Business - Business News

POSTED: Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

Lummi Island father and son bond over motorbikes

Each week The Bellingham Herald takes a closer look at a business that makes products locally. This week: Lost Tribe Machine Company, operated by the father-son team Aaron and Isaac Rupp.

What it makes: Kikker 5150 Hardknock Bobbers - smaller, four-speed motorcycles that range in size from 125cc to 200cc. The seat on the small bikes is only about 2 feet off the ground.

The Rupps' business venture was born out of Isaac's keenness for tinkering and his father's love of motorcycles. Aaron Rupp, who is a retired commercial fisherman, had his first solo motorcycle ride at age 5 atop a cousin's mini bike. "I had just learned how to ride a bicycle, and I jumped on that thing and promptly crashed into (the cousin's) big wooden swing set," Aaron said.

Aaron hopes to break into the scooter market, targeting people looking for a way to save money on rising fuel costs. "What we want to do is compete with some of the smaller scooters," he said. "We see a lot of people out there on scooters and we just think these (Bobbers) look cooler."

Volume: The Rupps have assembled four bikes since they started the business about a month ago. They work on assembling bikes for a few hours after Isaac, 16, gets home from school, meaning it may take a couple weeks to complete one bike. On average, one stock bike takes about 20 hours, with two people working to put it together.

Recent business news: Aaron said he hopes to have a Web site online by November.

Marketplace: Right now, the Rupps are selling the bikes from their converted barn shop, which is open to the public from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by appointment. People can also order a bike by e-mailing Aaron.

Production process: To make a Bobber, first Aaron or Isaac mount the metal seat to the bare frame and attach the electrical system - a spaghetti of wires strung across the frame of the bike - using thin zip ties. All the pieces come pre-welded, so the father-son team assembles most of the bikes using nuts and bolts. The front fender and the gas tank are the last things to be put on before the bike is ready to ride.

Workforce: 2

Lost Tribe Machine Company

2100 Granger Wy.

Lummi Island, WA 98262

(360) 758-2180

E-mail: indianaaron@msn.com