There are two ways to build a custom bike. You could grab one of those 500+ pages aftermarket catalogues, pen down the cool bike list of parts and just wait for the crate with all the stuff to be dropped off in front of your garage door by FedEx. Or you could ship it to the builder of your choice. This is arguably not in the spirit of true custom bike building and won't deliver the satisfaction you were hoping to achieve. However, it does work when you use a V-twin as the power source. On the other hand, if you consider riding a true one-off motorcycle, and your choice of engine is opposing mainstream, like an old British parallel twin, you have a lot more work on your hands.
Scott Di Lalla and Zack Coffman, the guys behind Brittown and Choppertown, went down the latter road to create the Harbortown Bobber. In true life this is Scott's very own ride, and at the same time the subject of their latest documentary. Being clearly infected with the brit-bike virus, Scott picked up a beat-up roller two years ago and put it in his head to turn the relict into a kick-ass bobber-style bike with a rebuilt Triumph heart. Knowing what you want usually is the driving force, and with enough desire you meet a lot of interesting people along the way. That's exactly what the HarborTown Bobber – the bike and the documentary – is all about.
Shot like the non-scripted reality piece the movie, The Harbortown Bobber, appears a rough around the edges in parts and has its lengthy stretches when the gang rumbles along Southern California highways. The documentary provides an intimate look into the craftsmanship and philosophy of numerous builders who are not on the mainstream A-list of customizers, which is exactly what makes The Harbortown Bobber worth watching. These guys are all about building an old-school custom motorcycle including: individual solutions, traditional craftmenship, hard work, and a good portion of experience – or merely making an idea a reality.
Watching The Harbortown Bobber, you may just find out where to get that piece you need to complete your ride or even learn how to make it yourself the traditional way in your garage. There is a motorcycle world beyond mail-order catalogues and expensive CNC parts made who-knows-where. This film is all about a world full of simple solutions, backyard shops, down to earth people and extremely cool bikes. So put down that 10-pound parts-book and watch The Harbortown Bobber before you start your project. This must-see documentary may just prevent you from becoming yet another undistinguishable sheep in the herd.
Scoot on over to www.harbortownbobber.comto order your own copy. Here's a link to Earl's site. He built most of this bike and is a Triumph master, with an impressive line of handmade products.
– – C.S. Berg
