Rick Fairless
June 30, 2006
Hey,
Just got an email from Rick Fairless. Rick is one of my favorite people in the industry. If you write to him, he writes back. He has built a new motorcycle called the Bettie. It is a cool motorcycle. You can see it on his web site www.strokersdallas.com. Rick will be in Sturgis with his “road joint” some motorcycles, parts, clothing and beer. Those of you who will be there should definitly stop by. This is a talented man, a great ambassador for our industry, and a skilled builder. He wanted to tell us that his show “Texas Hardtails” was a spoof, a comedy. He said a lot of folks thought it was a reality show which it was NOT. Rick is a serious artist who is creative, innovative, a master. We loved his show.
We really like Rick Fairless.
Over Easy-Beach
I’ll give the guy props for being cool, genuine and nice - definitely a rarity in this industry when it comes to the “big” builders. And even as far as theme / show bikes go, he definitely does some interesting things, and I’ve even liked some of it. For instance - the actual design of this “Bettie” bike is pretty damn cool. The whole backbone setup is cool, diggin’ the seat mount as well - I’m not sure how “ridable” this thing is (as in a day to day basis) but it’s a show/theme bike so whatever. Honestly though, the paint ruins it for me - like ouch my eyes… like a fat girl in a thong bikini walking the strip at laconia… like… well, that last one sums it up. Sorry Rick, you seem like a cool guy, but the hippie dippie tie dye thing doesn’t do it for me on shirts, and it definitely doesn’t do it for me on a bike.
Hey Grail,
Nice to see you.Rick is unique and has his own style.Eveyone has his or her likes and dislikes but,Rick is Rick.He panders to no one.He took nothing and built it into a mini empire.He really is a nice guy.Check out his work shirts.I own a couple and they are cool.I am a 60’s kid so,I can relate more to Ricks flash.You know,he had the balls to quit the corporate world and take a big chance.He loves motorcycles and went for it.Not many have that kind of courage.He not only did it but he is successful.That goes a long way in my book and he is a great guy to boot.I am a Fairless fan.Happy 4th to you and yours. Beach
Hey Beach
Totally agree with you and I give the guy props. My comments should certainly not be taken as a blanket statement of all his work, nor do they speak at all about the kind of guy he is. I will certainly give anyone with his track record and love for motorcyles his due respect. I might not like all the bikes he makes, but I give the guy his props for his love of 2 wheels, his perservearance and staying true to his own visions.
Hey Grail, Beach
Not to jump on the bandwagon, but I also agree about Fairless. I’ve never met him, but most people that have say he is, who he is. Genuine. Grail, I’m with you, I don’t like all the bikes his shop builds, but honestly I can’t say there is one builder that is 100% in that department. Some venture out with some experiments now and then, hence the multi-colored hippie creations, etc. and I think all of us, in our own way, are drawn to, see, and like different things about each motorcycle we’re exposed to. I personally like a lot of things about the “Coors” bike Fairless built and would say it’s pretty cool, but I would definitely change a few things if it we’re in my garage. Isn’t that one of the things that keeps us interested? Additionally, on another board I previously gave a lot of credit to Rick for building the “Triumph” powered chopper for BBO and still respect him for doing that. It showed me he’s not all about “public approval”.
Bone