Tank says that he loves being able to take a customer’s idea for their dream custom machine and put his own personal “Tank Touch” on it.

uff Cycles out of Ohio is considered one of the top shops in the nation to get a true personalized custom. We sat down with Tank of Tuff Cycles to learn their philosophy on the industry, customs, and being a builder.

Drag Specialties: How did you get started as a builder?

     Tank: “I’ve been around motorcycles my whole life. My dad and all his friends had bikes. What really sticks out in my mind the most was a small bike shop down the block where I grew up at in Cleveland. As a kid, I remember seeing those choppers roll out and all the fun and excitement those guys had as those choppers were unveiled after weeks of working on them. I knew then, ‘Man this is for me.’ So, you know the drill, I started cutting up bicycles, then mini-bikes, dirt bikes, any bikes I could get my hands on. Finally, I got my first Harley to cut up. When I was thirteen I got paid to paint someone’s Harley. After that it all came together and rather easily at that. I enjoyed what I did and got paid for it as well, not much but I loved the work, as I still do to this day. I love to go to work everyday…well, almost every day. Not a lot of folks can say that. I am very thankful that I can.”

DS: Your bikes are definitely unique, not “stamped out.” What is your process for creating something different every time?

     Tank: “I get to know the person that I’m building the bike for. I’m a good listener. I show them many options and offer advice to their own ideas. Together, we always come out with something unique for them and creative for me. I am just a one-man band, besides my answering machine and my old dog, Lester, who sleeps most of his day away. It is very important to me for a strike every time, because I love what I do and I enjoy seeing people’s reactions when they see their bikes run for the first time. Oh, I’m also the complaint department, so I do everything I can to keep the complaints to a minimum.”

DS: Being creative is often thought of as 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration, do you enjoy the business aspect of being a successful builder as much as the creativity?

     Tank: “I do enjoy the challenge of the creativity and building of bikes. I am getting much better every day at the people part. It’s not my strongest point, but like I said, I’m a good listener. I do know, as well as all that know me, that my product speaks for itself, much better than I ever could. I’m getting better in all that I do everyday, in all aspects of my business and my life. I do believe that you are only as good as your last one and only as good as your word.”

DS: How long have you been associated with Drag Specialties?

     Tank: “I am proud to say that I have been associated with Drag for about eight years.”

DS: You’ve had a lot of cover bikes, what is the machine that made you famous?

     Tank: “I don’t really know how famous I really am. I still don’t have my picture on a baseball card or a box of Wheaties, maybe some day…I think my favorite motorbike that I have built is my body bike. It was a cool challenge.”

DS: Is there a particular style that you really enjoy, Bobber, Old School, etc?

     Tank: “My favorite style of bike to build is the ‘retro’ look. I enjoy the flow from the bodylines to the paintwork. It’s kind of a “flo and go.” I favor two colors; it gives the motorcycle constant motion even when it is on the kickstand. That is my favorite, but I enjoy all styles, it’s all art to me.”

DS: Builders have been getting a lot of attention with TV shows and mainstream press. The “outlaw” image of choppers and builders has gotten more mainstream. Is this good or bad for the industry and do you think contest shows like Biker Build-Off help the creative process?

     Tank: “The outlaw image of choppers and of builders has been part of it all, from The Wild One to Easy Rider. I guess it is all in what you believe. I think the biker build-offs and contest shows help to get the word out there on the products and cool parts available to everyone who is interested in bikes. I feel that the creative process never truly stops. It would depend on how well you can perform under the gun, if you are not good under pressure that could affect your creativity fluids from flowing at their fullest capacity.”

DS: What are some of your favorite products you have with Drag Specialties?

     Tank: “Let’s see, I wish I could say that I had as many products as my cool buddies Don Hotop or Arlen Ness; these cats have been around for awhile; for a little bit longer. I would have to say the bagger side panels are a cool touch for a stock bike and helps clean up an ugly area. Then again, the paint cutter tools are the balls and should be in your toolbox. PAL.”

DS: As a true enthusiast, do you still get a chance to just go out and ride?

     Tank: “I love being in the shop more than anything. But I always take the time to hook some corners or just go for a quick squirt.”

DS: What’s your favorite thing about being a builder that makes you enjoy your life?

     Tank: “I have met some cool folks that have the same passions as I do. I love being able to take someone’s dreams and make them come true. Just by taking great ideas, some raw materials and quality parts, and then adding my workmanship, the ‘Tank Touch.’ The best part of all of it is putting the last coat of wax to her and hearing her take that very first breath.”

DS: Anything else you’d like to say here?

     Tank: “After doing what I really love to do the most for over half of my life, I can’t ask for much more than that. I would like to personally thank Fred and Jeff Fox, for the great opportunity that they have given to me and to Tom Motzko for believing in me. It is my pleasure to work for this great company. ‘Tanks Again’ to some great folks.”