I DID ACTUALLY work with a snake before at a comedy show, but it was for only five seconds. Today it was a much bigger deal with the snake crawling all over my body. I was sweating at first—I wasn’t too keen on the idea and everyone thought it was pretty funny—but now I’m really relaxed with it. I actually really like the snake now. I can’t wait to hold it again.
Sinmon says: WELL I guess the VIPER trike idea actually started when I was a little fellow. I used to catch all sorts of snakes and lizards, and the crazy fascination has just continued throughout my life to the stage where I now have a large reptile collection and keep some of the deadliest snakes in Australia. Then, after building three other custom show bikes (each winning their share of shows including Bankstown), I decided it was time to build a theme bike.
I then designed a snake carby intake, and on one of my many phone calls to Sean at Titan Trike & Bike, he asked me if I would let them have a go at making a carby intake. Two weeks later a box arrived at my front door, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. The metal snake he made is a credit to the workmanship of the guys at Titan Trike & Bike, and I would highly recommend you look them up for any of your bike needs. These guys are in Tasmania but don’t let that put you off; if you need any parts and they will get them to you no problems.
While all this was happening, I set about making the gear shift rod that I wrapped a snake around, the ignition cover, and all the smaller stainless steel pieces—and when I wasn’t making these I was sitting on the floor in my shed die-grinding more scales into the head and bodies of the snakes running over the whole bike. This was a never-ending job, but I think the end result was well worth it.