CUSTOM BIKE FOR CUSTOMERS RAFFLE PRIZE SPAWNS EQUIPMENT FOR CYCLES.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Harley-Davidson of Lancaster owner Ron Emard and MGS Custom Bikes owner Mike Stafford set out to create a custom motorcycle for the Thunder on the Lot charity fundraiser, but ended up with much more than either man expected.

With Emard donating the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail and MGS designing the fenders, the fuel tank and the seat, the result was a prototype that spawned custom parts both businesses will be offering to their customers.

``There are some very dedicated Harley customers who wouldn't dream of owning a custom bike,'' said Stafford, who makes motorcycles for the high-end market in a Lancaster business that started in the 1980s in his garage. ``This is a stock Harley with a custom look. It serves both customers: those dedicated Harley customers and those customers who want a custom bike look.''

``You can have your stock Harley, and yet it can be an MGS custom bike,'' Emard said.

The idea of the bike is that all of the custom features are actually bolt-on parts that require very minor modifications and no major alterations to the frame or electronics, which often have to be modified for a custom bike.

The project posed some challenges, Stafford said. Normally, a custom bike maker builds the frame, mounts the tank and then adds everything else later, making changes along the way as necessary.

``We kind of had to work backwards this time,'' Stafford said. ``But I'm really impressed and pleased with how everything turned out. The next one's only going to be better.''

The result was a brand-new motorcycle with a metallic blue tank and front and rear fenders with green and yellow flames. The paint job was done by David Little of Little Designs of Lancaster.

A stock Softail retails for about $26,000, but Stafford says they haven't placed a dollar amount on the custom work.

The custom work will be available as a kit through either Harley-Davidson of Lancaster or MGS Custom Bikes. Emard and Stafford said the kit can be designed to fit any bike.

Emard, who owns his own MGS custom motorcycle, has taken the new bike to several car and bike shows in recent weeks and gotten an enthusiastic reaction from motorcycle fans.

``People are always asking me if that's a custom bike or a Harley,'' Emard said. ``We've gotten a great response.''

MGS Custom Bikes is a Lancaster business with customers all over the country. Its designers have won numerous awards from shows and competitions for their work.

The prototype will be raffled off Sunday at the 11th annual Thunder on the Lot car and motorcycle show at McAdam Park in Palmdale. The event raises money for organizations that aid Antelope Valley children.

Raffle tickets are $100 each. Grand prize is the Harley or a 2005 special edition Honda CRV. Second prize is a 2004 Harley-Davidson Buell Blast, while third prize is a custom used Honda. Other prizes include a spa, a Mexican cruise and a drum set.

For more information on the raffle call [phone] or visit www.thunderonthelot.com.

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(color) A prototype Harley-Davidson will be raffled at this weekend's Thunder on the Lot fundraiser. The unique vehicle was an effort by Ron Emard, left, owner of Harley-Davidson of Lancaster, who donated the bike, and the motorcycle's builder, Mike Stafford of MGS Custom Bikes.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer