El Loco, El Loco, El Loco. The name has been running through my head for days like the faded memories associated with a Tequila sunrise. I could almost hear a faint whisper as the wind tickled my ears, while I rode to work.
El Loco, El Loco, El Loco. Now I remember. Bandit sent a story about a bike built by Larry Curik, the owner of Lone Star Choppers Inc. and also the New Products Manager for Mid USA Motorcycle Parts.
I had a fleeting vision of a bare bones bobber carving up the roads from Minnesota to Iowa during an appearance with Gypsy and Kim Suter’s battle on Discovery’s Biker Build Off. The bikes in the competition left spectators awestruck…or was it the black beast El Loco?
The bikes in the competition left spectators awestruck…or was it the black beast El Loco?
Bare bones, stripped down, it’s muscular, like a champion sprinter. This bike sits low and launches itself at the pavement like a panther attacking its prey. There is nothing gentle about her, and if you aren’t careful, she will eat you alive.
Mid USA wanted to unveil something spectacular at the V- Twin expo in Cincinnati this year. They were going to introduce new products including their new Bobber Chassis Kits. Larry, however, had a vision. He knows the audiences at the show aren't able to grab one piece and visually make a bike out of it. He knows they have too much on their plates. It's almost sensory overload with thousands of new parts and products sparkling everywhere. Larry suggested they build a bike to showcase what they offer. A bike stands out more than just parts, right? Especially if it's a bad to the bone screaming little bitch that runs like a raped ape! The only thing was the show was only 10 days away and the completed bike had to ship in 9 days! Since Larry pitched the idea he wasn’t about to back up when Mid-USA came back and said, “Ok, build a bike. You have 8 days. Good luck.”
El Loco began.
Eight days, including 127 hours of labor later, the bike was complete. The bike was shipped to the show only 9 days after the build began. According to Larry, “She was ready to run. The finishing touch, the pinstriping was handled at the show.” Tex, a good friend of Larry’s was flying in and knocked it out in about an hour. www.texefx.com
When asked about the name, Larry simply stated, “It’s because the first name that came to mind “Fucking Crazy” would offend some.” Think about it, 8 days to build a 140 horsepower fuel injected mill, 6-speed tranny, skinny ass tires, 2-gallon gas tank, and it weighs 405 pounds. If that’s not crazy, what the fuck is?”
The design of the PowerHouse 114 engine virtually eliminates all vibration. It uses automotive style bearings in side by side connecting rods, coupled to a one piece crankshaft.
So what was the response at the show?
“Oh, the bike was a hit wherever it went. We even drew a crowd during my recent ride on Discovery’s Build Off. We had a great time.”
This isn’t his first rodeo either. Larry was also involved with two previous Build-Off’s: one with Billy Lane vs. Indian Larry, and also Billy vs. Dave Perewitz. This guy knows his shit.
The bike has sleek lines and enough power to launch it like a rocket ship. It reminds me of what a Sportster should actually look like, the Hot Rod of the motorcycle world.
This bike weighs 405 lbs and is powered by a motor that has made 226 hp on nitrous. I asked if he was satisfied with it. Were there any changes he would make now that he rode it from Minnesota to Iowa?
“Yeah, it’s getting a bigger gas tank. This one is just too small. She might also end up with a little nitrous, just to make it interesting.”
The bike sounds as unreal as it looks. But what’s the point of having all that power if it’s not reliable, right? This bike is also equipped with fuel injection. That’s right, no carb adjustment, no re-jetting. Just start her up and let ‘er rip! Any adjustments to engine tune are easily done with a laptop computer. That includes timing and fuel maps. It’s a simple four-wire hookup to any cone style big twin engine, (watch for more on this system soon).
The power from the motor is transferred to the 6-speed tranny via 2-inch enclosed belt drive from BDL. It also has a ball assisted diaphragm clutch with 32-ball bearings on the pressure plate.
The bikes hand controls are from HHI, which make the bars clean.
I also noticed a shock under the seat which I discovered to be a mountain bike shock. I asked Larry about it and he just laughed saying, “yeah it makes it nice.” I guess you have to think outside the box sometimes.
El Loco is an incredible machine that can be built for a very reasonable price. Give Larry a call or check him out at www.lonestarchoppers.com . He can build whatever you want. His company, Lone Star Choppers, Inc. is a licensed manufacture that contract builds custom bikes and also sells some cool parts.
Check him out; I hear he has a few connections. Or you can shell out 30 grand and steal this bike from Larry’s grip. The point is, this bike it is very available and very affordable. If you’re in the market for a bike that will have enough kick in the pants to keep you hanging on for dear life yet as reliable as a stocker, well you know where to go.
Till next time, ride hard.
Bikernet El Loco Specs
Owner: Larry Curik
City/State: Waterloo , IL
Builder: Larry Curik / Lone Star Choppers, INC
City/state ( or company contact info): www.lonestarchoppers.com
Fabrication: Larry Curik / Lone Star Choppers, INC
Manufacturing: Lone Star Choppers, INC
Welding: Larry Curik
Machining: Larry Curik / Kim Vermillion
Engine
Year: 2006
Make: PowerHouse
Model:114
Displacement: 114 cubic inches
Builder or Rebuilder: Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts
Cases: Delkron
Case finish: Polished
Barrels: Cast with press in LA Sleeve liners
Bore: 4.255-inch
Pistons: KB Hypereutectic 390 alloy
Barrel finish: Polished
Lower end: Pork Chop crankshaft by Falicon
Stroke: 4-inch
Rods: Carrillo side by side 7.750-inch in length using automotive style bearings
Heads: Billet by Mike Garrison
Head finish: Polished
Valves and springs: 1.750-inch intake / 2.050-inch exhaust with Comp Cams springs
Pushrods: Tapered chrome-moly
Cams: Comp 3070 , .656-inch intake & .618-inch exhaust lift
Lifters: Velva Touch by Comp Cams
Carburetion: BDL / PFI Fuel Injection
Other: High pressure 7075 billet oil pump, Auto Meter oil pressure gauge
Transmission
Year: 2006
Make: Baker
Gear configuration: 6-speed OD
Final drive: 530 chain
Primary: BDL's new Trick SS2. 2-inch belt drive
Clutch: Diaphragm over ball assist, quiet clutch
Frame
Year: 2006
Make: Hardbody
Style or Model: Bobber
Stretch: none
Rake: 30 degrees
Modifications: some
Front End
Make: Hardbody
Model: Wide Springer
Year: 2006
Length: 31 inches
Mods: Handlebar risers shortened and powder coated black
Sheet metal
Tanks: V-Factor, modified for fuel injection
Fenders: Larry Curik
Oil tank: Hardbody
Paint
Sheet metal: Tom Schneider
Molding: Tom Schneider
Base coat: PPG Shiny Black
Graphics: Pin Striping and Lettering by TEX of TEXEFX
Frame: Larry Curik
Molding: none
Base coat: shiny black
Graphics or art: none
Special effects: keeps it from rusting
Pinstriping: At Cincy by Tex
Wheels
Front
Make: 40-spoke
Size: 21 X 2.15
Brake calipers: HHI 4 piston, black anodized finish
Brake rotor(s): Russell full-floater
Tire: Avon Speed Master
Rear
Make: 40-spoke
Size: 16 X 3.5
Brake calipers: HHI 4 piston
Brake rotor Russell full floating
Tire: Avon MKII
Controls
Foot controls: Old style Hardbody
Finish: Chrome
Master cylinder: Kelsey Hayes type
Brake lines: Cool Black from Goodridge
Handlebar controls: HHI
Finish: Black Anodized
Clutch Cable: Motion Pro longitudinal wound
Brake Lines: Goodridge
Electrical
Ignition: PowerHouse by Crane
Ignition switch: Toggle
Coils: 40kv single fire
Regulator: 32 amp
Harness: Larry Curik
Headlight: Mid-USA , powder coated black
Taillight: Small Maltese Cross L.E.D.
Accessory lights: none
Switches: yes, off & haul ass
Battery: 12-volt
What's Left
Seat: Shock mounted solo by Lone Star Choppers , cover by Hytech of Columbia,IL
Pipes: Lone Star Choppers 2-inch Builders Kit
Mufflers: ?
Exhaust finish: High Heat Black with Thermo-Tec wrap
Gas caps: Tri-bar spinner
Handlebars: Stainless steel / Lone Star Choppers
Grips: Rubber OE style
Pegs: chrome and rubber
Oil filter: Signature Lone Star by K&P Engineering
Oil cooler: The oil filter housing act's as one.
Oil lines: Goodyear rubber hose
Fuel filter: High pressure Pingel
Fuel Lines: High Pressure, Braided stainless
Throttle: Old style, powder coated black
Throttle cables: Motion Pro
Fasteners: Chrome Hardware Supply
Specialty items: Stainless steel sissy bar, chain guard, tag mount, battery cover and switch housing by Larry Curik
Comments:
Credits: Thanks to Kim Vermillion and Sean McKee for their help when I needed it and Tex for the striping!
