Jesse Jurrens calls the Lowlife Chassis Kit the “next generation of custom motorcycles, a ground-breaking package for anyone seeking something slightly to the left of insanity.” He could be right. Take a look at what Tank Ewsichek did with this package. It’s the base for one of the bikes on this issue’s cover and on the cover of the 2006 Drag Specialties FatBook.
Independent Cycle’s Lowlife Chassis Kit offers a lot and comes with a lot. It starts with a stretched and radical drop-seat frame that’s entirely constructed with DOM tubing with smooth, radial bends everywhere and a triangulated high-strength design built around its Legend Air-Ride suspension.
And the look? Well, just take a look. This ultra-low seat height combines with an extended primary for a radically stretched appearance. And all of this rides and handles just as good as it looks. There are narrowed bottom frame rails for improved cornering clearance — even with this low ride height — and the engine and transmission mount smack-dab in the centerline of the bike. The Lowlife is perfectly balanced.
In addition to all of that this frame features an outboard final drive; fitting the biggest 300-Series tire is no problem and requires no extra work.
The frame with an oil tank that cleverly slips in at the bottom
A matching swingarm and axle with flush caps and hidden fasteners
That extended-length and exclusive one-piece billet primary backing plate complete with both pulleys
The belt and a Rivera Pro Clutch
A full Legend Air Suspension that installs flush with the bottom of the frame
A choice of mid- or forward controls are all part of the package.
Every part’s been custom designed to work with everything else, to fit like a glove and nothing’s been overlooked.
And the Lowlife’s builder friendly. The machined neck stem comes ready to accept press-in bearing cups; the transmission plate is a solid ½-inch thick; a hidden compressor mount is part of the battery mount, and that battery mount is completely rubber isolated.
A “Who’s Who” list of name builders have picked up on all of this, choosing the Lowlife as the base for some of the wildest bikes yet built. Matt Hotch has used the Lowlife as the start for two of his Biker Build-Offs; Chip Foose has used it; Jim Nasi’s a believer; so is Kendall Johnson. That’s one heck of a testimonial. Clearly, Independent Cycle’s Lowlife Chassis Kit is a great beginning to a stunning conclusion.
Take another look at the completed Lowlife in this issue. Make it a good, long look. That bike hardly appears to be based on a packaged chassis kit, but it is. And that kit’s now in the Fatbook. Drag Specialties has it along with everything else from the tin, to the front end, to the wheels, lights, seat and engines to complete one of these stunning customs.
Slightly to the left of insanity? Absolutely, and it’s great. Call your rep.
