Exile Cycles Bar Hopper - Specifications & Review

Company History

Exile Cycles carved a distinct lane in the custom scene by rejecting excess chrome and baroque paint in favor of stripped, industrial intent. British-born founder Russell Mitchell brought a designer’s eye to American big-twin customs: clean lines, machined aluminum, satin finishes, and hardware chosen for function as much as form. The bikes’ stance—low, muscular, and balanced—reads as ruthless clarity rather than ostentation. Television era exposure introduced Exile’s aesthetic to a broad audience, but the workshop’s reputation was built on rideability: proper trail numbers, brakes that bite, and ergonomics that let owners do miles, not just photo ops. Catalog parts—wheels, controls, bars—translated the look into a modular system riders could apply to their own builds, spreading the brand’s influence across garages worldwide. In a market that ebbs with fashion and disposable income, Exile’s less-is-more ethic aged well; raw metal and honest engineering feel timeless next to fad finishes. Historically, Exile helped reset expectations for American customs: purposeful can be beautiful; restraint can be luxurious. The shop showed that a coherent visual language, backed by competent geometry and reliable components, creates bikes that hold value in both use and memory. For many, an Exile is the antidote to overwork—a tough, elegant machine that whispers instead of shouts.