sure we could be friends. Keep up the good work!

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  16. 16 alan Jan 15th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    HI STEVE DON’T BE MADE
    YOU DID A BETTER BIKE THAN THIS ONE AND I’M SURE YOUR ARE GOING TO DO SOME OTHER ONE BETTER
    JUST I THINK THIS ONE IS NOT REALLY SOMETHING NEW

    ALAN

  17. 17 Flash Jan 20th, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Hey the photography is kick ass…….Gotta give it up for that.

  18. 18 Rob R., IOWA Apr 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 am

    Steve,

    Great Job! Dont listen to the neg feed back. Best of all you are living what you Love! Ride on Brother…..

    Rob R.

  19. 19 FatBoy Apr 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    This is in responce to the pillowbiter known as (BadTaste). I am what I call a vision builder. I was driving around and came accross a old beet up 92 fatboy and fell in love with her. When i seen her i saw a vision of how I could pick her up dust her off and make her shine in my eyes. I may have used parts and pieces of other bikes or makers of those bike parts. It is not what or whos equipment you use that make it custom it is the idea and vision you made for your bike in your mind and brought it to life that makes a bike totally yours and custom. The 92 Fatboy that I found was old looking faded paint, old chrome she was just looking for someone to come along and rescue her and give her new life. In return she comes to life with every flick of the switch and screams for more with every twist of the throttle ohh and leaves a wet spot with every lady she passes. So as for BadTaste I am betin you don’t know a donut from a lugnut. Go back to watching those of us who have a real passion for building bike from ground up or those like me who vision new clothes on an old body. Thanks for your time guys the bike fuckin rocks and keep the dreams alive for those you may not even know you influenced

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Cyril Huze