K&N Filters Talks with Roland Sands and Gets a Behind the Scenes RSD Shop Tour
- 17 Aug 2015
Roland Sands is a contemporary custom bike builder and motorcycle visionary. The Roland Sands Design studio in Los Alamitos, California calls to motorcycle riders like a beacon promising freedom without barriers plus a dash of style and flare. The RSD studios have become a must-see attraction for those who march to the beat of a different drum. Upon stepping inside the RSD showroom visitors are welcomed to be part of the Roland Sands lifestyle. This RSD influenced way of life transcends typical barriers between brands or styles of motorcycles by simply encouraging everyone to get out and ride. As Roland Sands put it, “Do cool stuff and people will follow.” While the RSD showroom is a treat in and of itself, few visitors get the full tour of the facility. Behind doors that read “Employees Only” is an eclectic world of motorcycles and memorabilia. The RSD motorcycle collection ranges from post-war British bikes to vintage motocross machines, to some of Roland’s earliest custom bike builds, and a surprising number of Honda Mini Trail 50’s. Many of the bikes in Roland’s collection have been infused with his unique style, while others remain untouched in a period-correct state of existence. As Roland said “We probably have nearly one of every brand of motorcycle in the shop, or we’ve touched it in the past couple of years.” Beyond the bikes and bling is the RSD shop where custom bikes are built from start to finish. On this particular visit to Roland’s shop, it was clear to see how capable the staff at Roland Sands Design can be. Current projects include a BMW GS Adventure, a BMW r9t, a BMW S1000RR a Harley-Davidson XR750 race bike and a one-off frame cradling an Indian Motorcycle engine like those found in the Indian Scout. “It’s a real evolution of styles and we’re forced into evolving every day,” said Roland Sands. The team’s work doesn’t end there. All Roland Sands Design products are developed in house from concept, to rapid prototype, to the final design. Of course, all work and no play would make Roland a dull boy. Evidence of Roland’s adrenaline fueled motorcycle adventures is lurking in every corner of the RSD studios. Posters on the walls, thrashed riding gear, a TV in the showroom, and even the bikes themselves serve as a reminder of Roland’s high octane antics. Roland’s bikes are built for the ride and the writing on the wall proves it. Well-worn grips, foot pegs that have kissed the pavement and filthy air filters prove that his bike builds aren’t trailer queens. When you ride a bike hard, like Roland does, proper maintenance and excellent motorcycle air filter performance is crucial to staying rubber side down. “The only filtration we put on our bikes is K&N. That’s it. I’ve used K&N for a real long time. It’s always been a great product; it’s a product you can believe in. We put it (K&N) in all of our filtration products we sell through the RSD brand,” said Roland Sands. View additional photos taken at the Roland Sands Design studio in Los Alamitos, California below. |
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