ORIGINALS BY JORDAN HAMILTON

ORIGINAL RAT BIKES IS A SMALL BACKYARD SHOP IN ORANGE, CALIFORNIA. THE SHOP IS A METAL FABRICATION SHOP, SPECIALIZING IN THE CUSTOM BUILT MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY. HERE AT THE SHOP, I LIKE TO KEEP AN "OLD HOTRODDER MENTALITY." LIKE THE LEGENDARY VIC EDELBROCK, ED ROTH, AND KENNY "VON DUTCH" HOWARD, I CHOOSE THE ROUTE OF BUILDING ONE QUALITY PART AS OPPOSED TO THE PRODUCTION SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY. I COULD'VE MADE A LOT OF MONEY IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS, BUT CHOSE TO FOLLOW MY HEART. MY BIKES ARE ONE OF A KIND AND TURN HEADS EITHER AT THE LOCAL BAR OR THE ANNUAL EASYRIDERS AND GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOWS. IM AN ARTIST, AND ITS OK THAT I MAKE AN ARTIST'S WAGE, AS LONG AS I CAN CONTINUE TO DO WHAT I LOVE. I HAVE ONLY BEEN BUILDING BIKES SINCE 2002. I AM NOT AFRAID TO SHARE THAT, BECAUSE MY OWN OPINION IS THAT MY BIKES WILL TELL MY CAPABILITIES. I OFTEN COMPARE MYSELF TO THE MEN THAT I HAVE APPRENTICED FOR IN THE PAST. LOOKING AT THESE MEN, WHO HAVE BEEN BUILDING HOTRODS AND MOTORCYCLES FOR 20, 30, 40, AND SOME 50 YEARS, I REALLIZE THAT I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND A LOT TO LEARN. THATS ALRIGHT WITH ME, BECAUSE THEY WILL BE THE FIRST TO ENCOURAGE ME AND TELL ME HOW MUCH POTENTIAL I HAVE. I PLAN ON SPENDING THE REST OF MY LIFE GETTING TO THE POINT THAT HOPEFULLY SOMEDAY, PEOPLE WILL MENTION ME THE WAY THAT I MENTION MY HEROES. SO WHAT POSSIBLY COULD A YOUNG GUN LIKE ME HAVE TO OFFER THE INDUSTRY? LOOK AT THE PICURES, HOPEFULLY MY WORK WILL SPEAK FOR ITSELF.