The killer Chopper Cad Drawing, what it all started with.

"Mahalo" the comforting Hawaiian term for thank you, ended every e-mail I received from Oahu. I recently attended and judged the first "Choppers Only" show on Oahu, produced by Deacon from Pro-Street Customs. Knocked out by the level of custom fabrication ability and sheer creative energy, I was also re-introduced to the mellow Hawaiian culture. If you can sort through the bustling tourists, the lifestyle in Hawaii flows like slow molten lava in a very positive fashion. There's nothing sharp-edged or cantankerous about life on the islands. It's melodious, yet filled with unimaginable colors and beauty. There's a noted sense of island relaxation, as if land mass is severely limited, which it is, goddamnit. There's no need to hurry, worry or struggle. Yet, the vast color and magnificence of the flowers, the surf or rugged coast is inspiring. Maybe that's why the bikes were ultra cool.

Darren testing the initial rolling chassis fit.

Darren Ho, Hawaiian born native containing a touch of Chinese, initiated this sleek rigid with Roger Kuwahara of Kustom Fab, 808-523-1112. Since 1992 Roger has created custom bikes for island riders.

The frame turned over to fabricate the slim electrical box.

"When I started this bike project, I had all sorts of big ideas, Darren said. "It's great to be able to unleash unlimited thoughts of concepts you could do to your bike. But like most people, the budget became the biggest factor. Luckily, I was able to work with Roger of Kustom Fab Motorcycles, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, to help me through my financial woes. Although this wasn't the first bike project I completed with Roger, the idea process was just as crucial."

At 42, Darren works a government job as a shipfitter on US. Submarines. He also enjoyed a young, late '70s, stint as the first pro skateboard rider to be sponsored by Z-Flex, Town & Country and Kryptonics and flown to the mainland to compete. For almost a decade he rode the Z-Boy craze at the root of skateboarding competition. Now a welder, and a man of metal, he understands fabrication and enjoys working with a master.

Part of the hiding process called for relocating the oil mount and filter under the front of the frame.

"After throwing around ideas, over a couple of beer and pupu (Hawaiian appetizers) sessions, it was time to kick-off my dream bike," Darren said and his excitement showed in his bright eyes. "We decided that the bike was going to have a long, low, and simple look. We came up with the notion of building the oil tank into the frame. This would give the bike a very clean look. We then decided to move the battery under the transmission and relocate the oil filter."

You really can't appreciate the hard-lined oil system unless you crawl under the bike.

Roger, the master, adjusting the return oil lines in the tank for proper position.

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