Torque Performance

Street Level – Nothing Stock Cam

February 26, 2022 by torquemagusa

General

American Performance Twins, Harley-Davidson, Nothing Stock Cam, Torque Performance, Torque Performance Magazine

Freshening Up The Big Boy FXR

Article & Photos By: Nothing Stock Cam

Originally Published In Torque Performance Volume 1 Issue 2 – Winter 2021

Read The Whole Article On The Torque Performance Web Site

With the already smashing success Torque Magazine has seen since the inaugural issue released in August 2021, I was humbled to have been asked to write an article for the second issue to drop in quarter 4 of 2021. Keeping in line with something I’m incredibly passionate about, I started researching USA companies that produce products for American motorcycles.

Since coming home from the 81^st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, I decided to tear down my Big Boy FXR (2010 Road King Police) and freshen her up a bit. One key detail I knew was a “must-have” were mid controls. I needed to get my feet under me instead of in front of me to have better control and handling capabilities through the twisties that I love so much. There are a few USA-operated companies that produce mid controls for baggers. This time, I chose a company from my home state; Dropkick Customs out of Tampa, FL. Matt from Dropkick is a super nice guy, is easy to work with, and is willing to answer any and all questions you’d have for all of their offered products.

With most projects, you’re bound to run into at least one issue. In my case, it was the exhaust. The exhaust I was running would not mount up with mid controls. The rear head pipe just didn’t come close to curving around the right control. James, one of my closest dudes, sent me a link for RedFox Baggers with an exhaust system that looked to be made for my purposes. After contacting them about their stock, I was able to get the information for the actual owner/operator in the Dallas, Tx area. With an upcoming previously scheduled trip to Dallas for pleasure, I chose to turn it into a working trip.

Rickey Graffeo of Graffeo Original Exhaust Systems welcomed me to tour his small shop where he creates, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of art you could hang off the side of your motorcycle. They are hand-shaped, tig-welded, stainless masterpieces with dyno-proven numbers we all want on our performance baggers. Rickey and his son Rick Graffeo are the real deal, small, independent style shops I love to do business with. Spending about an hour with the boys, I heard a bit about him and how he ended up coming out of retirement to produce these functioning pieces of art about four years ago.

At age 11, Rickey started working for his uncle in New Orleans, LA, in the HVAC industry. As Rickey was talking about those days, I could tell they had a special bond. After 13 years of doing HVAC, Rickey decided he didn’t want to be in that field but had always had a passion for welding. For Rickey’s birthday that year, his uncle gave him a welding machine, helmet, and gloves and said, “get to learning.” For the next 45 years, Rickey had a great career as a cryogenic tig-welder and earned the nickname “Golden Hands Graffeo” after his uncle said, “Rickey, I’ve never seen someone who works like you. You’ve got golden hands. Don’t ever mess them hands up”.

Also, while visiting with Graffeo’s, as you’d expect in the motorcycle game, we found we had quite a bit in common, including being gun-toting rednecks. Rickey showed a few cool pieces in his collection, one being a CZ Shadow 2. He said, and I quote, “This firearm is so tricked out and accurate, Stevie Wonder could shoot it and hit the X.”

After reviewing my photos of the mounted mid controls, my side covers, and cases, Graffeo and I discussed design and measurements to solve the problem of not having an exhaust to work with my setup. As I explained to Rickey, I didn’t have the time to order and keep trying exhaust systems until I found “the one.” With Rickey’s long-time knowledge and expertise, he created the Graffeo Original Exhaust – NSC Pipe (Nothing Stock Cam). For you performance bagger guys and gals running mid controls, this pipe was designed and created to fit perfectly, looks amazing, and puts down the dyno numbers. No more questioning fitment. You can call Graffeo directly and get your “NSC” Pipe ordered today.

Before I close this one out, I want to give a special shout-out to a few guys. James Melton, Jason Kenny, and Jon Luft. These 3 have been called upon for help on numerous occasions. They will show at a moment’s notice and always help me get whatever done with my bikes that needs to get done. Good friends are hard to find. Thanks, boys.

If you have a small business (motorcycle-related) or know someone that does, feel free to reach out to me. (NothingStockCam@gmail.com) I’d love to get to know you and your products and maybe write about you also. Small business owners are a key element to the American Dream, and somewhere along the way, people have forgotten that. “Oh, I can get that cheaper from China.” The old saying is, “you get what you pay for.” Save a little more to spend on parts made here in America. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

Stock Sucks…

Street Level With Nothing Stock Cam

February 15, 2022 by torquemagusa

General

Nothing Stock Cam, Street Level, Torque Performance, Torque Performance Magazine

Welcome To Torque Performance

Article & Photos By: Cam IG: @Nothing_Stock_Cam

Originally Published In Torque Volume 1 Issue 1 – Fall 2021

Read The Whole article On The Torque Mag USA Web Site

The twenty years I have enjoyed the sport of Motorcycling has paved the way to developing relationships with some fantastic acquaintances, friends, and what I now consider family. I have seen the vast majority of this beautiful country through those relationships, shared moments and have excellent everlasting memories. Suppose you happen to stumble across my path at any major event. In that case, you will likely find me posted up behind a friend’s table of merchandise, mainly causing trouble but also lending a helping hand when and where I am able. Through these particular moments, I enjoy learning the ins and outs of the motorcycle parts/apparel retail side of things, what it takes to run a small company, and the sacrifices made by all involved to do so.

A close friend and independent motorcycle shop owner once told me, “Harley-Davidson is a clothing company that sells unfinished motorcycles.” That statement, more than most others I had ever heard, rang so true in my mind, and it’s something I’ll never forget. From the time I was given my first vehicle, purchased my first motorcycle, and up to the current date, I have never been able to leave them alone. It is a passion to transform what I own into something that is truly mine. Yes, I borrow ideas from others as inspiration but will typically change details to not be a complete knock-off artist. Hence, the nickname, Nothing Stock Cam. From my truck to my motorcycles, bicycles, and even my trailers, you will undoubtedly find something that isn’t stock. Stock sucks, period.

If you’re like me (I know most of you are), then you are always on the hunt for your next purchase. What will I change next? Where will I find it? How much does it cost? In my earliest days, all I knew was the H-D dealership. I overpaid for everything because it had a bar & shield logo on it, usually finding out that part was made somewhere overseas and was of sub-par quality. Next, I began purchasing aftermarket parts through the dealership and online through large corporate retailers. I felt as though I was at least on the right track but still not always satisfied with the quality/craftsmanship of the product(s). Then, as if the motorcycle heavens opened up, with a bright beam of light shining upon me, I came across independent shops and manufacturers from right here in the good old USA.

When it comes to online purchasing from American-owned companies for my retail parts, my personal go-to sites are www.teamdreamrides.com and www.hardcorecyclesinc.com. Both companies have quick ordering/shipping times, offer every part you could ever need, and have outstanding customer service. They’ve never steered me wrong. They both are super knowledgeable, reachable, and stand by their product sales. With all of that, I know that purchasing my aftermarket parts from these companies is not just lining the pockets of large corporations but is helping to provide for the families of the employees and small business owners right here in our community.

When it comes to specific parts that I run on my bikes, they can be found at www.deathmetalracing.com, www.bareknuckleperformance.com, and www.fab28industries.com. Let it be known that none of these companies endorse me in any way. They do not offer me special discounts or any other type of side-deals or whatever else may be running through your mind. These are parts that I have purchased, installed, and are of the highest American-made quality and performance. Brad of Boosted Brad’s Chop Shop (Death Metal Racing) offers parts for Baggers, Dyna’s, and FXR’s, to name a few. His risers, pegs, and covers that I run on multiple bikes are of superior craftsmanship, quality, and functionality. Not to mention that his custom paint is award-winning, absolutely gorgeous, and a purchase that I guarantee to make at some point in the future. Paul of Bare Knuckle Performance also has an entire line of quality parts for the same models with the addition of his hand-machined, stainless 12-point axles. I run his axle on my BigBoyFXR. The look and feel of his parts are extraordinarily excellent and should be on one if not all of your builds.

Finally, exhaust. We all know there are some excellent, made in America exhaust companies. D&D and Sawicki Speed, just to name a couple. I have seen the performance numbers, seen their products, and heard the sweet notes of their pipes. However, I’m writing about USA companies I have personally purchased from and run their products daily for this article. Bring in Fab28. I was a fanboy from day one. Though I haven’t met the fabricator/owner of this particular company, I have run his exhaust on two builds, one being my daily rider. Fab28 exhaust performs flawlessly, looks excellent in raw stainless, and has that raunchy tone that I always look for. I want to be heard before I’m seen.

Can you get cheaper knock-off parts from overseas? Absolutely. For my money, though, I take pride in purchasing quality parts built right here in America, providing jobs, roofs, and food for deserving local families. Save your pennies and by American. You’ll thank me later.

Stock Suck,

IG: @Nothing_Stock_Cam

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