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Custom Star
Custom Star
KING’S ROAD CUSTOM by David Carradale Photography Marianne Logica www.mlofoto.co.uk, Profimedia
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The King’s Road, Chelsea, London S.W.3. It’s famous, or even infamous, for its colourful past. It still remains a bit rock’n’roll, even today, in all its gentrified glory. And what better location could there be for one of the world’s top custom designers? We go behind the scenes at Warr’s Harley-Davidson store and its unique specialist offshoot, Warr’s King’s Road Customs, for a glimpse into the custom world. The King’s Road runs for just under 2 miles (3.2 km) through the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, by Sloane Square in the east, and then skirting by Stamford Bridge, the home of Abramovich’s Chelsea. Lying at the western end is The World’s End, an area named after an infamous public house. The King’s Road derived its name from its function as a private road used by King Charles II to travel to Kew. It has an illustrious past as a centre of urban counter-culture. In the 1970s, it was home to Malcom McLaren’s boutique originally called Let It Rock, later renamed Sex in 1974, and Seditionaries in 1977. Until 1983, the headquarters of Swan Song Records, owned by Led Zeppelin, was at 484 King’s Road. So where better to find a Harley-Davidson store and sell freedom to the masses, or at least the well-heeled ones? Warr’s Harley-Davidson are Europe’s oldest Harley-Davidson dealer and their specialist offshoot -- Warr’s Custom – has been forging a serious reputation in custom bikes. Warr’s was founded on the Kings Road in 1924 by Captain Frederick James Warr, becoming an official Harley-Davidson dealer that year. Although post-war business was very tough, by the 1960s, Fred Junior had become Britain’s Harley-Davidson distributor. Charlie Stockwell, Mastermind of Design and Custom at Warrs, is well known on the custom scene. He’s also a trend setter.
Charlie’s clients include rock stars, sports stars and F1 drivers. Late last year the bike he built for Jenson Button made headlines, but you don’t need an F1 salary, or to play for Chelsea, to customize a bike. You’d be surprised as to what these guys can achieve on a tight budget. So reject the standard Harley set-up, use your imagination and let the Warr’s team get to work. Fast forward a few weeks and you could be riding down the King’s Road feeling like a king yourself.
Charlie Stockwell How long have you been customizing bikes and how did you get started?
I’ve always had a passion for bikes. Be it GP Race bikes or street bikes. Before I learned to ride I was fascinated with the detail and design. I got my first bike when I was 16. I spent the whole year, before I could even take my test, customizing it. Since then I’ve been doing the same thing to every bike I’ve owned and now I’m lucky enough to be doing that for my customers as well.
Your favourite machine so far?
I don’t have a favourite. Each one gets the same attention and passion. I have always maintained that I will never build two of the same bike. That way each is special to both me and the owner. It keeps each project exciting and although no two are the same, I now have a recognised and unique style that people appreciate.