When Hunter Simms, son of the well-known bike builder Ron Simms, decided to build this bike, it was a big deal at the Hayward, California-based shop, Simms Custom Cycles. For the last five years, Hunter had been working in a suit and tie as a mortgage broker, completely outside of the motorcycle scene. While business was good in the corporate world, he missed the excitement and creativity of bike building. When Hunter voiced his decision to the family, his dad encouraged him to do it, and he did. Within a couple weeks, Hunter had shed his suit and tie in exchange for a pair of blue jeans, and quit his job to become a bike builder again to follow his dad's lead.
With the entire Simms Custom Cycle facilities at his disposal, Hunter immediately got to work. He knew he wanted to build something larger than stock dimensions, something just like a Simms '05 Rigid Chopper Frame with 2 inches of stretch in the backbone, 4 inches in the downtubes, and raked to 38 degrees. Storz legs were clamped inside of Simms' triple-trees and care crowned with a set of Pro Taper bars (the same bars as on his KX250 Kawasaki). PM Method wheels were bolted to each end of the chassis with matching rotors, pulley, and PM calipers.
Researching a motor wasn't going to be an issue for Hunter either; the only motor acceptable for a Simms is their 131ci Thug. The motor is comprised of an assortment of high-performance parts including: Simms cases, cylinders, pushrod tubes, and heads; S&S flywheels, rods, rockers, rocker boxes, pushrods, lifters, and carb; J&E pistons; Black Diamond valves; Crane ignition; a Chicago Joe set of exhaust pipes; and a Tom Foster air cleaner cover. A '05 Baker transmission feeds power to the rear wheel of the bike, while a PM open belt primary ties the motor to the trans.
Once the driveline and chassis were mocked up, it was time to start working on the sheetmetal. Hunter chose a Simms gas tank to complement a set of front and rear wheel fenders from Russ Wernimont Designs and an oil bag from Paughco. Choosing a color for the paint didn't take much thought either. Hunter's got a thing for green and gold (the paint matches his KX250 just like the handlebars), so Simms painter, Horst laid down a metalflake green base with gold leaf skulls and lettering all over the bike.
The bike came together in about twelve weeks and turned out great-not a bad comeback for a guy who'd been in a suit for the last five years. And the Simms family is happy to have Hunter where he belongs, in their shop.
www.ronsimms.com
The Vitals:
General:
Owner: Hunter Simms
Shop: Simms Custom Cycles
Phone: (510) 537-3338
Website: Www.Ronsimms.Com
Year/Make: '05/Simms Chopper
Fabrication: Simms, Chicago Joe
Assembly: Hunter, Dave "Lil' Man"
Build Time: 12 Weeks
Engine:
Size/Type: 131ci/Simms Thug
Cases: Simms
Flywheels: S&S
Rods: S&S
Pistons: J&E
Cylinders: Simmsheads: Simms/Hannan
Cam: Red Shift
Carb: S&S
Ignition: Crane
Pipes: Chicago Joe
Transmission:
Year/Type: '05/Baker
Case: Baker
Gears: Baker
Clutch: Pm
Primary Drive: Pm
Frame:
Year/Type: '05/Simms
Rake: 38 Degrees
Stretch: 4 Inches Up, 2 Inches Out
Swingarm: N/A
Suspension:
Forks: Storz Ceriani
Extension: 4 Inches Over
Triple-Trees: Simms
Rear Suspension: N/A
Wheels,Tires, & Brakes:
Front: Pm 21-Inch Method
Rear: Pm 18x5.5
Tires:
Front: Metzeler
Rear: Metzeler 240mm
Brakes:
Front: PmRear: Pm
Finish/Paint:
Color: Green Metalflake And Gold Leaf
Painter: Horst
Graphics: Horst
Molding: Horst
Chrome Plating And Polishing: Carrera
Powdercoating: Maas Tech
Accessories:
Bars: Pro Taper
Risers: Cci
Hand Controls: Pm
Headlight: Headwinds
Taillight: Simms
Gauges: N/A
Electrical: H-D/Simms
Fuel Tank(S): Simms
Dash: N/A
Oil Tank: Paughco
Front Fender: Rwd
Rear Fender: Rwd/Simms
Fender Struts: Internal
Pegs: Simms
Foot Controls: PM
Seat: Corbin