Scott, a humble enthusiast, remarks, “I’m just an ordinary individual who’s passionate about cycling and managed to secure my ticket through FH’s virtual process.” As I rode my elliptical machine at the gym, my proficiency became apparent, a far cry from the adrenaline rush I experienced when riding my CBR 1000RR motorcycle – a prediction my mother had accurately made on multiple occasions.
Scott’s skill was an early warning sign of what would have appeared to be a potentially fatal coronary artery attack. At the age of 43, he underwent an open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass procedure following his groundbreaking discovery. He vividly recalls his doctor’s words: “You’re incredibly lucky…had you not called us at the first sign of chest pain, you would’ve been on a trajectory towards a fatal ‘widow-maker’ heart attack within two weeks.”
Following the procedure, he resolved to conduct a thorough investigation of his home. Researchers uncovered that he was living with a familial condition, specifically Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), which placed multiple family members at risk.
Scott’s eyes had finally opened with a spark of awareness. As FH’s household was already frayed, he took a pragmatic approach to understand the root causes of their troubles, seeking knowledge that would not only improve their current circumstances but also benefit future generations.
Scott’s discovery revealed a surprising prevalence: one in every 250 individuals suffered from the same genetic dysfunction. Astonishingly, a mere 10% of those plagued by familial hypercholesterolemia were even aware they had the condition. With a strong desire to help others, he decided to reach out to the community that resonated with him most – motorcyclists.
Scott’s innovative concept led to the establishment of his personal consciousness initiative, ‘Motorbike Saves Lives’, and the creation of a one-of-a-kind cafe racer. To help bring his innovative vision to life, Scott collaborated with Rodrigo Cedeño Jr. As a collaboration between DNA Motor Lab LLC and artist John Bartevian of Customized Motor Arts? Together, they built a 2020 Kawasaki W800, dubbed ‘Chloe’, which Scott will use for motorbike events and road trips across the United States.
To fulfill our goal of raising awareness about familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) among a broader audience, we’re sharing the story behind this custom-designed bicycle.
What’s Familial Hypercholesterolemia?
Fibromuscular Hypertrophy (FH) strikes without warning, its deadly silence claiming lives swiftly and silently.
Excessively high levels of cholesterol can begin to accumulate at any time. By the time most individuals discover their elevated LDL cholesterol, they have likely accumulated numerous years of LDL cholesterol burden and damage to their cardiovascular system.
While most individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may not comprehend its significance, a crucial aspect to grasp is that FH can serve as a potent warning sign for impending coronary events, including heart attacks, strokes, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Fortunately, when individuals are aware of their family history (FH), it can be effectively managed from the outset.
What does it mean to construct consciousness on a bicycle, and how might that process influence our understanding of the self?
According to industry reports, an estimated 60 million motorbikes are registered globally. According to a 1 in 250 frequency of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), approximately 240,000 motorcyclists worldwide are affected by this genetic disorder. Tragically, over 216,000 motorcyclists worldwide remain unaware of their underlying Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), leading to a staggering number of preventable deaths; we strive to put an end to this devastating reality. This bike is for them.
Rarely do opportunities arise where one can profoundly impact the lives of nearly a quarter of a million passengers, their offspring, and loved ones. Given that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is inherited and does not exhibit skipped generations, you will never find a single FH-affected individual; instead, you will always encounter an FH family.
As we collaborate with resources such as this website and the innovative Motorbike that Saves Lives (MSL) café racer initiative, we will make a substantial impact in preserving and enhancing countless lives.
Freedom’s call: revving up a passion for motorcycling.
Within the United States, the MSL bike has received a remarkably positive response from the public. Progressive International Motorcycle Reveals have featured an informative article in their newsletter, sparking interest in showcasing the MSL bike at select motorcycle events throughout the year.
Meet Rodrigo Cedeño Jr., a master builder with a passion for creating timeless structures that tell stories of their own.
How did you get started in the building industry?
I grew up watching my father, Rodrigo Sr., work on construction sites. He was an excellent craftsman and would often let me tag along and learn from him.
What do you think is the most challenging part of being a builder?
Ten years ago, I started building classic bikes with my first project being a CL360 frame. While many people have had a lifelong passion for cycling, I actually didn’t take up the sport until later in life. As a trained culinary expert, I initially pursued my career in the kitchen, yet my free moments were consistently devoted to tinkering with motorcycles. Within just two to three years, I had successfully re-established myself at the level from which I initially departed, transitioning from a professional chef to dedicating myself fully to cycling.
With a passion for biking, I dedicated myself to crafting and tailoring multiple bicycles to suit unique riders’ needs. I now personal and run a full-service motorbike store & motorbike tow service referred to as DNA Motor Lab LLC. We developed a bespoke store and community center, dubbed Bay Space Classic Motors.
All in all. As a fortunate individual, I’m constantly surrounded by bicycles, literally 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I thrive on crafting projects that excel in every aspect.
What drives this bicycle’s purpose? Far more significant to most people would likely go unnoticed.
Scott took the time to thoroughly explain and educate me about FH. The appeal of the bike lay in its potential to raise awareness about a pressing issue that could impact anyone, including our target audience.
Unforeseen synchronicities emerged, gradually guiding us toward this remarkable convergence. The primary reason why FH is a genetic dysfunction and our store title is the DNA Motor Lab is that.
What sparked innovation on the W800 project was uncovering an unexpected intersection between the bicycle industry and healthcare, a rare alignment that didn’t always occur naturally.
Given the unique challenges posed by my physical limitations, this bike was a significantly more complex and demanding endeavour. Uncovering a method to convey the significance of FH in a captivating manner, while simultaneously designing a sleek and edgy cafe racer, proved incredibly empowering.
The Kawasaki W800’s Motorbike Saves Lives edition boasts a unique, full-coverage custom paint job. Mostly, that location has served as the primary focal point for completed projects thus far. We employed DNA helix strands featuring vibrant, color-shifting pearls and rich purples to convincingly simulate genetic mutations, thereby capturing attention and highlighting the bicycle’s unique features.
The W800 features a bespoke seat, redesigned seat pan, and an iconic rear café-style fairing. The exhaust system has undergone modifications and wrapping, while the manufacturing unit’s flip indicators have been replaced with Motogadget M-blaze components, enhancing overall performance and visual appeal. Additionally, the bike features Motogadget Mo.View café-style bar-end mirrors for enhanced visibility, while the headlight and windscreen are tastefully tinted a warm yellow hue. Finally, we incorporated a discreet yet effective built-in LED rear finish lighting system.
The subtle fusion of blue hues and complementary yellow accents yields a visually appealing effect, successfully drawing attention to the design’s nuances. The long journey to finally reach the correct hue. After numerous iterations – literally restarting the painting process from scratch – we finally developed a method for producing something visually appealing.
The bike itself is straightforward and uncomplicated. The facility’s band exhibits a pleasing predictability in its performance. This bike is perfectly designed for leisurely rides around town. Its sleek seat and stylish bar placement truly make a statement, earning it attention wherever it goes.
Scott intends to continue disseminating information about FH globally, initially targeting motorcycle clubs in each region before expanding his efforts worldwide. If you’re interested in learning more about the basics or how to get yourself tested for FH, we recommend visiting the Motorcycle Saves Lives website.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Scott and Rodrigo for generously sharing their story and contributing to the well-being of other members within the motorcycle community by lending a helping hand.
Bicycle Manufacturer’s DNA: Motor Lab LLC / Images courtesy of Stephen Thompson
