Interview conducted by Frank Russo, BikeRod&Kustom Associate Editor, Europe. |
Hi Marcel, In the past we saw some very nice Kustombikes in Germany, that you presented at meetings and bike-discussion-boards (see pics below). Some months ago, you launched a company named "Danek Hardcore Customs" and started to produce special parts for Kustombikes. Which parts are ready and deliverable? |
A: Handlebars and Billet-parts are available now. In the beginning we had some problems with materials that were too thin and not hard enough. Now we have found the right ones and set the dimension to guarantee the necessary quality. You will see the development of handlebars in the following photos. We are able to deliver handlebars within 2-4 days. Billet grips and fork parts need approximately two weeks to keep the costs low. We have to collect some orders before starting the CNC-machines. We began in a small cellar, but now we have found a roomy workshop, and we will have parts in stock shortly. |
Q : How did you come to the idea to offer your ideas world-wide, in an online-shop? A: After producing the first handmade handlebars for some of my bikes and showing them in public, more and more people were interested in buying some; because these designs weren't available on the market until then. I started with drawings and produced the first ones, the Locster-Forum helped a lot in the beginning. Hartkore parts handlebars became known very fast in Germany, and after that, orders from the USA, Spain, France, etc. followed. Then I started the online-shop and contacted bike-parts dealers. |
Q : In contrast to cheap Asian mass-production, you only use materials of higher quality and cost. The handlebars are made of stainless steel and the billet parts can compete with motorcycle accessories from famous manufacturers. How is your attempt to produce exclusive-quality "Made in Germany" accepted in the scene? What kind of bikers buy your parts ? A: That's a very good question. I was always interested in Kustom-Motorcycles and saw the extravagant and individual parts and thought that the things for Harleys would also look good on bicycles. I was sick at having to rely on bad low-quality-parts, and I asked myself, "Would I be able to reach a higher standard?" |
Of course the parts aren't cheap and it wasn't my intention to create cheap parts. I don't want to produce in China etc. My target group: Individualists who want something special that you don't get around the corner, people who hate flaking chrome. I'm not forced to produce in high quantities, because it's still a hobby and not a big business. Quality is the most important thing for me, and to receive it, you have to pay. Some people say, that 120 Euros for a pair of grips is too expensive, but remember, that Jesse James sells his grips for $400US. By the way, I received inquiries from motorbike-parts-suppliers in the meantime, too. |
You also have to realize, that dealers want their profit, material and machines are expensive, too. But bikers who enhance their bikes with the parts are very happy, and proud to own something extraordinary. Q: Is custom project-related development possible? Individual items designed by the client? A: I try to fulfill all wishes in consultation with the client. I've built many single pieces and special constructions. I have contact with friends who work in the Harley-Kustombike-scene, and could use the same resources / machines, powdercoating etc they use. |
Q: What are you planning at the moment? Please share your secret thoughts with the BR&K readers! A: Ok, I am developing handlebars that aren't made of tubes or round materials. Billet pedals should be available in the near future, too. Perhaps a limited series of frames will be produced; but to be honest my problem is the time, because I do that as a side job and hobby but be prepared for surprises! Q: Do you think we have reached the peak in the cruiser-/chopper scene, or is it still growing in Germany/Europe? A: That's a difficult question. The scene grew enormous in the last few years. Kustombikers are getting younger. A lot of people were excited about the TV-productions from OCC, Jesse James etc |
Interview conducted by Frank Russo, BikeRod&Kustom Associate Editor, Europe. |
Marcel, thank you for taking the time for this interesting interview. |
T H E P R O C E S S : What goes into making a set of Marcel Danek's Hardcore Handlebars. |
Some of Marcel Danek's many bar designs. |
"King-Size Smooth" shape is bent from stainless- steel tubing, then drilled. |
Stainless-steel bar ends pre-fabricated for insertion. |
Welded in place using pre-drilled holes. |
Already sweet welds will get further improvement. |
Grinding welds flush with surface. |
Ready for the next element to be added. |
Stainless-steel center mount is pre-fabricated. |
Both sides done, ready for grinding. |
Center Mount is tack-welded into place on bar. |
Inspected and ready for final welding. |
More sweet welding is finished and ready for grinding. |
Machined and polished billet handgrip is ready for mounting. |
Finished bar assembly after powdercoat, graphics and grips are added. |
Perhaps the boom tails off a little bit. But we can recognize that the quality of Kustombikes becomes higher and higher. I see two kinds of people in the scene: the ones who are very interested in building and engineering, and who get their satisfaction from creating something new, and the others- who like the cruising spirit and having fun with friends, no matter what bike they are riding. |
Billet triple-tree clamps, before and after powder-coating. |
