Karupt Customz in Queensland

JAMIE started his mechanical apprenticeship in Central Otago, South Island, at the young age of 15 and gained his full qualification as a competent motorcycle mechanic at 19. Working for several local motorcycle companies in the region, Jamie saw the need for a local workshop offering good service and availability. He opened the doors to his own workshop and small dealership of Husqvarna, Gas-Gas and Aeon dirt bikes and off roaders. His business offered mobile onsite servicing to local farms and stations in the region and had full workshop facilities including servicing and full rebuilds. Coming from a history of family business owners and entrepreneurs, it was just the natural progression in his career to move forward to be a business owner himself. It was a real learning curve and one that ultimately paved the road and prepared him for what was to come in the future.

During his teenage years and early twenties, Jamie rode the national circuit in Motocross and super-cross gaining many accolades and riding experience along the way. He honed his bike riding skills which led to private rider training of juniors in the local motocross clubs, race meetings every weekend throughout the country and sponsorship from internationally known brands and dealerships. This was to be the start of a new journey with his passion for bikes and everything that is bikes.

A change in direction in 2012 started his next adventure in life, where, armed with only a backpack, a one-way ticket to Brisbane and the thirst for new beginnings, he crossed the Tasman arriving not knowing where this would go or what would come of it.

Getting a job in a local Harley-Davidson shop on the Gold Coast, his vision for the future of aftermarket parts, sales and customising of the bikes he loved was apparent quite quickly.

“Karupt Customz was born working out of a mate’s shed outside of my day-to-day job,” said Jamie, “fitting in as much as I could while juggling work and home life. It wasn’t until I went out on my own that I realised just how big a demand there was for an aftermarket supplier.”

Growing out of the original shed, a new workshop was built at his own home allowing room for expansion and growth of the business. In just six short months, the need for a bigger and more professional premises arose.

“At Karupt Customz, our main goal has been to consciously supply the best customer service to our customers which means honest advice and our renowned quality workmanship. It also means offering the widest range of quality products on the market. We have been blown away by the response and support of our business so far. To have a genuine passion for bikes and have that cross over and transform into a business that I am not only proud of but that has been received so well has been truly humbling and has made all the hard work pay off.

“At Karupt we specialise in all things Harley-Davidson, from old school Evo’s and Shovelheads to new custom bike builds. We follow a simple rule that we have a ‘do it once and do it right’ mind-set with our finger on the pulse bringing to you, the customer, the latest and greatest products on offer.

“We take the approach that listening and discussing the needs of our customers is vital to finalising the correct needs for each individual. Knowing their riding ability, experience and the style of bike helps us determine the final style and power spec for each build. This more often than not ends in a totally different end package for the customer that they are satisfied with. Good custom styling accompanied with great handling and a memorable riding experience.

“The fact that I have more than 20 years of riding experience gives me the knowledge to offer sound advice.

“At Karupt we offer in-house machining, tuning, servicing, consulting on custom designs and builds as well as all insurance work. In the pipeline moving forward will see Karupt services expand considerably.”

If you want to see difference, be it style, riding skills and/or customising, then the team at Karupt is the answer. Tune in to the Karupt facebook and instagram page where burning rubber and one-handed wheelies are second nature to these guys. View damn great videography pushing the limits to new heights on the coverage of Karupt followers love of bikes and everything Harley. Stay Karupt!

Photos by Rod Cole; story by Stephanie Levien