“The Wicked Inferno” bears the expertise of custom bike designer Sylvester Gray.

Gray stores parts from old bikes in his shop. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

Creating a custom bike often begins with inspiration from a single part.

Gray is using these parts to build another of his custom bikes.

Gray’s custom bikes can turn any spot into an art gallery.

Gray, aka “Boogie,” rolls on a crotch rocket dubbed “Bone Collector.”

Sometimes called a “crouch rocket” for its speed and the way the rider sits on the motorbike, the light-weight urban racer has found its market in small-town America and the big city – even if its name does give pause.

“Crotch rockets are everywhere,” said Michael Hall, manager of Honda-Yamaha of Memphis. “In the city alone, I estimate the number of crotch rockets to be somewhere around 50,000 at least. We sell 50 a month easy at our location. Crotch rockets have always been big sellers.”

“On the set” – slang for in the motorcycle world – you will see a spectacle of crotch rockets, Harleys, customized two-wheel vehicles, and bikers on Beale Street on any given Wednesday night.

Thousands of them come out, said Hall. The popularity of crotch rockets is soaring like the industry has never seen before. The gas crunch hasn’t hurt the trend any either.

“The demand for crotch rockets is very high,” said Hall. “But the scooters – mopeds – are in even greater demand. Scooters are sold out all over the city. Nobody has anymore. We only have three left, and the 2009 models won’t be in until late August. But when you talk about crotch rockets, then you’re looking at the all-important cool factor.”

And it’s little wonder. Designed for speeds of up to 160-180 mph and weighing only 200 lbs, the crotch rocket gets major cool points.

Purchasing a crotch rocket is just the beginning. Bikes are customized to the rider’s preference and function – chrome plating, original paint designs, rebuilt engines for racing, metallic flake accents, marbleizing, fenders, and hoods. Each bike can be as unique as its owner’s imagination.

Sylvester Gray, better known as “Boogie” and proprietor of Crozzbones Customs at 239 E.H. Crump Blvd., is considered one of the best when it comes to customizing bikes.

“The crotch rocket is the bike of choice for our club,” said Milton Burchfield, national president of the Chief Enforcers Motorcycle Club. “You see a Harley riding down the street, and it’s like, ho-hum. Then you see a crotch rocket – all those bright colors and that customized work, and you say, ‘Now, that’s what I’m talking about.’ Boogie is the best.”

Gray not only customizes bikes and scooters, but he repairs them as well. His specialty is transforming older bikes from the 70’s and 80’s to the latest models.

“I have clients from as far as Florida and Michigan who bring their bikes here for me to work on,” said Gray. “I love my work. There is no greater feeling than when a customer comes to pick up their bike and they’re just blown away by my work. I love it when the bike looks so much better than they could ever imagine.”

Gray, a graduate of Wooddale High School, said he inherited an artistic flair from his father who painted portraits while in the military. The gift was passed on to him and sharpened under his father’s tutelage. Gray’s mother wasn’t as appreciative of his creativity early on.

“I used to collect the little Hot Wheels cars, and even when I was very young, I loved to paint them with my mother’s fingernail polish,” he said. “She would beat me half to death, but I would always do it again because I was fascinated with painting my cars all the different colors.”

Burchfield, better known as “Manish,” says crotch rockets reflect a new breed of bike riders.  A Harley – road hog of the “Easy Rider” generation – was great for cruising or taking a long road trip. Crotch rockets are built for speed. On the road or at the racetrack, younger riders value speed over comfort.

“We call Harley ‘the old man’s bike,’” he said. “You get a crouch rocket and customize just like you want it. Jump on the road, and you will get the freest feeling in the world. Your bike is an extension of you when you’re out on the road. There’s nothing quite like that feeling.”

Chance “Eazy” Watson, also a crotch rocket enthusiast, said he loves the freedom and maneuverability the bike offers.

“I have a Tahoe truck, a Corvette, and a Lincoln Continental,” he said. “I guess I love vehicles of all kinds. But when it comes to riding a crotch rocket, I believe it’s the speed and freedom on the open road that gets you hooked.”

Weekly races on crotch rockets draw thousands at the Memphis Motorsports Park, sometimes called the Millington Speedway. Street racing is outdated.

“Nobody races on the streets anymore,” said Burchfield. “Too many people got hurt. Now racing is better organized in an official setting. It’s a lot safer for everyone, and you race for bragging rights in front of lots more people. We enjoy mixing it up with other clubs at the races.”

Whether a thrill seeker on two wheels or living the ultimate race dream on a track, tearing up the road on a crotch rocket is more than a ride for many. It’s an adventure.