Belt Drive Betty's Blog

A Canadian Built Production Motorcycle?

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">DATELINE: November 19th, <a href="http://blackjacks roadhouse.com" target="_blank">Blackjack's Road House</a>, Nisku AB.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHO: Williams Custom Bikes of Canada</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHY: Unveiling of Canada's first Transport Canada approved production motorcycle since 2007, the Irv Special 100</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHAT: Under $18,000K Motorcycle that has great customization options</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHERE: <a href="http://www.williamscustombikes.com/">www.williamscustombikes.com</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sven Bernard</td></tr>
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The day was filled with anticipation. Every time I walked by the main stage, I had the urge to peek under the covering. That light piece of cloth was the only thing shielding this motorcycle from my view.<br />
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As much as I wanted to peek, I didn't.<br />
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Finally it was 9 PM and Sven Bernard the Manager of Williams Custom Bikes of Canada bounded on to the stage.  He talked a bit about the history of the company and used a rather entertaining powerpoint presentation to make his points. Williams Custom Bikes of Canada has been around since 2003.<br />
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Located in Heisler AB, they started out importing bikes, but decided after a number of years that with the Canadian dollar and some of the challenges the industry was going through, they should take a different tact.<br />
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<b>They'd build their own motorcycles, right here in ALBERTA!</b><br />
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Now these bikes are not flat out customs where every part and piece possible is made in house.<br />
These are production bikes and they are Transport Canada approved and bare the mark MADE IN CANADA!<br />
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Sven introduced Irv Williams, the CEO of the company and Irv spoke to everyone about how excited he was to see the bike, as it would be his first time too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irv Williams<br />
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Irv Williams is a heck of a guy. He's from Fort McMurray and he's one of those unfortunates who lost his home and all of his toys including his motorcycle. But he is the consummate business man and a jovial one at that.<br />
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Travis Blakko is the head mechanic/builder. Some of you who follow the custom motorcycle scene might remember his shop in Lethbridge, AB. He brings years of custom building and modifications experience to the table.<br />
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After having the key players in the team up on stage, it was now time to unveil the Irv Special 100.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHREKpZNiHkNReH_FnFmmiD3DjP2DXURgMRMlfHhDezV0UENemr3DSBHRYhS2hNKsddqhJRIOBJN2Mosqb7iHjjlHtPQh7Ch1sqd4viyCHtRPHm6J1sWiSLUnpyuS2hfQAUAm/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHREKpZNiHkNReH_FnFmmiD3DjP2DXURgMRMlfHhDezV0UENemr3DSBHRYhS2hNKsddqhJRIOBJN2Mosqb7iHjjlHtPQh7Ch1sqd4viyCHtRPHm6J1sWiSLUnpyuS2hfQAUAm/s320/IMG_1165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis (L)    Irv (R)<br />
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What a good looking machine!<br />
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This hardtail looking machine is actually a softail.<br />
The custom frame for this motorcycle was designed and built in house and the jigs are set up and ready for production!<br />
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I had the opportunity to give the saddle a little warm up, the sprung solo saddle has a gel pad in it, making it very comfy. I would want 6" pullback risers to bring the bars in to me, but other than that small change, it fit pretty well and I'm not quite 5'8". (I am told that's not a problem, having 6" pullbacks!)<br />
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The bike seems pretty well balanced.<br />
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The Irv 100 Special comes equipped with a 100" (1640ccm) Ultima V-Twin engine, 6 speed transmission, Mikuni Carb, primary belt, secondary chain for ease of maintenance and repairs.<br />
GPS Tracer by “Spot” installed. (Always know when your Bike is moved and if stolen recover it quickly.)<br />
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<b>And it comes with a kicker and electric start!</b><br />
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<b>This bike was "designed" to be the do it yourselfers dream. </b></div>
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<b>Easy to: </b>do oil changes, access the electrical, battery etc.</div>
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Williams Custom Bikes of Canada has 6 motorcycles in total that will be in their line up by late 2018.<br />
Their cafe racer and their 70's style trike will both sport their very own, completely designed and engineered in house, inline 4 engine! <br />
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The company is offering the rider a 2 year factory warranty extendable to 5 years.</div>
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For an extra $200 you can provide them with the paint code of your choice and they will paint your bike, in YOUR color!</div>
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They also offer another innovative service,  if you want your bike to be airbrushed or wrapped, they'll supply you your tins, ship them back when they are done, and 14 days later you should have your personalized bike in your driveway.</div>
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They offer accessory packages as well, that include windshields and saddle bags etc., and they offer this bike in a 2 up model with two kinds of two up seats to choose from.</div>
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The Irv Special 100 retails at $17,995 for the solo and $18,495 for the 2 Up version.</div>
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<b>Get in on the Pre Order Offer:</b></div>
If you like what you see you can pre-order your bike with the factory before the 31st of January 2017 and put a deposit (or pay in full) on it, they will discount your purchase price by $2,000. Production of the Irv Special 100 starts February 7th, 2017.<br />
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We'll do our best to bring you updates on this new venture for Williams Custom Bikes of Canada!<br />
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<b>Your opportunity to sit on these bikes, talk to the builder and the team is:</b></h3>
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Calgary Motorcycle Show: January 6-7-8</div>
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The Edmonton Motorcycle Show: January 13-14-15</div>
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The Vancouver Motorcycle Show: January 20-21-22</div>
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In the mean time, check out their web site: <a href="http://www.williamscustombikes.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.williamscustombikes.com</a></div>
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PS: I am looking very forward to the press ride in the spring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.riderfriendlycontest.ca</td></tr>
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Belt Drive Betty<br />
Editor & Rider<br />
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