Brian Kammers, AKA: Fathead_03 in Internet circles, is an up and coming builder with a lot of talent at his disposal. We ran into Brian a little over a year ago over on www.customfighters.com and watched him progress quickly. This young 20 something out of Oroville, WA is still fairly new to motorcycling in general, but has quickly made an impact in the motorcycle arena. His CBR600F3 blew our minds last year during the Winter Buildoff. Being his first motorcycle project we quickly realised his talent far outweighed his experience.
Over the past year we’ve gotten to know Brian, not only as a friend but also a supporter of StreetKORE. He’s been one of our best customers to date. But buying a closet full of swag doesn’t earn you a spot here. What really impressed us is the quality of work, attention to detail and over all personality Brian brings to all his projects. When we first got a glimpse of his CBR in raw form, it immediately sparked an interest in what he was doing. But how does a kid from small town WA get into building first class fighters?
Brian’s dad was a mechanic. Growing up, Brian got into working on cars . In 2004 he went off to Wyotech. Taking night courses and working early morning to survive on his own. He completed the Automotive Technology and Street Rod courses and then moved out to Portland Oregon. Getting into the automotive field wasn’t easy. Starbucks was a step to being in town, but soon he landed a job at a local Dodge dealership. After a couple years honing his trade a spot opened up with DB Customs, where he was really able to expand on his love and talents for fabrication.
Early examples of Fatheads fab and custom work include a ’65 Chevy Suburban Panel Side that was chopped, channeled and shaved. Full Air ride suspension and and a number of custom touches.
While at DB Customs, Brian had worked on a number of resto mod projects as well as full customs. Here is a 78 Caprice 2 door that he did a number of custom touches on. Shown below is one off cowl hood and suicide doors with custom hinges and latches.
Brian’s first step into motorcycling started with a neglected CBR F2.
“I always wanted a bike, but never had the money for one. I finally was making good money, and got an F2 that didn’t run right. Previous owner had no gap on 2 plugs and 2 plug wires crossed. Later that day I was riding it, and loving it. The part I didn’t love, was looking like everyone else out there. I can’t stand to be a cookie cutter, to look the same as all the rest, in short, I can’t leave good enough alone. A week later I had cut that bike up and flat blacked it. The response from that, was uncanny, and I thought to myself “All I did was make a belly pan, flat black the remaining plastics, and put a POS headlight up front. I could really make something cool with a bit of work”. Shortly after that I sold it, to buy my WRX.”
What came next was the bike that would set a standard for Brian and also fuel his passion for building more great fighters.
“A few years later, I was driving by a local bike shop, and saw a wrecked f3 sitting out back. I cut some people off to scream into the parking lot. Later that day, I had the bike at my bosses shop. I started on it, very lightly, but slowly plugged away at it. After I quite my job at DB Custom, I moved the bike to my mud room at my house. Being very limited on tools there, progress slowed to a halt. I then moved back to my hometown, and that’s when it snowballed.
I loaded the bike into my shop, mounted it to a table, and got to business. To keep my lazy ass motivated to finish it I entered the 09 Customfighters.com winter buildoff. Long story short, with my fair share of speedbumps, I won the People’s Choice award for the buildoff. Riding that bike around town, having people follow me through town just to see the bike, having groups of people walk around newer, nicer, more expensive bikes, to look at mine, sold me. The feedback from this cheap bike built in my shop with minimal tools, really set me off.”
Brian is not one to sit on the success of one machine alone. He’s constantly looking into new projects and new challenges. Recently he took a bit of a step towards vintage bikes an knocked out a cool CB750 hardtail. It’s a little Brat Style, it’s a little cafe racer, it’s a little rat bike, but it’s a whole lota cool.
His current project for the 2010 Custom Fighters Winter Buildoff is GSXR 1100WP that will feature a twin turbo setup, single sided swingarm with 240 tire and a host of one off bits. This will be the one to watch this year.
Brian definitely fits the StreetKORE attitude. Being that Fathead is one of StreetKORE’s biggest supporters, we asked what turned him on to us and why he keeps his closet full of the latest StreetKORE gear?
“I love the style of it, and it fits my lifestyle. I hate posers, like guys who wear motocross clothing, and have never sat on a bike. Or guys who wear wakeboard gear but are scared of water. The clothing fits me, both physically and stylistically(I think that’s the word I’m looking for).
Little story. I walked into some motorcycle store in the mall a few weeks back. I was sporting my Streetkore gear, both a tee and a hoodie. As I walked in, I noticed a cutie over looking at some ICON gear. I went over, subtly browsed, made some eye contact, threw a smile out, and made some small talk. Now, I am not a ladies man at all. I’m like Forrest Gump. But had I been wearing Hollister or some yuppy douche brand, she wouldn’t have given me the time of day.
The clothing really reflects me and my interests. A quick glance at me, and you can put the two together. I plan to keep expanding my wardrobe with SK gear.”
Along with his fighter projects, Brian is also a young entrepreneur. Last year he struck out on his own, creating a full service auto and marine detailing business. This year he’s stepping up his business endeavors even further and opening his own custom shop. He’s looking to take on custom auto and restoration work as well as custom motorcycle builds. He’s looking to open his doors in February 2010. You can check out his website, www.thebklounge.us for more details. He will also be showing his bikes through out the North West and Southern British Columbia this season. Brian would like to thank the members of Custom Fighters for thier help and support. And we would like to thank Brian for supporting StreetKORE and being a good friend to us as well.
