SP Rides: A Bike to Remember
By Michael Kitchens
Name: Mario Castro
Age: 33
Occupation: Heavy equipment mechanic
Hobbies: Cars, motorcycles, bikes, metal fab
Year/Make/Model: 2005 BMC Bobber
Color: Flat Blue with Pin-striping
Engine: 88 cu in. RevTek engine, RevTek 5-speed transmission, BMC Speedometer, custom suicide shifter, relocated oil can, relocated fuel filter, custom fuel hose, oil sight glass, Skirtblower exhaust
Chassis: BMC Bobber, 2-under DNA Springer front end
Exterior: Custom tins, POW/MIA insignias, .50 cal shift linakge, custom license plate frame, custom handlebars, DNA controls and throttle, custom carbon fiber solo seat
Wheels, Brakes, Tires: 80-spoke DNA Wheels, Performance Machine Brakes, with Avon Tires
Mario Castro has dabbled in everything lowrider since falling in love with custom fabrication at a young age, and about a decade ago decided to make a foray into the chopper scene. Still, the true passion for this heavy equipment mechanic for the U.S. Navy is creating custom parts for customers in his garage.
In many ways, his current bike is a perfect showcase of his fabrication skills. Mario has taken a 2005 BMC Bobber to the next level with his custom alterations. The overall theme is one of remembrance as the bike is detailed with POW/MIA insignias. The bobber is full of these small touches that provide a rolling homage to those who are never to be forgotten.
Most notable is the suicide clutch (aka “jockey shifter”) fabricated from an Army bayonet and a used .50-cal. cartridge for the shift linkage. The overall effect is brilliant and absolutely unique.
Mario’s current setup consists of an 88-cubic-inch RevTek engine mated to a 5-speed RevTek transmission with a DNA 2-under springer front end. The front brakes are from Performance Machine and are mated with 80-spoke DNA wheels and 16-inch white-walled 180s in the rear to match. Avon Tires are used to provide the rubber for the road while a Skirtblower exhaust provides the rumble.
A custom one-off carbon fiber solo seat provides the cushion while Ironhorse front grips and controls round out the chrome pieces. The oil tank has been moved to the front and set off in POW black and gold along with the fuel filter placement in the rear. A trick license plate frame has been fabricated as a special touch.
The tins (pretty much anything made out of sheet metal) were purchased in flat blue with pin-striping performed by one of Mario’s friends. A custom-installed fuel hose provides the visual gauge for his fuel in addition to the oil pressure gauge and sight glass for level. A diamond plate cover custom fabricated by Mario protects the battery storage.
The ride is very comfortable and fits its owner like a glove. In fact, there’s not much else Mario plans on doing except possibly taking the bike in a different direction than the Bobber look. That is still very much in the air.
For now, Mario is content to express his craftsmanship and fabrication skills with this one-of-a-kind ride.
“I just enjoy being creative and making something that no one else would have. It’s all about crafting something into mechanical art,” he says.
