Upon graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Lynn Hodges found himself applying his creative efforts in designing and manufacturing automation equipment for the food processing industry. Machines such as expiration dating machines for Heinz and production equipment for the latest in 3-D hologram lollipops kept him busy. As a personal project, Lynn carefully designed and produced his first billet aluminum cargo rack for an XR600R. When it was finished, he loved the way it looked and functioned so much that he began marketing them to the public. He continued to design cargo racks for other models. Demand was growing. This was the beginning of Pro Moto Billet. The popularity of the cargo rack led to other items that were a necessity for off-road trail riding. Soon, the billet aluminum kickstand and the spark arrestor end-cap were born. Today, the product line continues to grow with the addition of a full line of Fastway products, too. So, here's what's happening in Idaho.
Pro Moto Billet owner Lynn...
Pro Moto Billet owner Lynn Hodges with his first motorcycle creation that launched a business: a rear fender rack for a Honda XR600R.
The PMB facility is chock-full...
The PMB facility is chock-full of nostalgia. The facility is a historic landmark, being built upon century-old school grounds. Don't let the step back in time fool you, though. Inside, you'll find a high-tech, cutting-edge, innovative engineering and fabricating facility. The front office is small because all of the hard work takes place within the shop, which has continued to expand over the past several years.
The PMB crew turns their backs...
The PMB crew turns their backs on the machines for a few seconds to take a happy picture. All the while hoping the machines don't take over.
The raw materials, typically...
The raw materials, typically aluminum, start out on the receiving rack and lie in wait to be cut to size and start the trip through machineland.
How does a large sheet of...
How does a large sheet of material turn into six tough little disc guards? With one of Lynn's Haas CNC milling machines, that's how!
A huge chunk of billet aluminum...
A huge chunk of billet aluminum is loaded into this Haas four-axis CNC machine where it is cut, shaped and drilled into a mount for a kickstand. The process is really fascinating to watch and this machine runs 24-7.
The machine area is a crowded...
The machine area is a crowded place and running full speed.
Once the parts are finished...
Once the parts are finished they make their way to the assembly area where part "A" meets part "B" with screw kit "C." Then they make their way to packaging and off to shipping.
Steering damper anyone?
One of PMB's brands is Fastway....
One of PMB's brands is Fastway. And one of Fastway's new offerings is this steering damper. PMB has big plans for this little gem for both quads and bikes.
The steering dampers are filled...
The steering dampers are filled with oil on this vacuum-based machine that automates the arduous oil filling process. Think bleeding brakes.
This is the R&D room where...
This is the R&D room where parts are designed and fitted. In the corner is a gem of a three-dimensional modeling machine that rapid-prototypes parts off of drawings to be test fitted on bikes. The quad in the picture is used as a couch.
Lynn's ride changes when the...
Lynn's ride changes when the dirt turns to snow.