Building a custom bike is a journey of passion and precision, where every component defines the final ride. For builders seeking the ultimate in performance and handling, the foundation is everything. A high-quality chassis and suspension system from a trusted manufacturer is not an upgrade; it’s a prerequisite for a build that performs as good as it looks. This is where specialized engineering makes all the difference.
Art Morrison Enterprises has been a cornerstone of the hot rod and custom car scene for decades, renowned for their race-bred chassis and suspension components. Their products bring professional-level geometry and rigidity to street-driven machines. This roundup focuses on key offerings from Art Morrison, alongside some thematic decorative items for the shop or garage, to help you select the perfect foundation for your next two-wheeled masterpiece.
Our Recommended Art Morrison Components and Thematic Decor
- LPGI Jim Morrison Open Arms Wall Poster
- Flagline Jim Morrison – Open Arms Textile Poster
- Carpe Diem Designs Morrison Coat of Arms Photo Print
- Jim Morrison Wall Art Print Signed Aluminum
- Morrison Coat of Arms Garden Flag
- Art Morrison GT Sport Front End Kit
- Art Morrison C-5 Corvette Front Suspension System
- Art Morrison Max-G Chassis for 1967-1969 Camaro
LPGI Jim Morrison Open Arms Wall Poster
This fabric wall poster serves as a vibrant tribute to the iconic Jim Morrison, capturing his enigmatic stage presence. The design showcases the legendary Doors frontman in his classic open-armed pose, making it a compelling focal point for any room. It brings a touch of rock and roll history to your personal space.
Crafted from fine-quality, soft fabric, this piece is made for longevity and easy maintenance. Its versatile size and striking imagery allow it to fit seamlessly into various settings, from a bedroom to a music studio. For fans of classic rock, this poster is a timeless piece of decor that celebrates a music icon.
Flagline Jim Morrison – Open Arms Textile Poster
The Flagline textile poster presents the same iconic Jim Morrison image in a large 30″ x 40″ format. Screen-printed on light-weight polyester fabric, this piece offers a different texture and presence compared to standard paper posters. Its substantial size ensures it commands attention on any wall.
Notably manufactured in Italy, this item reflects a commitment to quality production. The textile material gives it a unique, slightly more refined feel, suitable for those who appreciate a alternative to traditional wall art. It’s a straightforward, high-impact way to display your appreciation for a music legend.
Carpe Diem Designs Morrison Coat of Arms Photo Print
This product shifts focus from the musician to the surname, offering a classic Morrison family crest print. Printed on premium 110lb matte finish paper, the design features bright, vibrant colors against a buff parchment background for a traditional and heraldic look. It comes as a set of two identical 8×10 prints.
The dual copies provide flexibility; you can frame one and keep a spare, or gift one to a family member. This print is perfect for those wishing to celebrate their heritage or simply add a touch of classic, personalized art to their home or office decor. It’s ready for a standard 8×10 frame.
Jim Morrison Wall Art Print Signed Aluminum
For a modern and durable display piece, this Jim Morrison art print is directly infused onto a sheet of aluminum. The process creates a glossy finish that enhances the vivid colors and sharp details of the “Window Of My Soul” image. The signed aesthetic adds to its value as a collector’s item.
Its compact 8″ x 10″ size makes it ideal for placement on a shelf, desk, or a smaller wall space without sacrificing visual impact. The metal construction ensures the artwork is resistant to fading and is easy to clean. This piece combines contemporary printing technology with iconic rock imagery.
Morrison Coat of Arms Garden Flag
Showcase your Morrison pride outdoors with this 11″ x 15″ garden flag. Featuring the same classic coat of arms design, this flag is made in the U.S.A. from high-quality, weather-resistant polyester fabric. It is built to withstand the elements, resisting fading from sun and moisture.
The flag includes a sleeve along the top for easy mounting on a standard garden flag pole, which is sold separately. This one-sided design is perfect for adding a personalized touch to your yard, garden, or porch, allowing you to display your family heritage for all to see.
Art Morrison GT Sport Front End Kit
The Art Morrison GT Sport Front End Kit is a comprehensive solution for builders looking to upgrade their vehicle’s front suspension. This kit is engineered to provide superior handling and a aggressive stance, incorporating modern geometry for improved performance. It’s a popular choice for a wide range of custom car and truck projects.
Designed with bolt-on or weld-in configurations for various applications, it often includes strong tubular control arms, coil-over shocks, and a rack-and-pinion steering system. This setup allows for precise tuning and offers a significant improvement over stock suspension components, forming the basis for a true performance machine.
Art Morrison C-5 Corvette Front Suspension System
This system utilizes the acclaimed C5 Corvette suspension components, known for their excellent performance and availability. Art Morrison integrates these parts into a complete front clip or subframe, making it easier to transplant this modern suspension into a classic vehicle. The result is outstanding cornering capability and a smooth ride.
The package typically includes aluminum control arms, uprights, and a power rack-and-pinion steering unit. By adopting the C5 geometry, your custom build gains access to a proven, high-performance platform that dramatically improves handling and driver control compared to original factory setups from decades past.
Art Morrison Max-G Chassis for 1967-1969 Camaro
For the serious builder of first-generation Camaros, the Art Morrison Max-G chassis is the ultimate foundation. This is a complete, full-frame chassis replacement that transforms the car’s potential. It’s engineered to accommodate large modern tires and powerful drivetrains while providing race-car-level stiffness and handling precision.
The chassis often features independent rear suspension (IRS) or a sophisticated 4-link rear setup, along with a fully engineered front suspension system. This all-in-one solution not only enhances performance but also simplifies the build process by providing a known, precise starting point for your 1967-1969 Camaro project.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Art Morrison Arms
When I first started looking into a custom bike build, the front end was one of my biggest decisions. It sets the stance, the handling, and a huge part of the overall look. Art Morrison Arms is a name that comes up constantly in serious build circles, and for good reason. Their reputation for quality and performance is solid. But with different options available, knowing what to pick can be tricky. Here’s what I’ve learned you should consider before committing.
First, you need to think about the style of bike you’re building. Are you going for a classic pro-street look with a long, raked-out front end? Or is it a more modern performance machine with tighter geometry? Art Morrison offers arms in various stretches and rakes. A longer stretch, like 6 inches over, gives that aggressive, forward-thrusting profile, while something closer to stock might be better for a bike you plan on carving canyons with. Don’t just guess; mock it up if you can. Seeing the wheel placement in relation to the frame is everything.
Next, consider the construction and finish. These arms are typically made from chromoly steel, which is strong and relatively light. But look at the details. Are the welds clean and consistent? What kind of finish are you getting? A raw finish is fine if you plan on painting or powder coating them to match your frame. But if you want that classic chrome look, you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of sending them out to a plater, unless you find a supplier that offers a chrome option upfront.
Compatibility is a huge one. This isn’t just about bolting to your frame’s steering head. You have to think about the entire front end ecosystem. What triple trees are you using? Will your stock front wheel and brake setup work, or do you need a new hub, axle, and rotor setup? The right Art Morrison arms will be designed to work with a specific set of components. I made a spreadsheet for my build to make sure the axle diameter, wheel bearings, and brake caliper mounts were all going to play nicely together. It saved me a major headache later.
Finally, think about the intended use. Are you building a showpiece that will mostly be parked, or a bike you plan to ride hard? While all Art Morrison products are built to a high standard, considering the stress you’ll put on the bike can influence your decision. For a high-performance application, you might prioritize arms designed with extra bracing or specific geometry to improve handling. Reading through several 8 Best Reviews of Art Morrison Arms for Custom Bike Builds can give you real-world insight into how these arms hold up under different conditions from people who have already done it.
FAQ
What is the typical lead time when ordering Art Morrison arms?
Lead times can vary a lot depending on the specific model and the current workload at the manufacturer or distributor. When I ordered mine, it was about 8-10 weeks. It’s always best to contact the seller directly for the most current production and shipping estimates before you place your order, especially if you’re working on a tight build schedule. Custom parts like this are rarely sitting on a shelf.
Can I use my stock Harley-Davidson front wheel with Art Morrison arms?
Sometimes, but not always. It really depends on the specific Art Morrison arm model and your stock wheel. Many of their arms are designed to work with aftermarket wheels that use a specific axle size and bearing setup. You’ll need to check the specifications of the arms you’re interested in against your wheel’s specs. Often, you’ll need a new wheel hub or a complete new wheel to ensure a proper fit and safe operation.
Do these arms come with all the necessary mounting hardware?
Most Art Morrison arms I’ve seen come as a standalone component. This usually means you get the arm itself, but not the axle, bearings, spacers, or brake mounting hardware. You typically have to source that separately based on your wheel and brake setup. Always double-check the product description or with the retailer to see what is and isn’t included in the box so you can budget and plan for the additional parts.
How does changing to a longer front end affect the bike’s handling?
Extending the front end significantly changes the bike’s geometry. A longer arm increases the wheelbase and the trail, which generally makes the bike more stable in a straight line at high speed but less quick to turn. It requires more input to initiate a lean and can feel a bit heavy in slow, tight corners. It’s a trade-off for that iconic look. If you’re used to the flickable handling of a stock sportbike, the difference will be very noticeable.
What is the best way to ensure my new arms are aligned correctly?
This is not a place for guesswork. The best method is to use a professional string alignment tool or take the bike to a shop with a laser alignment system. Even a small misalignment can cause strange handling traits and premature tire wear. After installing my arms, I took the bare frame and front end to a local custom shop to have them set up the alignment before I even mounted the bodywork. It’s a critical step for safety and performance.
Are there any common issues I should look out for during installation?
A few things can trip you up. First, making sure the steering head bearings are properly preloaded after the new arms are installed is crucial. Second, carefully check the clearance between the tire and the fender or down tubes at full compression. With a longer arm and a different tire size, you might have less clearance than you think. Finally, when reading through various 8 Best Reviews of Art Morrison Arms for Custom Bike Builds, I noticed several builders mentioning the importance of verifying brake line lengths, as the stock lines are often too short for a stretched setup.