READERS AND THEIR RIGS - NOVEMBER 2007

2-WHEELED PETERBILT
THE ULTIMATE BIKE FOR THE PETERBILT FANATIC

This month’s “Readers & Their Rigs” is not a “rig” at all - it’s a “ride” with a trucking theme. Gabe Robbins, owner of the Chop Shop in Wichita, Kansas, built this incredible trucker-style custom bike to look like a 1970’s Peterbilt - complete with dual stacks and heat shields, polished aluminum wheels with lug nut covers, Peterbilt emblems and several other nice trucking touches.

Growing up in a trucking family, Gabe was exposed to trucks, motorcycles and hot rods at an early age. When his dad was not out on the road delivering gasoline, he was working on various “projects” out in the garage. Over the years, Gabe taught himself how to design and fabricate. Three years ago he opened his own shop, which specializes in building custom bikes and hot rods. But this latest project, which he refers to as the Peterbilt Custom Motorcycle, put all of his talents to the ultimate test.

Gabe always thought that Peterbilts were the best looking trucks on the road, so when it came time to build a truck-themed bike, it made sense for him to choose a Pete for his inspiration. This one-of-a-kind bike was handmade by Gabe and his friends Larry Goodwin and Wade McCart. The trio built the frame, fenders, tank, exhaust, wheels and more out of raw materials.

The hardtail bike was fitted with a powerful 113 cubic-inch polished engine made by S&S and features an incredible vintage Cream and Candy Root Beer paint scheme, highlighted with Silver Flake, Fireball Red Flake and Maple Pearl. Gabe designed the rims on his computer and then had a friend machine them to look like polished Alcoa truck wheels. For the seat, they chose brown leather material with diamond stitching. Gabe made sure to include the famous “mudflap girl” in various places on the bike, including having her laser-cut into the front frame gusset.

Gabe debuted the bike at a show in Wichita, where a guy from Doonan Truck & Equipment, the local Peterbilt dealership, saw it. He later called Gabe and invited him to bring the bike down to the lot and take pictures of it with some trucks. Gabe hired photographer Gavin Peters to take the photos. The pictures made their way to someone at the Peterbilt plant in Denton, Texas who promptly invited Gabe to bring the bike to their annual open house and display. The bike was a huge hit with the factory workers - they, more than anyone else, noticed all of the small “Peterbilt” details Gabe included on the bike.

If there are any real Peterbilt fanatics out there that must have this bike, you’ll be happy to hear that it is for sale. Plunk down a mere $70,000 and it’s yours! If you’d like any more information about the bike, contact Gabe at the Chop Shop at (316) 269-2572 or check out his website at www.ChopShopCustomLLC.com.