THE RAMP CUSTOM
Meet Custom Bike Steve.
The Ramp is home to all kinds of motorcycles, from new BMW Motorrad and 125cc machines, to previously owned bikes. It’s also the place to find Custom Bike Steve.
WHO’S STEVE BURT?
Tell us a little about yourself, Steve. When did your passion for bikes start and what’s your background?
When I was 9 I started on push bikes. I used my Jersey Paper Round money to buy parts and fished around for old frames. From the age of 11, it was old scooters acquired through friends and family. We’d tear around in fields and I worked hard to keep them running… these experiences led me to become a car mechanic by trade. On the side, I’d buy old, cheap motorcycles and restore them to make extra cash.
Where have you worked previously?
I’ve done a lot in my life from running a guest house to coaching my son as a professional Jet Skier. Through it all, I’ve always had a motorcycle on the go. It’s my life’s passion.
When did you start building custom bikes?
From the mid-eighties I started to customise motorcycles, rather than simply refurbish.
How many do you build a year?
Since the eighties, I’ve been building 5 or 6 a year, and now, at The Ramp, even more (which is great). I’ll be building 1 custom bike a month.
Do you draw inspiration from other custom builders, artists or influences?
I have a sneaky look online to speed up my brain. I’ll have a look at half a dozen of the same bike that other people have customised, to try and come up with my own thing, to do something different and original.
How many bikes do you own?
I have 2 personal bikes that I use daily and love equally - my Yamaha XS 1100 which is now a cafe racer and a Yamaha XT 500, bobber style. I have projects on the side and motocross bikes at the house.
What is the best bike you have owned?
Ah, this changes with time - from being a teenager wanting the latest Superbike to now, when all I want is a one-off, old-school something with a different style, where speed isn't essential but the retro feel and look of it is.
Do you have a motorsport hero?
My son and what I've achieved with him. He was a Jet Ski racer and he made it twice to 2nd in the world in two world championships. He lost out with mechanical faults!
Where is your favourite place to ride?
Alicante in the mountains of Spain. The roads are awesome - from twisty and scenic to fast straights. No traffic, no people, just the odd coffee bar with decent coffee. And of course, the weather.
If you’ve got the urge to customise your bike - be it a subtle bolt-on or a huge transformation - ride up The Ramp and have a chat with Steve. He’ll let you know what’s feasible, discuss styling, and price it up.
CURRENT PROJECTS
PRESS
Featuring The Ramp’s first custom build, the Yamaha, Virago - Super Special E-Magazine, Dec 2020
THE PROCESS
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PHASE 1 - THE VISION. THE TEAR DOWN.
“The bike comes in as one thing, and I began to imagine what it could become…
I remove as much baggage from the bike as possible, strip it down… until that stage, you can’t be sure. I fill my head with research and ideas, and soon enough, the vision will hit me.
Whether we’re making our own wild things up, or going Bobber, Café Racer or Brat style, I always like to keep it funky but modern - give the old some new but in its own style.
Minute details like the stitching of the seat are very important to me; colours can bring the whole thing together.”
PHASE 2 - THE FABRICATION.
“Once it’s clear and I know what I’m doing, I order in the parts (tank, frame, wheels, front and back lights, indicators, grips, switch gears, nuts, bolts…). I frame the engine and fabricate the chassis.
The frame not only takes the new seat unit, but the new electrics and lights… Where the battery’s going to be situated is a serious consideration. Alterations have to be made to the frame to give it a different stance, a different line that I’m looking for.
Front and rear mud guards need to be made and sent off to be cleaned and painted.
Everything has to be taken into account if it’s going to come together in the end.”
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PHASE 3 - THE FINAL ASSEMBLY.
“The fun part…”
