Artistry has its root in all disciplines. From a very early age Johnny Goodson, the head honcho at Insane Custom Cycles, had a clear idea on what was going to be his calling. It would have to be either music or motorcycles.

Although it requires different skills and aptitudes, for those who pray at the altar of Randy Rhodes or Indian Larry, it surely goes hand in hand. Music and motorcycles have had a symbiotic relationship since there were... well... music and motorcycles. From the early age of rock and roll where images of rebels straddling their powerful machines stalking down main street, to the scene these days at Sturgis where giant concerts are put in place to entertain the masses, one could say that Johnny Goodson’s love for both music and bikes has shaped his career.

The dexterity required to play the guitar has found its way to Johnny’s unique creations. The same attention to details, imagination and overall vision goes into each of his motorcycles.

Having been a part of the industry for the majority of his adult life, Johnny has seen trends come and go and the latest movement going back to the basics is truly one that speaks to his heart. As he would say: “I would hate to label myself as anything but a motorcycle builder, (if I hear another guy calling himself an “old school” builder, I’ll seriously consider a career change...) but it brings me a sense of satisfaction seeing the industry coming full circle. Nostalgia and a return to basics (or people coming to their senses, you choose) are bringing us the type of customers who inherently understand what a motorcycle is all about.”

Like Johnny himself, Insane Custom Cycles are no-frills machines, designed to work in all conditions, engineered to go fast, stop even faster and able to endure the most demanding ride.

These are definitely not your father’s motorcycles. His fan base has quickly expanded over the last few years (it doesn’t hurt that Johnny was featured on afew episodes of Build or Bust on the Speed Channel) and the exposure has brought Johnny notoriety and attention in unexpected circles.

This past September, Johnny was at the Physical Graffiti Tour in Las Vegas, where he was invited, as a guest judge, for the tattoo competition. While Johnny was pretty busy judging the many entries in the show, interest in his motorcycles (which Johnny had brought to showcase) became quite apparent, especially for a brand new bike that Johnny had recently completed. A black mean machine, based on a HD Sportster chassis. The Insane Sporty was designed around an idea Johnny has had for a long time, building his version of the “ultimate sport bike”. It was originally designed as a riding prototype, displayed as a show bike, a model for future customers’ builds. However, Johnny was so pleased with the results that he ultimately decided to keep it for himself. This would prove to be the shortest ownership in the world when Criss Angel, the star of A&E’s very popular Mindfreak show, made an appearance at the show.

Criss took an immediate interest in the bike and told Johnny and the crew that, not only, he liked the bike, but wanted to take it home right away, that night! Johnny made a few modifications based on conversations with Criss and delivered the bike to a very satisfied client a few weeks later.

Beyond the attention from television stars, life at
Insane Custom Cycles is pretty hectic. Between several builds in progress and traveling to several shows, Johnny has a full plate. Because of the recent growth at Insane, expansion to a new facility in Glendale is on the horizon. Addition to the crew, a line of custom apparel and other projects are also in the works.

Which brings us back to music. For those of you fortunate enough to spend a day with Johnny, you soon realize how important music is to the man. His office is lined with guitars, amps and anything needed to take a quick break and let loose on his favorite Jackson.

His musical tastes run the gamut from old-school
metal with favorites like Black Sabbath (the early stuff) to the newest releases from The Black Label Society, with a couple of Johnny Cash for good measure.

So, what’s life about for Johnny Goodson? A garage full of noise, good whiskey, a great cigar and another motorcycle to build.

www.insanecustomcycles.com

New York Dolls photos by Sean Sisk & Joe Gaffney