Guilty Customs, located in Orlando, FL, is focused on building “Retro-Mod” motorcycles. Retro-mod refers to us building motorcycles that are influenced by the 60-70 muscle cars but using modern technology and styling influences. We’ve had a number of inquiries about our build philosophy and what inspires us in the bike builds we undertake.  So, we’ve put together something we hope will answer those questions.  There will be more to come as well….
Does Guilty Customs have a unique style of fabrication?  If so, how would you characterize or define it?
At first glance you will see that we lean towards a very classic, retro style. But we don’t feel the need to strictly hold ourselves to the purist ideas of the Old school either. For instance, you will often see us incorporate modern styling cues like a wider rear tire on billet wheels or very clean internal wiring that looks more streamlined and less clunky and raw than what many people envision as retro style.  If we had to define it further, i would put it this way: Whereas a few builders are known for being influenced by and even incorporating classic Hot-rod automobile parts in their bikes, say, Hank Young or Cole Foster.  We are big fans of the resto-mods. Resto-Mods are old cars that have been restored but in a way that doesn’t necessarily stay period-correct. So you would instantly recognize the car to be based on a classic 69 Mustang, or 57 chevy for instance, but it would have a thoroughly re-worked motor, modern interior with all the creature comforts, riding on updated suspension, big wheels, wide tires, and insane paint. In other words, not just an old car, but one with modern twists like the rides built by guys like Foose or Coddington.  So we like our bikes to look very classic, not like some of these fully molded spaceship looking designs were seeing a lot of lately. And we design them to work reliably and be comfortable to ride.

When it comes to designing and fabricating bikes, what are the main priorities and objectives for Guilty Customs? 
Our design philosophy is simply: To make clean looking, retro styled motorcycles that fit the rider and can be ridden for long distances. This means everything has to be in reach of the rider, so the profiles are hot rod inspired, but not too radical or extreme.
Combined, the Gang have over the years looked at thousands of motorcycles which has helped us develop a pretty acute sense of what we like and what we hate. We have strong opinions about what a classic motorcycle shape should look like. Of course, we have our influences. Johnny Chop (r.i.p.) Hank Young, Scott Long and others have inspired us… But we feel confident that the stuff we are thinking up is pretty fresh on it’s own.

What are those things you always try to implement or express when fabricating a new bike?
Cleanliness is paramount. Streamlined wiring, controls, simple lines, and  a lack of tacky ornamentation and fluff. And we stay away from trends, especially in our paint. We don’t ever want to build a “fashionable” bike, that two years from now you’ll be hesitant to ride because the fad has come and gone. 
Hope this gives you some insight into the Guilty Gang.