A BIT ABOUT ME AND PRISTINE MOTORCYCLES
SO, WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
Growing up in Mitcham Surrey, I found my passion for motorcycles in a few ways. Firstly, my dad had a love for American cars and motorcycles, so for my whole childhood, Sunday rides and bike shows were the norm! Then at the age of 13, one day I was playing football and came across a local BSA owners club. A lovely gentlemen named Don let me join the club and in return for a membership, I made cheese rolls and helped to set up for the Wednesday night meets. That's when I found my passion for old and new motorcycles as it was a great place to socialise and gain a lot knowledge at such a young age. From being in a magazine to building a BSA bantam, I quickly became known as 'Jack the Bantam.'
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From a very young age, I have always had a good eye for detail and would often fixate on fixing things or getting to the route of a problem. I always believe that there is a way to fix things, no matter how long it takes! I've always been very observant and like things to be perfect (as much as they can be!) I would often watch my Dad and how he worked on his cars and motorcycles, and copy what I saw. So even from an early age, I quickly became obsessed with cleaning, building and also envisioning how I would want a motorcycle to look or what I would to do improve it.
MOVING TO BEXHILL AND FOLLOWING MY PASSION FOR MOTORCYCLES
I moved to Bexhill when I was 14 and at the age of 16, I was lucky enough to start working at a classic motorcycle shop. Starting off as a Saturday lad, I was constantly working hard, learning, gaining plenty of experience and meeting so many different customers as well as working on a wide variety of bikes. Before I knew it, this became my full time job. I am grateful for this period in my life as it taught me so much and led me to meet so many different people and work on their bikes, which helped to expand my knowledge that I will use for the rest of my life!
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Since then, I have worked on a wide variety of motorcycles in different workshops, I have worked at Harley Davidson (back when it was Shaws) and have worked in body shops, specifically on classic cars. A favourite of mine was working on a 1955 Porsche Spyder to restore its body fully and finish it to a luxury show finish. I've learnt a lot from every job I've had, meaning I understand motorcycles even more in all aspects whether that is mechanically or cosmetically.
This is a Harley Evo Sportster 883 that I had when I was 21, which looks to be ahead of the times with its blacked out look, white walls and aggressive stance. I also added Vance & Hines short shots, progressive low rear shocks and a 2 inch lowering kit in the front to give it that drag style look.
MY OWN MOTRCYCLES & PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS
To say I've had a few motorcycles over the years would be an understatement! I've had my fun with sports bikes after owning a Repsol Fireblade 1000, Ducati 916, Yamaha R6 and my beloved GSXR L4 1000 that I made my own with neon stickers, a blacked out screen, PC5 commander, a full titanium arrow system, translogic quickshift / blip assist and refigured to GP shift pattern. So as you can guess, you could have heard me coming from a mile off! But I have also been more sensible owning great bikes such as a BSA D14 Bantam sport, a Triumph Thruxton and a Bonnerville, all of which I loved!
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My main passion over the years though has been working on my own project motorcycles. Working mainly alongside my Dad in his shed whilst he works on his own motorcycles, I have customised, restored and built some great motorcycles. I have had some Harleys, one that I changed from a standard FXT 1340 EVO to a full custom, early styled 50's Boober, which I liked to call the 'Blue and Cream Dream'! I also had a 1200 custom Sportster that I changed into a Cafe Racer style. I also turned a standard Royal Enfield 350 Bullet into a 1960's style Bullet.
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My latest project was a 1984 BMW R80ST which I wanted to completely restore with a modern twist. I worked on this motorcycle so that I could show people my potential of what I could do to their motorcycle and what my business Pristine Motorcycles is all about. I've even had a few people ask me if it is brand new and can't believe that it's on a 84 plate. So far, I've had so many great comments on the R80 and can't wait to show it off more this Summer! Make sure you look out for it!
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Here's are some of the motorcycles I have spoken about!
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WHERE DID THE IDEA OF PRISTINE MOTORCYCLES COME FROM?
For my family and friends, they've always known that no matter what motorcycle I own, it will always be, as I like to say, 'Pristine'. Whether I clean it, customise it or rebuild it, it will always be Pristine! So the word has always stuck with me.
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I've always known deep down that working for myself has been my main aim in life. Despite working for many great people who have taught me a lot, I have always worked very differently and specifically in my head, therefore I am happiest and work best when I can repair, clean, service, customise or build a motorcycle in the way my brain tells me to. I never cut corners and I always like a job to be done properly, so you can always rely on me to look after your motorcycle and never rush a job! Providing a mobile service offers convenience too and allows me to bring my expertise to you.
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SO WHAT ABOUT YOU?
If you've got all the way to the end, then thank you! But what about you? What motorcycle do you ride? Do you have a vision for how you'd like it look? Have you always wanted to build your dream motorcycle but need some help? Or maybe you want to give your motorcycle some TLC with a good detail and service?
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Well if so, I would love to hear from you. Even if it's just a question you have and you need some advice, I am here to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch, I look forward to hearing from you!...