April 2006
The Ride Stuff
By ALAN TECCHIO / Steppin’ Out
April 2006 – With the popularity of choppers and custom bikes at an all time high, it’s easy to assume that every custom shop that opens their doors is simply out to cash in on the craze. (Sadly, that is true for a whole host of shops.) Not so for Precision Custom Motorcycles though, which opened in Whippany, NJ roughly a year ago. This husband and wife run moto shop was originally located in Bloomsfield, NJ for 16 years before relocating to a defunct service station on Route 10 East. The building they bought had been around since about 1910 and damn did it look it! Check out the before and after photos to see what a beautiful restoration they did on this place. Although they had been at their former location for a good long while, Pete and Maureen Minardi have been in the moto biz for over thirty years. Bottom line – they’ve been passionate about bikes longer than many of the builders on TV have been alive! Which brings me back to the custom craze...If you’ve seen any of the Biker Build-Offs or have been paying attention to the chopper scene since the early 70s, you no doubt know the name Arlen Ness. Well, Precision is the only dealer in our area to offer Arlen’s bikes to the public. When I dropped by they only had one Ness model available (in a few different variations) but were expecting others soon. The models they had were Lowliners but coming are Arlen’s Speedliners and Highliners. These bikes start at about $45,000 depending on what paint, chrome or other options you choose. The Lowliners all roll on 300 rears and are powered by S&S 124 engines with six speed transmission. Precision also sells Bill Rucker’s Rucker Performance machines in addition to building their own custom rides. Though they were awaiting the Rucker bikes when I was there, the first models they will be getting are Predators which will be followed by Assassins, Vandals and Gauntlets. These bikes are also powered by 124 S&S engines with six-speed trannys rolling on fat 300 rears. Upgrades will include paint and chrome options and the going price will be in the mid 40s. To learn more, surf to www.precisioncustommotorcycles.com or just call 973-581-1997. If you already have an American-made V-twin, they’ll be glad to service or customize your ride. However, they don’t service metric cruisers, but they do occasionally customize them.
August 8, 2006 11:15 AM | send page | Press Releases