Motorcycle show features godfather of custom bikes

Jan. 17, 2013


Ron Finch and his 2010 creation "Outsider," his first sidecar motorcycle that he built from scratch. Reminder Publications submitted photo

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The eighth annual Springfield Motorcycle Show (SMS) roars into the Eastern States Exposition from Jan. 18 to 20; this year's special guest is none other than creative visionary, Ron Finch, 73, the man credited with the inception of customized motorcycles.

Eleven years ago, Finch decided to get "back to building bikes," after downsizing his motorcycle business because it "took over" and left little room for creativity. "I'm much happier doing this," Finch said.

In an interview with Reminder Publications, Finch stated that he's always been a creative spirit, a trait that he credits to his mother. He began customizing bicycles when he was a child and the hobby grew into a passion. 1965 marked the opening of Finch's Custom Cycles where he still constructs motorcycles that can be described as a fusion of intricate, artful details and mechanized fervor.

Finch is a self-taught artist who learned through "trial and error." Initially his desire was to become a pinstriper, but through dedication and experimentation, Finch honed his skills to eventually become a motorcycle builder.

"I never render a design beforehand," Finch explained. "The body of the bike tells you what to do [as your are building it.]" When making a custom creation for a client, Finch will inquire as to the likes and dislikes of the person, and may even draw a quick sketch, but that is the extent of the pre-design phase.

Able to find inspiration anywhere and in anything, Finch said that 3 a.m. is usually when an idea hits him. Depending on the amount of detail in a design, and whether Finch is building the project from scratch, a custom-built motorcycle can take weeks or years.

"When I build a bike, I usually build the whole frame, the fenders, the gas tank, the pedals and more," Finch said. During his career, he has built hundreds of custom creations for customers and for his own personal use. He added, "At the end of the day I want to be able to say 'I accomplished that,'" whether he completes the final phase of a project or the minutest detail in the process.

One of his most recent creations is the 2010 "Outsider," which was the first sidecar model Finch ever created. The name stems from Finch's "out of the box" design. The sidecar attaches to a two-wheel frame and both share the same elaborate design that includes the use of found objects such as metal stampings, tools and gears. Finch built the project from scratch.

"The sidecar itself took about six or seven weeks to complete," he noted.

When asked his opinion of what sets his designs apart from the likes of Jesse James and the Tetul family of American Chopper, Finch responded, "I'm positive it's the detail." The difference is evident to the untrained eye and motorcycle connoisseur alike, as the amount of detail in Finch's creations is what distinguishes him as an artist rather than a builder. His bikes have a unique level of personality and craftsmanship not seen on custom bikes built with catalogue-purchased frames.

According to information from Finch's publicist, his "custom motorcycles have been featured in hundreds of magazines, several art museums and in shows throughout this country and in Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands."

Finch's biographical fact sheet describes him, "Ron has a distinctive gift for metal fabrication and engineering. In his desire to accentuate the power and magnificence of the motor, he has been known to relocate the gas tank to the rear fender, the floorboards, or even the saddlebags. His unique construction often includes 'one-of-a-kind' front ends, gas tanks, fenders, struts, exhaust systems, primary covers and numerous practical but unique mounting brackets."

What's next for Finch? "I don't have a bike in mind yet," he stated. "I usually build one per year."

In addition to motorcycles, Finch creates sculptures dubbed as "METALife" that he creates from found objects. One piece in popular demand is Porky Plug, a pig made entirely from spark plugs.

Finch will display some of his sculptures in addition to his motorcycles at the show. His 2004 creation "Double Cross," the motorcycle he and his team built in 23 days for the Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off" contest, will also be on-hand at the event.

In addition to Finch and his creations, the SMS will feature motorcycle lifestyle painter John Guillemette from Revere, the band Shovelhead, a Best of the Best Build-off competition, vendors and more.

For more information about SMS, visit www.osegmotorcycle.com. To learn more about Finch, visit www.finchscustoms.com.

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