Quick Facts: 1999 Suzuki GSX-R600
Owner Robert Hudgins
Location Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Age 29
Investment $13,000


This radical "Tribal" painted 1999 Suzuki GSX-R600 is now owned by Robert Hudgins who currently lives near Annapolis, Maryland. Robert is an avid rider who enjoys the power as well as the design of his custom motorcycle. Donald Dustin, the original owner, developed a desire to build a custom sport bike after viewing the Lockhart Phillips TL1000R project bike (Click Here). After discussing his ideas with Robert, they decided that it was feasible to build a custom bike, which incorporated recent design elements from minitruckin, sportcompact, and Harley Davidson trends. The original blue and white stock motorcycle began its transformation into this award winning motorcycle approximately two years ago. After many long hours and a few bucks, Donald and Robert completed building the one of a kind custom cycle seen here.




History
As mentioned above, this custom bike started out as a stock Suzuki GSX-R600 (www.suzukicycles.com/sr_02/supersport/fr_gsx600.htm) with a blue and white paint scheme. Shortly after beginning this project, Donald contacted a local vendor to help create the bike's design. Darrell Hood from DH Auto Detail (www.dhautodetailing.com) sprayed Dupont's Chroma-Illusions as the base color. After getting the base coat completed, Donald felt that the bike just wasn't flashy enough imagine that! He needed something that made heads turn. With this in mind, he began researching paint schemes in past issues of MiniTrukin' and SportCompact magazines. He took these ideas to Pro Art Works (www.proartworks.com), known for designing the artwork seen on many AMA Supercross helmets, and gave them permission to create a design of their liking. All Donald asked was that they took into consideration the few designs that he had located. Of course, Robert thought Donald was nuts for giving them free reign on the new paint scheme. Three weeks later, Donald picked up his one of a kind "Tribal Gixer". WOW did head turns now, including Robert's.
Engine Mods
The following engine modifications have been made:
  • Full Yoshimura RS-3 Stainless Race exhaust
  • Carbs rejetted
  • K&N air filter
  • Barnett clutch springs
  • Front sprocket one tooth smaller than stock
    • Chrome and Polish Work
    During the three week period in which the new paint design was being created, Donald sent out the stock wheels to be chrome dipped. While the bike was apart, both Donald and Robert began the tedious process of smoothing down welds and hand polishing the following parts:
  • Frame
  • Swing arm
  • Front forks
  • Triple mount
  • Gas tank cap
  • Levers
  • Engine brackets
  • Rear subframe tie-down points were shaved off of the rear subframe to provide a cleaner look
    • After a little persuasion, Robert convinced Donald to chrome the following additional parts:
  • Fairing stay bar
  • Rear sprocket
  • Rear wheel hub
  • Foot pegs and brackets


    • Miscellaneous
    In addition to the amazing work already done to this bike, Donald felt that completing the following modifications would enhance the overall presence of the bike:
  • Clear front marker lights
  • Converted rear taillights to be used as turn signals/brake lights
  • Lowered 3 inches
  • Shaved rear fender
  • Hand fabricated aluminum tag bracket
  • Corbin Custom front seat
  • Alarm with parameter, shock, voltage drop, and mercury tilt switch sensors


    • When it was time for Donald to move on to the next project, he approached Robert about purchasing the "Tribal Gixer". Robert felt that he had a personal tie to the bike because he helped create it. Donald gave him too good of a deal to pass up. The rest is history.

    Future Plans
    Robert has many things that he still wants to do. Some of those things include:
  • More polishing and chrome work can you ever have too much?
  • Strobe lights
  • Tinted windscreen
  • Undertail cover painted to match
  • Creating a custom license tag if anyone has any suggestions feel free to e-mail him.

    Look for Robert and his new "Tribal Gixer" at Daytona's Bike Week 2002!!


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    March 10, 2010
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