Prior to the official opening of Maple Leaf Customs, Terry helped out good friend Mitch Peacock of Jus’ Cuz’ Customs in Edmonton Alberta. Mitch taught Terry a lot about the preparation of frames, and sheet metal as well as tons of information about paints and product, giving him a firm base in which to start building bikes. He owes a lot to Mitch and his expertise as well as his patience in teaching Terry a fraction of what he knows.

In 2004, the first official MLC project was the construction of a retro looking black and chrome springer, destined to be installed on a wild looking Honda Shadow Spirit as a direct bolt on accessory. It was not the first project to roll out the door of owner Terry Vandenberghe’s shop though, as he had already completed several chopper builds and a couple of unique customization projects.

The first Maple Leaf Customs build can be seen in the gallery and it sports a CB 750 SOHC motor, Cycle One Manufacturing frame, a retro 70’s springer (soon to be replaced with an MLC narrowglide) and Ness bars. The tank, fender, seat, forward controls and sissy bar were all made in house leaving only the pipes and the paint to be outsourced. This bike serves as a demonstration of what small shops can build as Maple Leaf Customs, Cycle-One Manufacturing and Thomas Moreno built the major components on this unique chopper.

Terry, is a currently serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces and serves as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown. He is President of The Defenders Chapter 2, a military based riding club that raises money for CHAMPS, a division of WarAmps charity, and is very active in the motorcycle community.