Metal, Chrome and Horsepower…

Metal, Chrome and Horsepower Become a Thing of Beauty

Rarely has the phrase “self-made man” been more apropos than when used to describe Mark Daley of Thunderstruck Custom Bikes in Medford, Oregon. He is a business owner, artist and creator of world-class custom motorcycles. In a suddenly marketable wave of popularity brought to the forefront by television shows like Orange County Choppers and the exploits of bad boy Jesse James, Daley has been behind the scenes quietly perfecting his craft and turning out one phenomenal custom chopper after another.

Through equal parts talent, passion and hard work, Daley is behind the scenes no longer. With a steady climb through the ranks of local and celebrity builders, he has competed with and bested some of the world’s most celebrated custom bike builders. Receiving annual invitations to compete in the Master Builder’s Champion event, Artistry in Iron in Las Vegas, is one measure of his notoriety.

In a consistent rise to fame, from a workbench in his garage some years ago to a 2,500-square foot, fully equipped shop, Thunderstruck Custom Bikes is a name now recognized regionally, nationally and internationally. With many spectacular creations to his credit, Daley continues to climb the ladder of success to the level of elite custom builders. “I’ve had to struggle and work hard for every inch I’ve gained,” says Daley.

Nothing has come easy for Daley except for his creativity and talent for making metal, chrome and horsepower into a thing of beauty. One of his famous customs was so elegant it was displayed in the window of an art gallery where it glowed like a piece of fine jewelry.

Daley’s artistic ability, combined with his mechanical skills, allow him to render custom designs of his own, or to work with a prospective buyer to create a chopper that will not be duplicated anywhere else in the world. One of his recent commissions has caused quite a stir among national bike builders and custom connoisseurs alike. The chopper was built for Bob Crone, owner of Tuxedo Junction in Medford. Crone told Daley, “This will be my Ferrari; I want it to be hot.”
In response, Daley explains, “I was ready to change directions from the style of choppers I’d already done. I wanted to build something really individual, almost like a concept car—something you could put right on the
race track.”

Daley used Ferrari accent detailing to give the bike power and personality—he named the bike “Hammer.” Easily the most impressive in his collection so far, this bike is a masterpiece of power, precision and machismo. Although Crone loved owning the Hammer bike, he could not resist the $175,000 offer he received from Iceland’s Lone Billionaire to purchase the bike he saw featured in a European lifestyles magazine. Businessman and entrepreneur, the new owner is currently ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the richest men in the world.

There is no doubt that Daley is an accomplished designer and fabricator, but the real secret to his success is his ability to use those assets to create a truly custom work of art for the individual customer. He has the uncanny ability to combine his artistic vision with the customer’s dream and come up with a unique design that is truly one of a kind.

Daley expresses excitement and a renewed twinkle when asked about his future as a builder. “I’ve had several inquiries about building some corporate bikes. I’m enthused about combining the company theme with a custom design that really illustrates the power and individual stature of the business.”

For more information, visit
www.thunderstruckcustombikes.com
or call 541-779-0340.