A lot of great artists have a bit of the mad scientist within. They do ridiculous and amazing things that most people wouldn't consider trying — just because they can. New Boston metal artist and motorcycle and hot rod customizer Len Puch is a perfect example of this.
We all get crazy and inspired ideas. Puch, however, actually sees his mad visions through to completion — such as when he decided to mount a propane tank on a customized bicycle so he could shoot flames 40 feet behind him. Or when he put a jet engine on a funny car (he's also a racer by the way), or built a U-shaped rollercoaster in his back yard, complete with Go-Go cages and flamethrowers. "I have so many toys. It's mad scientist stuff made by drunks for drunks," Puch says, trying to downplay his wild creations.
He has been doing architectural, hot rod and motorcycle metal fabricating his entire adult life. (He was also the frontman for legendary psychobilly band Snake Out.) Puch started his shop Speed Cult in his New Boston garage back in 2001. For the last couple of years, he's been taking his custom metal work on the road to motorcycle rallies all over the country in his Freightliner RV — which, of course, he customized into the "Frightliner."
It was only eight years ago that Puch's love of hot rods morphed into a love of motorcycles. Imagine if Ron Finch were into café racers and bobbers instead of choppers and you'll get an idea of Puch's work. One of his more recent bikes, a bobber named Slüt, is a simultaneously menacing and hilarious piece of work. When asked about how he named the bike, he says that he envisioned a disapproving spouse talking about the bike. Puch jokes, "You ride that slut more than me! Either that slut goes or I go!"
You can find out more about Len Puch's custom metal work at speedcult.com.
