The addiction to customizing. First I want to put out there that I own a CCW Heist. I have never ridden or owned any other CCW product therefore my rantings are about my Heist and my Heist alone.
Yep some of us that own CCW motorcycles can’t seem to stop messing with them. It’s either cosmetic upgrades, ergonomic upgrades or performance upgrades. Sadly we are hooked and I’ll admit that description fits me. For me it all started with removal of the evap system. From there, the seat and springs, then the bars and on and on. I’ve been going non-stop every year since 2011 and this year, 2015 is no different. I have to ask myself why do I take a perfectly good motorcycle and mess with it. The answer is simple, or is it. To create a look with no help that I can be proud of. Yet even when I’m proud of my work I seem to change it all again. Maybe it’s the thrill of learning new things and doing something I’ve never done before. I don’t know but what I do know is I keep on doing it.
The exhaust for example, if I can remember correctly has been changed 5 times. Im on my 3rd carb. And third shade of paint. 3rd set of bars, 2nd head light and 3rd set of turn signals and tail light. I’ve gone from a bare bones bobber to a bobber bagger and now in between. It has a hand fitted new rear fender and I'm on my second gas tank and 3rd filler cap. I’ve changed my seat twice, the only thing I have only changed once is the seat springs. I got that one right the first time. I added some handlebar risers and have changed out all the switches on the handle bars. My start button has been relocated and I’ve replaced my horn many times. I’ve upgraded the chain and sprockets and on and on. There always seems to be something I want to do. I gave up a lot of my ideas by buying a bike that can be ridden on a cross country trip realistically and comfortably and can do the “ton” no problem. I have come to realize that my wee bike is designed well for what it’s meant for and nothing more. It’s not a distance cruiser though all day rides are easily done thanks to my springs and seat. It’s a 229cc motorcycle and if one can accept that for what it is, it’s much easier to enjoy what the bike has to offer.
What does the bike have to offer for me? Well I consider myself a self-proclaimed bike nerd when it comes to classics and modern classics. Like most of us we ogle at photos of old Indian chiefs, Scouts and Harley pan heads and knuckles. However, overwhelmingly my favorite classics are the British bikes from post and pre WW2. Anyway my point is I will never be able to afford one of those bikes but I can simulate the experience of owning an old bike like those by owning a Heist. It has a rigid frame, around the same power and around the same top speed. Just for giving me that nostalgic feel is mostly why I enjoy riding her so much. Yes a rigid frame requires some getting used to but once one does come to terms with one it’s a magical experience. One of the other and maybe the biggest reason I keep my Heist is because of the loyal following of these bikes and the close nit group of riders it has introduced me to. The truest bikers I’ve met ride these little bikes. Sure most of us ride other bikes as well but they are not our Heists.
Back to the point, why do we change our bikes so much, because we love them that’s why. CCW made a bold and very brave move back in 2009 and I for one am damn glad they did. CCW for life says it all. So for those that scoff at the small displacement and the fact they are made in China, bugger off. If you don’t like them don’t buy one. So in short I really don’t care why I keep customizing my Heist, it makes me happy and I’m all for happy. So why would I question that?
Yep some of us that own CCW motorcycles can’t seem to stop messing with them. It’s either cosmetic upgrades, ergonomic upgrades or performance upgrades. Sadly we are hooked and I’ll admit that description fits me. For me it all started with removal of the evap system. From there, the seat and springs, then the bars and on and on. I’ve been going non-stop every year since 2011 and this year, 2015 is no different. I have to ask myself why do I take a perfectly good motorcycle and mess with it. The answer is simple, or is it. To create a look with no help that I can be proud of. Yet even when I’m proud of my work I seem to change it all again. Maybe it’s the thrill of learning new things and doing something I’ve never done before. I don’t know but what I do know is I keep on doing it.
The exhaust for example, if I can remember correctly has been changed 5 times. Im on my 3rd carb. And third shade of paint. 3rd set of bars, 2nd head light and 3rd set of turn signals and tail light. I’ve gone from a bare bones bobber to a bobber bagger and now in between. It has a hand fitted new rear fender and I'm on my second gas tank and 3rd filler cap. I’ve changed my seat twice, the only thing I have only changed once is the seat springs. I got that one right the first time. I added some handlebar risers and have changed out all the switches on the handle bars. My start button has been relocated and I’ve replaced my horn many times. I’ve upgraded the chain and sprockets and on and on. There always seems to be something I want to do. I gave up a lot of my ideas by buying a bike that can be ridden on a cross country trip realistically and comfortably and can do the “ton” no problem. I have come to realize that my wee bike is designed well for what it’s meant for and nothing more. It’s not a distance cruiser though all day rides are easily done thanks to my springs and seat. It’s a 229cc motorcycle and if one can accept that for what it is, it’s much easier to enjoy what the bike has to offer.
What does the bike have to offer for me? Well I consider myself a self-proclaimed bike nerd when it comes to classics and modern classics. Like most of us we ogle at photos of old Indian chiefs, Scouts and Harley pan heads and knuckles. However, overwhelmingly my favorite classics are the British bikes from post and pre WW2. Anyway my point is I will never be able to afford one of those bikes but I can simulate the experience of owning an old bike like those by owning a Heist. It has a rigid frame, around the same power and around the same top speed. Just for giving me that nostalgic feel is mostly why I enjoy riding her so much. Yes a rigid frame requires some getting used to but once one does come to terms with one it’s a magical experience. One of the other and maybe the biggest reason I keep my Heist is because of the loyal following of these bikes and the close nit group of riders it has introduced me to. The truest bikers I’ve met ride these little bikes. Sure most of us ride other bikes as well but they are not our Heists.
Back to the point, why do we change our bikes so much, because we love them that’s why. CCW made a bold and very brave move back in 2009 and I for one am damn glad they did. CCW for life says it all. So for those that scoff at the small displacement and the fact they are made in China, bugger off. If you don’t like them don’t buy one. So in short I really don’t care why I keep customizing my Heist, it makes me happy and I’m all for happy. So why would I question that?
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