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While the inspiration for the Lurid name came from the horror
and gore comic books of yesteryear, the motivation to build
the bike originated at Neptune's Net. In 2003, Snyder and
some friends rode down to the famous beachside seafood stand
and motorcycle hangout located along the Pacific Coast Highway
in California. It was there, amongst the shaded picnic benches
and radiant bikes, that Snyder became possessed by the customization
curse.
"We rode up on our stock bikes and we were shamed by
the bikes that were there," Snyder joked. "So we
said, 'we have to build some serious bikes now."
Upon his return, Snyder embarked on an exhaustive conceptualization
process. It was a collaborative effort where Snyder's visions,
honed through owning nearly 30 different bikes, merged with
the practical experiences of Cycle Boyz in Brandon, Man.,
and painter Dale Lawrance of Fisher Branch, Man. They worked
together towards one goal; to build an absolutely undeniable
show winner.
"There's sometimes a lot of bias in judging in shows,"
Snyder said. "I just wanted to build something that would
win every show that it would enter."
The completion of the concept marked the beginning of a six-month
build process that involved repeated trial and modification.
The far-reaching process produced some unique results. Snyder
prided himself on the gopher catcher and the fuel tank in
particular. "The tank is a unique shape," he explained.
"It changes shape depending on how you look at it. From
the back it looks like a golf club, from the top it looks
like a cobra's head."
The lure of the tank in particular, and the bike in general,
is intensified by the custom paint job. The effect was achieved
by combining a paint colour never before used in Canada, BASF's
Carizzma Orange, and Lawrance's custom graphics and painting.
"We were both sick of skulls and we didn't like dungeons
and dragons. I wanted evil demons and he wanted aliens, so
they're kind of like alien evil demons," Snyder recalled.
"In the sun, at a show, the reaction has been absolutely
fantastic. Everyone really likes the paint and the monsters."
In September of last year, Lurid took on its first judging
panel. The bike took third place in the radical class as it
competed against the world at Bikefest in Las Vegas. Snyder
will look to build on this victory later this year as he enters
it in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, The Western Canadian Bike
Builders Showcase and finally with a return to Bikefest. To
further propel Lurid to its destiny, the bike will be fitted
with chromed exhaust pipes and a custom machined seat.
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