Speed Meets Style

Roy Martin of Roys Toys Customs recently headed up Build Team 13, comprising an elite group of veterans and first responders to build a ground-up custom bobber.

Crystal Hess’s Motorcycle Missions is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused to help Veterans and First Responders with PTS(D). Roy donated his shop and provided mentorship to build a one-of-a-kind Roys Toys Customs bobber.

To get the wheels turning, Hess sent out a stretched rigid Kraft Tech frame with stock, classic, 2-D MetalSport mag wheels to Roy’s shop in Centennial, CO. The team began a 16-week program each Saturday, working 6 hours at a serious clip to build this custom bobber.

The sponsor for the build is State Farm Insurance. Jake from State Farm came by to be fitted. It turned out he was too short for the controls. He looks bigger on TV… Naw, I’m kidding about that. The fellas said if Jake came by, they would be happy to get a quote, though.

What I wouldn’t kid about is the result you get when Roy and his team collaborate with Krystal Hess. You might get a box of chocolates. You don’t know what you will get, but you know it will be good.

“We started with the frame and mocked it up piece by piece to show the vets and 1st responders how to fit everything together,” explained Martin.

“Fit, finish, and rideability is the trifecta at Roys Toys Customs,” said Martin. So, when we build these bikes, they got to be right. We went over this bike, every nut and bolt from the bottom of the frame to the top of the handlebars.”

The team from Roys Toys Customs includes son Tony, daughter Nikki, wife Christy and look-alike Mr. Clean, Roy Martin. The all-star members of 1st responders and vets included Brad Orchard, Marine Corp, Andrew Perreault, Army, Chris Denton, Army, Dustin Forgey, Army, Steve Barr, Army, Matt Walker, First Responder and Devin Marciano, First Responder.

Since the build took place post COVID, the supply chain continued to encounter issues in getting parts to the crew in a timely manner. You know you have a problem when money and relationships can’t solve the issue.

So, what to do? Since Nikki’s chopper was in pieces and waiting for paint, Roy cannibalized a piece here and there. Nikki is also a builder and is as picky as her dad. And to say she was not amused would be an understatement. Even so, the show must go on!

The Build 13 Team learned from a master builder.

“I’m so picky about what I like… I visualize what I want and like,” commented Martin. “This time I let the reins up and let the group work on stuff. That was a big growth moment for me, to trust in the guys and trust in the process. I realized if I do everything for them, then they’re not learning.”

The team enjoyed the participation from sponsor State Farm. It turned out the build became one of the featured items to celebrate State Farm’s 100th anniversary in business. Their mission for the past 100 years has been and continues to be to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

Custom bike building is not done in a vacuum; it takes a biker village. After determining the design, Roy broke out his cellphone and started making calls to suppliers.

One of his first calls was to famed and West Coast painter Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz. He shot the State Farm red paint job as well as creating the graphics and pinstriping.

Austin’s Matt Hurtado of Working Man’s Custom provided the custom saddle. Pure power and sound was provided by D&D Bobcat exhaust. Anything Goes 74 provided a slick oil tank. Of course, Nikki Martin’s bike provided all the odds and ends.

The engine began life as a Twin Cam Harley Davidson 96-inch motor. Roy and the Build 13 team rebuilt the engine including rod bearings, gaskets, pistons rings, and a new oil pump. Besides the engine build, Martin and the team worked with BDL on their new cam cover, so they could run a single fire ignition. This approach removes a lot of wires and provides a real “sano” look.

The USA-made BDL Cam Cover Conversion Kit for Harley Twin Cam is a slick unit. Builders can now convert Twin Cams to earlier Evolution-style electronic ignition. And this allows the use of aftermarket Evo wiring harnesses such as NAMZ. The BDL cam cover is made from 6061 T-6 polished billet aluminum.

Specifications

Painter:Taylor Schultz, Schultz Designz
Paint:State Farm Red
Powder Coat:Lee Goldenstein of Pristine
Wheels: Metal Sport
Tires:Michelin
Brakes:JayBrake
Hand Controls:JayBrake
Foot Controls:Ryan Gore, Paper Street Customs
Engine:Harley-Davidson Twin Cam
Exhaust:D&D Bob Cat
Cam Cover:BDL
Oil tank:Anything Goes 74
Gas Tank:From Roys Toys take off pile
Speedo:Nope
Handlebars: Drag Specialties
Frame:Kraft Tech
Seat:Matt Hurtado of Working Man’s Customs
Seat Pan:Roys Toys Customs
Bolt Covers:B – Roys Toys Customs
Triple Trees:Pro-One
Forks:Stock 41mm with Pro-One lowers
Headlight::From Roys Toys take off pile

After everything was said and wrenched to perfection, Martin’s team produced this red custom bobber, which immediately received outstanding reviews. During the unveiling at OC BikeFest in Ocean City, MD, one of the largest motorcycle rallies on the East coast, enthusiasts loved it and flocked around taking pictures.