Gnarly is one word to describe the unique interpretation of the custom bike created by Master Builder Chica from his digs in Huntington Beach, CA. Many of his one-off components are fashioned not only from steel and billet but also brass which imparts an Old School patina to his CCC two-wheeled wonders. If you see something you like here (besides Livia from Sam Dixon.com), forget about getting one exactly like it (unless it happens to be for sale), because Chica has a policy never to duplicate, replicate or imitate. One-off is one-off.
If you’re new to Chica (aka Yasuyoshi Chikazawa) and his work, first off his point of origin is Kochi City, Japan where not too unexpectedly, he wrenched on his country’s homegrown Hondas, but his passion focused on All-American Harleys so he eventually went his own way and started a small shop catering to like-minded Milwaukee marvel fans. Gravitating toward the source of his favorite machines, he made his way to SoCal several years ago, taking his family to Diamond Bar where he found employment at a friend’s shop.
Always marching to a different drummer, Chica began exporting parts and bikes to Japan after meeting up with Don Millhouse who was already exporting aftermarket parts to Chica’s homeland. They merged forces and Chica Custom Cycles opened its doors in Huntington Beach. Chica’s twist on ‘60-‘70s bikes quickly attracted the attention of the bike mags, show judges and customers looking for a radical mix of the old and new. His eclectic myriad of handmade and off-the-rack parts harkens back to the bad- to-the-bone, no frills/all thrills of the early 1900s board track racers as well as the classic bobbers of 40 years ago.
Chica himself is partial to Knuckles, Pans and Shovels and of course rigids and springers, but his thinking is the opposite of rigid. Besides designing and building ground-up customs, he also offers frames, gas and oil tanks, fenders, springers and a clothing line as well as his cool brass parts. As the result of all his efforts and talent, Chica’s gained international attention and has appeared several times on TV including competing in the Biker Build-off programs.
For more information go to www.chicacustomcycles.com or visit the shop at 7522 Slater Ave. #126 in HB. Give them a call at 714-847-9889 to see if they’re home and not off doing their thing at bike events around the country. Tell ‘em Bikernet sent ya.
We’re not done yet. The lovely Livia is the original Girl of Bikernet. She came to Bikernet first and proposed the Girls of Bikernet scheme with her cousin and killer photographer Sam Dixon of SamDixon.com. Sam has a way with girls and hauls a pack of the hottest biker babes in the country from event to event on the eastern seaboard. He’s now launching his own magazine. Ya never know, Bikernet might be involved.. Watch for lots of Sam’s girls and world class customs to be featured here in the Girls of Bikernet.
Bikernet Chica Specs
Owner: Alan Burke
City/State: Orange, CA
Builder: Chica
City/state ( or company contact info): Huntington Beach, CA
Fabrication:Chica Custom Cycles
Manufacturing:Chica Custom Cycles
Welding:Chica Custom Cycles
Machining:Sertec
Engine
Year: 2005
Make: S & S
Model: Shovel
Displacement: 93 cu
Builder or Rebuilder: Rebuilder, Chica
Cases:S &S
Case finish:Polish
Barrels:S&S
Bore: 3 5/8-inch
Pistons: S&S
Barrel finish: Powder Coat
Lower end: S&S
Stroke: S&S
Rods: S&S
Heads: S&S
Head finish: Polish
Valves and springs: S&S
Pushrods: S&S
Cams: S&S
Lifters: S&S
Carburetion: S&S
Other: Air Cleaner By Chica
Transmission
Year: 2005
Make: Baker
Gear configuration: 6-speed; 4-in-6
Final drive: Chain
Primary: Primo
Clutch: Primo
Frame
Year: 2005
Make: Santee/ Chica Custom Cycles
Style or Model: Rigid
Stretch: 4 inches
Rake: 42 degrees
Modifications: Chica Custom Cycles
Front End
Make: Chica Custom Cycles
Model: Springer
Year: 2005
Length: 22-Over
Mods:Chica Custom Cycles
Sheet metal
Tanks: Chica Custom Cycles/ One off
Fenders: Chica 7.5″ Ribbed Fender
Panels: Chica Custom Cycles
Oil tank: Chica Custom Cycles
Other:
Paint
Sheet metal: Buck Wild Paint
Molding: Buck Wild Paint
Graphics: Bob Iverson
Frame: Powder Coat
Graphics or art: Bob Iverson
Pinstriping: Bob Iverson
Wheels
Front
Make: PM
Size: 21 x 2.15
Brake calipers: PM
Brake rotor(s): PM
Tire: Avon
Rear
Make: PM
Size: 18x 5.5
Brake calipers: PM
Brake rotor: PM
Pulley: PM
Tire: Avon
Controls PM
Foot controls: Chica Custom Cycles
Finish: Chrome/Brass
Master cylinder: CCI
Handlebar controls: Chica Custom Cycles
Finish: Chrome
Clutch Cable: Chica Custom Cycles
Brake Lines: Goodridge
Shifting:Chica Custom Cycles
ElectricalChica Custom Cycles
Ignition:Joe Hunt Magnato
Coils: Joe Hunt Magnato
Regulator:Spyke
Charging: Spyke
Wiring: Chica Custom Cycles
Harness: Chica Custom Cycles
Headlight: CCI
Taillight: CCI
Battery: Odyssey
What's Left
Seat: Hidecore Seat
Pipes: Chica Custom Cycles
Exhaust finish: Powder Coat
Handlebars: Chica Custom Cycles
Grips: Super 60's
Pegs: Chica Custom Cycles
Oil filter: C.C.C.
Oil lines:Copper
Fuel Lines:Rubber
Throttle: CCI
Throttle cables: Chica Custom Cycles
Fasteners:Hillco
