"We want to expose the American people to clean, tough, European styling, wheter they like it or not" --Exile Cycles Mission Statement
"What's so special about Exile C
ycles?" you ask. Exile is run by a crazy-eyed, sharp-tongued guy, producing bikes with aftermarket Daytek frames coupled with S&S or Total Performance 45-degree "Harley clone" crate motors. Whoop-De-
Doo! Sounds just like every other "Custom" shop that's sprung up accross America, like so many rats riding the coattails of Harley Davidson's newfound prosperity. Okay, you've got me on that one. But! E
xile is different. Exile's owner isn't from around here, oh-no, he's got a gen-u-ine English accent and he hates the chrome, day-glo, and other usless "tacky" ornamentation found on the vast majority of today's customs.
Russell Mitchell started Exile Cycles eight years ago, working out of his garage. Though his aesthetic sensibilities haven't changed since then, his business certainly has. Four years ago, he moved into a spaci
ous business complex in Sun Valley, CA, and hired head mechanic Johnny Goodson. Today, Exile has four full-time employees and an adoring public. Exile still
Focusing on a clean look, Russell has come up with a few neat inventions, most notably the integrated rear sprocket / brake rotor combo, which leaves your rear wheel completely bare on the right side. Exile bikes are typically bare-bones streetfighter looking things--sporting flat black, powdercoat or wrinkle finishes and brushed aluminum--instead of high-gloss lacquer and chrome. If you get a chance to examine one of Exile's creations in person you will quickly notice the emphasis given to functionality--aside from the fat front tire that is. Exile's "Bullfighter" model is one of the few custom / cruiser / chopper-type bikes that I've actually wanted to ride after a closer inspection.
Comments