This modern day classic chop was featured in the December issue of American Iron. I saw the clean masterful Markus Cuff images shortly after he shot the tastefully constructed mild chopper built by Glen Jones. It appeared well detailed, moderate and rideable, but something bugged the owner David Elan. “Every time I opened the garage and slipped the cover off, the flames stole the show,” said David. “Something had to change.”
I thought to myself, those flames are classic and well done. So I wanted to see what David thought just might enhance the lines of the bike and send the two-wheeled chopper spirit down the right path. You know about the right path if you are spiritual or religious; there’s a distinct path to follow to heaven, enlightenment or nirvana, depending on your faithful flavor.
A man of spirit is searching always, whether he knows it or not. It’s instinct, like picking the line on your next project bike. It must flow in order to capture the true spirit of the wind. You know, each time we build a bike it’s destined to do something for our souls, even if the mission is just to get laid or reach the Badlands next August. There’s a deeper meaning to the accomplishment of building that next wild chopper, hot rod, sleek sailing vessel or your next home. It’s never just weld beads and chrome.
David started riding Cushmans and was caught by the spirit as a young man attending a Lutheran church. Back then the Lutherans spoke of faith Freedom. They escaped the monarchy of the Catholic Church to find freedom and preach it. Basically, if you believed in the Ten Commandments and followed them, you were a Christian, no matter what road you took or where you were, church or no church.
His soul had a mission toward something fantastic, but he didn’t know it yet, while growing up in Minnesota and pondering a career playing hockey. One summer he and some pals headed to Venice Beach in California to see the sights and the beach girls. Those were amazing times.
While cruising Hollywood’s Sunset Plaza, he was approached by a young model agent. He turned her down, but Mary Webb Davis was persistent and his buddies finally pushed him in the door. He signed and his life changed. He modeled for various companies and national magazines through college, until he received the starring role in a movie made in Greece. After the wrap party, he approached his agent and said he was done making movies and needed to move on. His agent argued, but his path sought a new direction.
He flew to the bay area and started to play music and drove muscle cars, and he hooked up with Billy Graham of Woodstock fame and found his true passion: music, cars and choppers.
For years, music filled the void in his soul. But he continues to search. He taught school for a brief time and studied the Power of Myth and Confucius’ Golden Rule from 550 BC.
Golden Rule. ... The Golden Rule (which can be considered a law of reciprocity in some religions) is the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated. It is a maxim that is found in many religions and cultures.
The logo on his tank comes from ancient Greek mythology meaning the continuum of life, hope and rebirth.
He ended up in Marin County, building a music studio and playing with Eddy Money and Joan Jet. He continued to study the mystic and read the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. He writes almost blues tunes about his search for nirvana with songs like “Let the Light Shine.” With lyrics including “Open up to the love in you, dream of what could be.” “We are right where we’re supposed to be,” said David. “That’s what Deepak Chopra professes.”
He’s currently continuing his search through the screenplay for a movie with the VP of Sony, Ryan Pollreisz, and his desire to change some aspects of this bike. Plus he’s doing the music score with his music partner, Jeeve Ducornet.
“Along with the new paint by Seth Boldman,” said David, “I also installed some custom 2-inch seat titanium springs that ride like a Softail and make the bike look better than before. It has a new custom black leather seat that has only I/4-inch padding on it. That too looks way better than my old seat. It really went up several notches in terms of aesthetics.“
“My bike is finally done,” said David, “and is even sicker than before.” Maybe, just maybe, he has found his mechanical path through choppers, his art through music, and the spiritual search always continues.
OWNER: David Elan
Builder: Glenn Jones, Glenn Jones Choppers, Pomona, CA
Year/model: 2012 ground up
Cost to build: $30,000
Time: Six months
Model: 1999 H-d Evolution
Builder: H-D
Displacement: 1340 cc
Horsepower: 70 hp
Cam Andrews EV27 .495 lift
Pushrods: Screamin’ Eagle
Carb: 42 mm Mikuni
Air cleaner: Joker Machine
Exhaust: Santee Venom
Ignition Dynatek Dyna S dual fire
Coils: Dynatek Dyna S
Sparkplug Wires: Screamin’ Eagle
Primary Cover: BDL
Transmission: 1999 H-D
Clutch: Barnett
Primary drive: BDL
Final drive: 48-tooth S&S sprocket
FRAME
Model: 2012 Kraft Tech 200 Rigid
Rake: 38 Degrees
Stretch: 2 Inches with 1 ¼-inch tubing
FORKS
Ultima Dyna Style
Mods: 2 inches over
Lower legs: Concept Powder coating
WHEELS
Front: 2.15-21-inch
Rear: 5.5-18-inch
Front brake: PM
Rear brake: PM four piston
Front tire: 90/90/21 Metzeler 880
Rear tire: 200/15/18 Metzeler 880
Front fender: H-D Wide Glide
Rear fender: Kraft Tech 9-inch steel
Fender struts: Custom by Mad Mike, Pomona, CA
Fuel Tank: Mid-USA/Glen Jones
Oil tank: Glen Jones Choppers
PAINT
Color: Gloss Black with Candy Tangerine flames, green pinstripe
Powder Coating: Concept Powder Coating, Rancho, CA
Chromer: Orange County Plating and powder coating, Orange, CA
ACCESSORIES
Headlight: PM
Taillight V-Twin Mfg.
Handlebars: Chassis Design Co. 14-inch apes
Risers: Alloy Art, 2-inch
Seat: Glen J. Choppers
License bracket: V-Twin Mfg.
Mirrors: Drag Specialties
Hand controlsl/levers: PM
Foot controls: 2-inch extended
