Gregg's Customs is an aftermarket parts supplier based in California that is known for building aggressive streetfighters with impressive form and function. You can see more of Greggs work on his two websites:
When it comes to the world of custom bike builders, there are a lot of people who claim that title but some who don't quite live up to it. A custom bike builder isn't someone who will source his parts out of a catalog, they want something no one else has. Gregg Desjardins, a custom bike builder and parts manufacturer, can officially state this title.
Modifying your bike with bolt-ons is a fairly simple process, that most average joes could do themselves. Stripping it down for a rebuild is a much more involved job, but doesnt necessarily require one-off parts to do so. But making one off frames, single sided swingarms and many other trick bits, definately constitutes a custom build.
Gregg claims to have gotten into bikes late, as he grew up infected with the 4 wheeled muscle car virus specifically GTO and Corvettes, but eventually made the switch over to 2 wheels. Starting out on a Suzuki T250, then moving to a Yamaha RZ 350....an RZ 350 with 900rr forks and a zx6 swinger! From there it was onto his R1's, he had a 99, 2000, and a 2002. Which is also how he came into starting the business he now runs. Greggs Customs, out of Campbell CA started out selling blinkers for his R1 on the McCoy R1 forum and eventually ended up opening his own shop in 2003. He offers flush mount blinkers, license plate brackets, mirror blanks in his online store and is developing, and HOPEFULLY going to offer his frames, swingarms and many other custom pieces for our streetfighting delight!!!
The GC1000 (an RVT 1000 motor in one off chassis) and The Hellion (a Yamaha Warrior - 1670cc in a one off chassis) are both amazing bikes. Look for the Hellion to be featured in next months SSB magazine!
Heres the stats and some pics of the GC1000:
GC1000 specs:
Model: 2006 GC-1000
Frame: 4130 Chromoly tubing truss frame with Streamline trusses by Gregg.
Swingarm: 4130 Chromoly tubing truss frame with Streamline trusses by Gregg.
Suspension: Ohins R & T Forks and Ohlins Remote Reservoir shock.
Wheels: PVM 10Y spoke forged aluminum with Permastar "chrome" coating.
Brakes: PVM rotors with AP calipers up front and Braketech floater with a Brembo caliper in the rear.
Engine: Honda RC-51.
Exhaust: GC Stainless full system with Titanium mufflers and billet endcaps.
Billet Parts: Triple clamps, headlight brkts., rearsets, risers, caliper brkts., clutch cover and exhaust tips machined in house at Gregg's Customs.
Bodywork: Tank and Tailsection made of handformed aluminum by Gregg. Taillight machined from acrylic. Headlight from V-Rod.
Paint: Rootbeer Candy over Gold with Tangerine Tribal flames and Ghost skulls by Craig Fraser at www.gotpaint.com . House of Colors Paint.
Seat: Custom made leather by Corbin.
The Interview:
(Italicized and indented text is the responses from Gregg of Gregg's Customs)
Its clear that you're mechanically inclined and trained in engineering. What, if any, formal education do you have in the fields? Where are other places and ways you learned?
School of life. I went to Clarkson University in the Engineering dept., but only made it through 3 semesters. I'm self taught in welding and fabricating.
You said you grew up around cars and bikes and have always been a gear head, when did you realize that you were going to make a career out of your passion?
I never thought I could make it a career until about 3 months after I Invented my flush mount turn signals. When sales were good, I started thinking that I might be able to do it full time.
Speaking of passion. . . being someone so involved with motorcycles, building, riding, enhancing etc etc, how do you feel about the current state of the sportbike scene in the US?
Sportbikes seem to be really popular. I think it's a good time to be into motorcycles in general. It's pretty mainstream now. It was cool when it wasn't as mainstream, but being mainstream is good for the industry I think.
You've been making some very nice custom pieces for your project bikes and it's clear that you have a LOT of talent.
Your making custom:
4130 chromoly truss tube frames and sss
exhausts (with very nice looking slipons)
tripple clamps
headlight brackets
caliper carriers
rearsets
clutch cover
exhaust tips
When will stuff like this be available to the awaiting public? What kind of applications can we expect?
That's a good question. I'm always developing new parts. One of the problems is that all my manufacturing. is done in the U.S. This is cost prohibitive and sometimes prevents me from being able to competitively price the products. I will be mass producing my swingarms starting this summer. I've been working on designing and building my own drive assembly for almost a year now. It's pretty sick and it's all coming together now. I think that a single-sided swingarm is a key element in a streetfighter.
You've got a growing shop and business, two websites going, a slough of custom parts-mongers chomping at the bit, magazine shoots, and bike builds going. . . Where are you heading with all of this? Im curious what Gregg's Customs is going to be....what you want it to be.
That's a good question. I think that right now I'm going with the flow and just doing my thing. I'd really like to get more into the custom bike building deal. I'll put my work up against anyones. I'd really like to do a buildoff between me, Jesse Rooke and Roland Sands. We're all about the same age. Those guys are asking me to build parts for them so I would like the chance to go head to head. Also, I would like to be the guy in the U.S. for the sick custom parts. The stuff that has in the past only been done by Spondon, Harris etc. I think my ultimate goal is to be the Arlen Ness of the sporting side of motorcycling.
The bikes you've built beautifully illustrate the skill and quality of the work you do. . . are there any plans to continue making bikes and selling them as your own custom line of streetfighters?? (GC1000 and Hellian)?
I have many ideas for more bikes. I would be completely open to a limited run of bikes. There's a lot involved in that and I don't think that I'm there yet. Stay tuned for that.
I know that you're from MA...how do you feel about the Yankees?
I don't have a problem with them, but of course I'd root for the Sox long before the Yankees.
I also have a list of questions we ask people from all over...just quick answer things:
Fuel injected or Carb'd?
Either, but FI is the way to go. You can't beat modern technology for internal combustion performance.
Builder or Rider?
Both.
How long you been riding?
Since about '95. I got a late start.
Favorite custom bike out on the scene now or recently?
I think my Hellion is pretty badass.
Favorite custom bike builder and/or shop?
Tough question. I can't come up with an answer. I give props to all who have skills. I think there are a lot of poseurs out there!
Do you put your knee down thru the twisties?
On the track for sure. I don't ride really hard on the street. I'm not into getting killed because I was trying to drag knee on the street. Guys are getting killed around here all the time.
First project bike?
1984 Yamaha RZ-350. Still have it! Badass!!
Hobbies and Interests?
I like wakeboarding and skating although I don't get out there as much as I'd Like. I like BMX and mountainbiking. These days it seems like I pretty much just work all the time. This used to be my hobby and now it's my life.
Whats your riding season like?
I live in Northern Cal. and the riding here is unbelievable. You can ride some awesome roads with great scenery pretty much year round. It rains a little in the winter.
