2019 Flying Piston Benefit Debuts James Washnok Built Custom Strider
James Washnok Builds Custom Strider that looks like the bagger from his company, Baggster, LLC out of South Dakota, a company James has operated since 2013.
They specialize in design and manufacturing of parts for Harley-Davidson touring models.
James first saw the customized Strider Bikes in 2018 when they were on display at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Bike Rally. He was intrigued and told his friend Jeff Najar that he wanted to take part in this program the following year.
He was hooked on the idea of customizing a Strider bike that would represent his bagger style.
Want to meet all the Strider Custom Builders? Surf over to the 2019 Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast page.
He was also up for the challenge because of his own 3-year-old, son Jett, who started on a rocking-base Strider and had transitioned to a Strider balance bike. James knew he had the perfect test pilot for his Strider “bagger” design.
He first stretched the rear fender so he could add stretched fabricated saddlebags. That was a good start but he felt like the design was missing an element.
That’s when he added the flared side panels. James figured the all-American, patriotic-themed paint job would appeal to both girl and boy bike riders, plus it creates visual flow by spanning the fabricated sections. An old-fashioned squeeze horn is the finishing touch.
Baggster LLC is proud to be an all American-made manufacturer. They’ve kept that in mind in their designs and the same held true for the Strider customization. With test pilot, Jett’s final approval this Strider Baggster was ready to show and go.
Flying Piston Benefit Custom Strider Class of 2019
The Flying Piston Benefit 2019 Custom Strider Bikes
The 2019 star Strider builders are Steve Reed, Xavier Muriel, Devin Henriques, Brian Klock, Jessi Combs, Roy & Nikki Martin, Eric Hermann, Todd “Gilby” Gilberson, Count’s Kustoms, James Washnock, and Motorcycle Missions.
About Flying Piston Benefit: The Flying Piston Benefit is produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News and Jeff Najar of Horsepower Marketing. The event and silent auction supports veterans issues and the motorcycle industry through fundraisers for non-profits and individuals.
Each Flying Piston Benefit provides a silent auction that is art-oriented and also includes unique and collectible items.
Each event also doubles as an industry get together where enthusiasts, businessmen and women, custom builders, athletes, and artists come together to socialize, enjoy breakfast and support a worthy cause.
To get involved, contact Marilyn Stemp at our contact page or text her at 828-205-8482.
Watch the Flying Piston Facebook page for our latest updates.
About Strider: Strider designs lightweight bikes that build two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children. Strider is helping kids learn to ride and developing new motorcycle riders through the AllKidsBike movement which makes bike-riding a part of the kindergarten curriculum. www.allkidsbike.org, www.striderbikes.com.
Auctioned Off at Mecum Auctions
The 2019 class of Strider Rider Customs were auctioned off by Mecum Auctions during their auto and motorcycle event. (www.Mecum.com) The 2020 class of builders started after the auction. Check them out here.
To meet all the Strider Custom Builders, just Surf over to the 2019 Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast page.
James Washnok’s 2019 Flying Piston Strider Custom
Story by Diane “Shadow’s Wife” Jones
