Restoration work revs up
By William Axford (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-16 09:32
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Skillful fan finds new career by injecting fresh life into classic Chinese motorbikes
Antique motorbikes are seeing a radical transformation around Beijing.
Jim Bryant, motorbike enthusiast and owner of Jimbo's Classic Sidecars, installs BMW engines into Chinese Chang Jiangs.
"As far as I know, I'm the only guy on the planet doing this," said Bryant. "I love to make things that are one-of-a-kind and original."
Bryant and business partner Kang Chao have an artist's touch when it comes to restoring the motorbikes. From the color of the ride to the seat itself, Bryant takes every innovation possible to make any motorbike a customer's dream.
"We were the first ones to install a Harley Motorcycle leather seat on to Chang Jiang. It's softer than the hard rubber that comes standard to the bike. All of our paint jobs are done in house and are tailored to whatever the customer wants. We have intricate airbrushing so any design can be applied to the motorbikes."
From building shoe factories to opening up the first Subway franchises in China, the 56-year-old Westerner has left his mark all over China before venturing into his current business.
He said that his past business ventures were profitable up until the point he sold them.
Afterward he tried his hand at retiring but found that his restless nature couldn't be subdued. His wife purchased a Chang Jiang motorbike as a part time hobby. It would end up shaping his future.
Bryant became a master of the craft after installing a BMW motor into his own Chang Jiang. He tried his best to break the engine down but after many trials, he found that the BMW motor was far superior to the Chang Jiang motor.
Friends began to request the same motor for their motorbikes and eventually, Bryant decided to open up a business.
Before opening up the shop however, he decided to see as much as he could and took his bike all over the world.
"I toured across America on back roads, ending in Charleston, South Carolina. Then I shipped my bike to Germany where I rode it to the Isle of Man. From there I rode it across Russia, then Mongolia, and then back to Beijing."
Customers that order their own Chang Jiang feel the same sense of adventure.
"I can ride it everywhere" said Darren Vickers, a customer who stopped in at the Shunyi shop to check up on the progress of his motorbike.
"Before I had a driver and I was very limited as to what I could see. But now I can see everything. I have more freedom."
Bryant has turned motorbikes into a family affair. His wife opened a biker themed restaurant next door called the Iron Horse. Trips are often made with family and friends into the mountains for an afternoon of fishing and picnics.
"Chang Jiangs come with a sidecar so you can take your family along. They ride smoother than most motorbikes so almost anyone can ride them."
Bryant believes that stereotypes make riders look unfavorable.
"I hope the powers that be take a kind look at this type of motorcycle. It's family orientated. Chang Jiang owners travel around to see the real China, not just what you can see from a tour bus."
No matter what the future holds, Bryant plans on riding his Chang Jiang for as long as possible. And as long as there is still a craving for his bikes, Bryant will continue to create custom motorbikes.
"There's not a whole lot of money involved," he laughs, "but as far as blood pressure and stress goes, it's the best job I've ever had."
For more information, visit www.bmsidecar.com or phone 8048 3036.