ABOUT US
G-Wizz Cycles was born out of the desire to help Garage Builders and Day Dreamers achieve the custom motorcycle builds that they are chasing. We aim to provide custom parts that garage builders can bolt/ slightly modify to fit onto their motorcycles. Giving them the custom look they desire with minimal skills, time and tools needed.
Below is my story of how I got here........
When I began my journey in motorcycle building, I leaned heavily on my dad's expertise and tools. This support enabled me to acquire my first project bike, a 1952 Triumph 6T frame, engine, and gearbox. I gradually assembled it piece by piece, initially without a clear vision, drawing inspiration from the motorcycles I admired at Mooneyes in Yokohama, Japan.
After relocating to South Queensland and settling into a three-bedroom townhouse with a single-car garage, I found myself without my dad's tools and skills at my fingertips. To equip my small workspace, I started scouring garage sales on weekends for tools. I began with the essentials: a SuperCheap Auto mechanics toolkit, a vice, a bench grinder, a drill press, angle grinders, a hacksaw, and some basic electrical tools. Sticking to a budget, I would purchase tools as I needed them.
My next project was a 1970 Triumph T100R, which I bought from a guy out west who had put some miles on it. Given my limited skills and tools, I opted for a mild customization instead of a full rebuild. This involved painting the original fuel tank with a retro 70s lace design, swapping out the stock headlight / surround for an old Bates headlight, installing ape hanger handlebars, adding a cat face taillight, and fitting a solo seat with a pillion pad. While the customization didn't require extensive skills or tools, the bike turned out great and was a blast to ride.
During my time there, I encountered a slightly older fella while shopping at Bunnings. His father had operated a motorcycle shop since the 1960s and was deeply immersed in the world of classic British motorcycles. He took me under his wing as a mentor, sharing a wealth of tips and tricks for working on bikes. Over the years, he amassed an impressive motorcycle workshop and generously let me use his tools and equipment. This opportunity enabled me to dive deeper into bike customization and develop my fabrication skills.
A few years later, I found myself reflecting on the challenges I faced when I first wanted to customize motorcycles. Starting out was tough due to my limited skills and lack of tools. Most custom parts were sourced from the US, which not only made them pricey with shipping costs but also delayed their arrival. This experience fueled my desire to create and provide custom motorcycle parts that could be easily installed. Thus, G-Wizz Cycles came to life.
Initially, I started with a Lincoln 185 MIG welder and often depended on more skilled individuals to TIG weld parts for me. As time went on, I invested in a quality TIG welder and mustered the courage to learn the technique myself. Each day brought new lessons, and I eventually reached a point where I could weld parts independently. This newfound ability opened up many opportunities, allowing me to handle most welding tasks without relying on others.
Gradually, I acquired more advanced tools/machines; a Myford long bed lathe and a small milling machine as my needs and budget allowed. This expansion enabled me to enhance my motorcycle builds and offer a wider range of parts. Recently, I upgraded to a larger milling machine, which will empower me to machine some of the bigger components I provide, all from my own workshop.
If you’re still with me, I trust you can understand that, in my journey, customizing motorcycles has had its share of challenges and frustrations, yet it has been a rewarding experience overall. Much of what you tackle in the beginning will depend on the resources and skills at your disposal. Don’t hesitate to begin with a pre-existing motorcycle and make some minor tweaks to personalize it. You might also want to visit my website to explore some bolt-on parts that could be useful. A little tip: starting with a motorcycle tank is an excellent choice!