I had the wants for another custom bike but have turned into a cheap old fucker since getting SS at 62.
I’m still a chopper guy and decided a Big Dog or Texas Chopper was it. Limited funds had me loosing auctions on EBay. Up pops a ‘98 Titan with no reserve only 300 miles away.
Titans were hand built in Arizona with some of the best components available at the time. 96-inch S&S, Daytec, Deltron, PM, and all polished.
I wanted a long front end, but the more I stared at the pictures I could see my future bike. So, I waited until last 20 seconds and bid. It was mine!
I had just bought a bike that sold for $29,500 new, for $3,900. Figured I had bought a real turd. Paid for next day and wow, delivered in three. It was beautiful. Red and shiny, but not my style.
The ‘90s style Pull-back bars were so bad, I couldn’t ride it. Fixed that with risers and apes I had laying around. Hill country in Texas hooked me up with cables. Took three cleanings to clean gunk out of tanks. Finally, used vinegar and was perfect.
Of course, new tires, Shinko fits my style and price. Threw away complete rear fender, seat, struts, and sissy bar. Fender was off old Buell chopper. Found a Rust-oleum color that matched perfect. Used seat also.
I hated the way the bike rode. Found a trail calculator online. Plugged in my numbers. No wonder. I had over 7 inches of trail. By installing 3-degree raked cups I ended up handling like a stock Softail.
So, after all these years, I’m still building the same bike, Apehangers and solo–and cheap. I have less than $5,000 in it. This is a fun bike. Makes this 65-year-old guy feel young again!
Ever hear of this? The Elephantrefeen Ralley. I went to it a Nurenburgring in the middle of damn winter. I was in the Army from ’72-’75. Snow and ice. Actually, rode my bike around the ring as fast as I could being very drunk and stoned. I bet other brothers that are veterans went. I know I wasn’t the only GI there.
–Wayne
Owner. Wayne Richmond
Where: La Luz NM
Engine: 96-inch S&S
Year: 1998
Manufacturer: Titan
Model: Coyote
Finish: Shiny
