Custom motorcycle builder tailors rides to his customers

Willis is starting with a 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 he found on Craigslist. He’s having DeBusk replace or remake the bike’s frame and gas tank, among other modifications.

When completed early next year, the bike will look quite different, and that’s the idea.

Customers can work with Kaos can begin a build in one of two ways — providing DeBusk their own bike or buying one from him. If DeBusk provides the motorcycle, a customization can cost $12,000 to $15,000. If customers provide the bike, the cost can be closer to $7,000, he said. Willis said he expects to spend $7,500 to $10,000, but has seen price tags on custom bikes exceed $65,000.

DeBusk works with American or foreign models, and lately has been taking on about six builds a year in what he acknowledges is a part-time job for him — but one that can at times require more than 40 hours a week of attention.

At its best, customization is an art, said Jeff Starke, founder and president of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based International Master Bike Builders Association. Starke said he tries to create and protect standards for the customization industry.

“We challenge the builders globally to improve fit, form, function and safety,” Starke said.

Still, among the challenges builders face are attempts by big manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Honda to offer their own custom-looking motorcycles.

“Now literally, you have no reason to go to the smaller shop.” Starke said.

Business fell during the recent recession, and DeBusk — who offers welding and metal fabrication services to local tool shops to make ends meet — has compensated in a couple of ways. The Cyclefest show is one of them.

DeBusk researched for about a year before starting the show, now in its third year. It’s a way to drum up awareness at a time of year when most riders may not be thinking about riding.

He also sells apparel from his website, www.kaoscustoms.com. That side of the business is growing steadily, he said.

“When I say I serve the working man, I’m not kidding,” DeBusk said. “I am the working man.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.