Bandit gave the entire staff books on grammar, spelling and punctuation. Whatta mess that caused. Every grammar book handles the topics differently. We couldn’t get it right before, and now we argue about the varied grammatical codes and still get it wrong. That’s not the case in the world of metal work. You either get it right the first time or keep hammering and welding until it’s correct. They’re only various levels of correctness, no rules. As a kid, with three brothers and no parents into bikes or hot rods, Josh Ewing drug a 220 Volt extension cord through his bedroom window, into his Tacoma, Washington, kitchen, pushed the electric stove out of the way and plugged in his stick welder. “I fired it up,” Josh said, “and it dimmed all the lights in my folks’ house.”

He started his craft after buying his first car at 16 years of age, a ’68 Impala. “I had no money to fix it,” Josh said, “so I did it myself.” He started with welding, then bodywork and mechanics. For three years he learned at his first job building hot rods in Auburn, Washington. “Then I spent another year and a half working from Wicked Fabrication,” Josh said. “I have no clue why or how I got into bikes and hot rods. My folks weren’t into it and neither were my brothers.”

During his time in the car shops he built bikes on the side and that end of his craft grew until he was forced to make a decision and opened his own shop in Sumner, Washington just 10 minutes east of Tacoma. His dad was an electrician for the Naval Shipyard and he’s the same age as Bandit, born in ’48. Josh is now 28, married and his first child is on its way. His shop stays busy with predominately metal fabrication. A customer, Marty Mitchell, hauled in this partially dismantled 1946 45 flathead and they started to rework the twisted chassis which led to a complete remake of the front chassis half, then Josh made the tank, the oil bag, the fender, forward controls, fender struts, license plate and taillight mount chain guard and center rear sprocket web. He cleaned and smoothed the stock springer front end and made the caliper mounts.

In addition to a variety of sheet metal working tools Ewing Kustoms house machine shop capabilities with a lathe and milling machine. He enjoys working on early rides but also deals with later bikes with big engines and billet wheels. “We’re predominately a metal fab shop,” Josh explained. They outsource paint, but make some of their seats, except when stitching is required.

We’ll watch as the Ewing shops grows and Josh develops new products, maybe a line of gas tanks and license plates brackets that might be sold through CCI. He’s obviously a talented builder and we hope to feature more of his bikes in the near future. That is, if the old Bandit will allow me to hammer out a story without picking it to death.

Regular Stuff

Owner: Marty Mitchell
City/State: Spanaway/WA

Builder: Ewing Kustoms
Location: 13701 24st East, Sumner, WA. Phone #253-826-6246 / Email address : ewingkustoms@qwestoffice.net
Fabrication: Ewing Kustoms
Manufacturing: Ewing Kustoms
Welding: Ewing Kustoms
Machining: Ewing Kustoms

Engine

Year: 1946
Make: Harley Davidson
Model: Flathead
Displacement: 45 cubic inch
Builder or Rebuilder: unknown
Cases: stock
Case finish: polished
Barrels: stock
Barrel finish: Unknown
Heads: stock
Head finish: Unknown

Carburetion: stock (polished)
Other: Distributor is a modified Mallory

Transmission

Year: 1946
Make: Harley Davidson
Gear configuration: 3-speed
Final drive: chain
Primary: stock chain without cover
Clutch: Barnett

Frame

Year: 1946
Make: Harley Davidson
Style or Model: Flathead 45
Rake: about 45 degrees
Modifications: Rebuilt backbone and downtube to lower the headtube of frame. Removed any mounts that were not necessary, which were most of them.

Front End

Make: Harley Davidson
Model: Flathead
Year: 1946
Length: stock
Mods: Shaved off fender & other misc. mounts. Powder coated and chromed.

Sheet metal

Tanks: Ewing Kustoms
Fenders: Ewing Kustoms
Oil tank: Ewing Kustoms
Other: Air cleaner, primary cover & shroud, chain guard, brake lever, wheel spacer/ brake caliper mounts, fender struts, headlight mount, license plate mount and frame, front spool hub, distributor cap, kickstand, kicker pedal, exhaust mount, upper motor mount, and fender mount are all handmade at Ewing Kustoms.

Paint

Sheet metal: Byers Custom & Restoration
Molding: Byers Custom & Restoration
Base coat: Byers Custom & Restoration
Graphics: Byers Custom & Restoration
Frame: Rainier Powder Coating

Wheels

Front
Make: Harley Davidson / Ewing Kustoms
Size: 16 inch
Brake calipers: Performance Machine
Brake rotor(s): Ewing Kustoms
Tire: 5.00-16 white wall

Rear
Make: Harley Davidson / Ewing Kustoms
Size: 16 inch
Brake calipers: Performance Machine
Brake rotor: Ewing Kustoms
Pulley: (sprocket) Ewing Kustoms
Tire: 5.00-16 white wall

Controls

Foot controls: Ewing Kustoms
Finish: Black Powder Coat & Chrome
Master cylinder: Modified Wagner style
Brake lines: Ewing Kustoms / Goodridge
Handlebar controls: Ewing Kustoms
Finish: Chrome
Clutch Cable: Ewing Kustoms
Brake Lines: Ewing Kustoms / Goodridge
Shifting: Modified stock hand shifter with Ewing Kustom mount and linkage

Electrical

Ignition: Mallory
Ignition switch: Sportster
Coils: Gill
Regulator: V-Twin (solid state)
Charging: V-Twin generator
Wiring: Ewing Kustoms
Harness: Ewing Kustoms
Headlight: Model A cowl light/ Ewing Kustoms
Taillight: Ewing Kustoms
Switches: Only an ignition switch
Battery: Centennial Battery Systems

What's Left

Seat: Ewing Kustoms
Pipes: Ewing Kustoms
Exhaust finish: Ceramic Coating
Gas caps: Ewing Kustoms
Handlebars: Ewing Kustoms
Grips: McFarland Upholstery
Pegs: Ewing Kustoms
Oil lines: Ewing Kustoms
Fuel filter: stock style
Fuel Lines: Ewing Kustoms
Throttle: Exile internal throttle
Throttle cables: Ewing Kustoms
Fasteners: Custom Chrome

Specialty items:

Comments: We prefer to hand-make as many parts as we possibly can and buy only what we can't make. We also guarantee that you will recieve the highest quality with each hand-made part we make.

Credits: Special thanks to Byers Custom, Jaime McFarland ( thanks for the leather ), Daron Gaenz ( thanks for machining the axles),Jeff Cortez (Ranier Powder Coating), John Leach for his support, and Marty Mitchell.

We’re fortunate to have a teaser on Josh Ewing’s next project. Some very smooth sheetmetal work here.

Watch for another feature on Bikernet.com in the future.

While Bandit is off in Australia humping Kangaroos, I am getting bombarded with rampant e-mails and incessant death threats. Here’s one small example:

Dear sir,
Bandit is ten times the writer you are. How the hell do you think you could ever fill his shoes? You’re a pathetic loser, so eat shit and die. I have been riding longer than you have been alive so you ain’t shit. If you don’t ever visit the site again it will be too soon. Die you irrelevant little asshole, die!”

Dick Boxell, a regular gearhead and former drag racer, wanted something different. He picked up a used 883 Sporty and immediately knew he would change the bike into something unique. He was after a fat assed beast that would leave a footprint behind it as wide as the tire tracks of a Formula One racer’s screaming skid marks. He wanted a 330 rear tired monster to terrorize the streets and give himself the type of bike that makes old women shriek with fear and young women shudder with excitement.

He scoured the boards for all the information he could find and was given some sound advice.

Hiwayman, one of the local moderators told him, “You gotta build it with a strong base and have a serious plan. Whatever your plan, you have to stick to it, but don’t be afraid to bend the rules a little.”

Vagabond, a regular on the boards, told him, “Hey man, make sure it has lots of chrome! Everywhere I take my bike, it draws a crowd and it has to be because of the shine. There is something about a bike that is well put together that makes the crowd stop and stare. Nothing is finer.”

His story was featured here on Bikernet in the garage section. At the time he was recovering from a slight addiction to Mini-Thins, Mountain Dew, and chocolate brownies. The pictures he took looked similar to those of someone from the 50’s classic, “Reefer Madness”.

Although the pics were a little fuzzy, he had formed a wide tired beast in his very garage using his own tools and talent. You see, he bought a 330 tire, matched a 17 inch wheel to it, and built the ass end of his frame to fit it.

He was going to buy a frame for his conceptual beast, but he decided against letting them hold him hostage over the price. “Fuck it, I’ll do it myself,” he stated as he slammed a handful of white crosses and took another drink of Jack.

That my fellow scooter tramps, is what a biker should do when he wants to modify. Use what you got and learn what you can. Here are a few sharper images of his very individual ride followed by an in depth spec sheet. Check it out, you just might learn something.

Bikernet Tech Chart

Owner:Dick Boxell
City/State:Huntington Indiana

Builder:Dick Boxell
Fabrication:Dick Boxell
Welding:Dick Boxell
Machining:Dick Boxell

Engine

Year:1993
Make:H-D
Model:Sportster
Displacement:1200
Builder or Rebuilder:Unknown
Cases:HD
Case finish:HD/Stripped ClearCoat Scotch Brite
Barrels:HD
Pistons:HD
Barrel finish:HD
Lower end:HD
Rods:HD
Heads:HD
Head finish:HD/Stripped ClearCoat Scotch Brite
Valves and springs:HD
Pushrods:HD
Cams:Stock HD
Lifters:HD
Carburetion:Stock rejetted With drill bits
Other:

Right rear.

Transmission

Year:'93
Make:HD
Gear configuration:Stock
Final drive:23/48 Chain Conversion
Primary:Stock
Clutch:Stock

Low, lean up front and then WHAM!! A big assed tire out back! Kind of looks like a drag bike.

Frame

Year:1993/2006
Make:HD/Boxell
Style or Model:Sportster Rigid Conversion
Stretch:2-1/2Up 4″ Back From Seat Tube
Rake:34
Modifications:2-1/2 Up 4″ Back From Seat Tube Rigid Conversion

Front End

Make:HD
Model:Sportster
Year:1993
Length:Stock
Mods:Dropped 2″

Sheet metal
Fenders:Front Shorteded Stock / Rear Fabricated
Panels:Aluminium Diamond Plate
Oil tank:Rolled Steel Diamond Plate With Cooling tubes and Alum Diamond Plate Covers/Scoops

Paint

Sheet metal:Kevin “Fuzz” Gill
Molding:None
Base coat:SW Black
Graphics:Kevin “Fuzz” Gill
Frame:Black Powder Coat
Molding:None

Wheels

Front
Make:HD
Size:3.25×19
Brake calipers:HD
Brake rotor(s):HD
Tire:Bald

Rear
Make:Black Bike (thanks Bandit for the tip)
Size:11×17 Spoke
Brake calipers:Exile
Brake rotor:Exile
Tire:333-30VR17

Controls

Foot controls:Boxell
Finish:Black Powder Coat/Raw Aluminium Pegs
Master cylinder:HD
Brake lines:SS Braided Teflon
Handlebar controls:HD
Finish:HD
Clutch Cable:HD Modified for Foot Clutch
Brake LinesHD
Shifting:Foot

Electrical

Ignition:HD
Ignition switch:HD
Coils:HD
Regulator:HD
Charging:HD
Wiring:Hacked HD / Boxell
Harness:Boxell
Headlight:HD
Taillight:J&P Cycle
Accessory lights:J&P Cycle Mini Rear Only
Electrical accessories:
Switches:HD/Hardware
Battery:HD

What's Left

Seat:LePera EBAY Find
Pipes:Santee / Boxell
Mufflers:None
Exhaust finish:ScotchBrite
Handlebars:HD Drag Bars
Grips:HD
Pegs:Machined Aluminium / Boxell
Oil filter:HD
Oil cooler:Boxell
Oil lines:HD
Fuel filter:Pingel
Fuel Lines:Rubber
Throttle:HD
Throttle cables:HD
Fasteners:Grade 8 SHCS

Specialty items:Custom modified frame Rigid rearraised neck 2-1/2″ moved rear axle back 4″3-1/2″ Offset Sprocket fabricated from PBI sprocket / BoxellOutboard Support Fabricated for the offset Sprocket / BoxellBattery Box Fabricated from Aluminium Diamond Plate / Boxell

Comments:The only major cash out for this build was the rear tire/wheel/Exile SproterThe rest was a lot of garage hours

Credits:Kevin “Fuzz” Gill for the rear Fender paint and graphicRyan Stalf For Some Welding While I held shit in placeComplete Maintenance (Ashley Indiana) for the powder Coat.

I got an e-mail from Bandit saying, ”hey, ya gotta check out Jessica!”

Me being the perverted sumbitch I am, gladly obliged by checking the link to the website he gave me. Following the link under galleries labeled “Jessica,” I was a little surprised by the discovery of a chopper, not a girl.

Ah Bandit, the bastard, always playing tricks on me.

The bike was designed and built by Dissel, (pronounced DEESEL), of Dissel’s Custom Cycles. You can check his work at www.Disselcustoms.com.

Working with some of the industry’s best, he honed his skills while taking notes and biding his time for the chance to go at it on his own. After several years, he made the jump, creating time altering customs that are made to be driven.

“My bikes are built to ride,” he told me. “I don’t build bikes unless the owner plans to ride it. Riding is what it’s all about, right?”

Spoken like a true builder.

“The fab work on this beauty sure sounded better in the concept stage than when it came to construction,” he lamented. “What a pain in the ass the grill and panel work turned out to be.”

I tried to get a story out of him that would be worth print, but Dissel’s an ordinary guy who just happens to make his living building bikes. He could care less about glamour. He just wants to build one-off creations that make the world stop in their tracks. He is a very humble craftsmen who definitely knows his place.

Combining a pseudo hot-rod car touch to this classically-styled chopper is enough to make it stand out from the crowd at any bike show. I for one was taken aback by the intricate detail of the bike.

As a rider who is always screwing with something on his own bike, I believe this is one bike I would just straddle and ride until the wheels fell off. How do you improve on something so fine? I only wish I could ride the bitch. Jessica, hmmm, I dated a girl by that name once. If this bike has a kick like her, well, any owner would be happy with her.

Until next time….

Bikernet.com Extreme Jessica Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner: Dissel for now its for sale
Bike Name: Jessica
City/State: Miami/FL

Builder: Dissel, Me
City/state: Miami/FL
Company Info: Dissel Customs 305 305 2265
Web site: DisselCustoms.com
Fabrication: Dissel
Manufacturing: Dissel
Welding: Dissel
Machining: Dissel

Engine

Year: 2007 Ultima
Make: Bruto
Model: 127
Displacement: 127 inches
Cases: Ultima
Case finish: Polish
Barrels: Ultima
Bore: 4.25”
Pistons: Forged
Barrel finish: Polish
Stroke: 4.5”
Head finish: Chrome
Valves and springs: Ultima
Pushrods: Crane
Carburetion: S & S
Air cleaner: air stack

Transmission

Year: 2007
Make: Right Side Drive 6-speed
Primary: BDL open

Frame

Year: 2007
Make: Dissel Rigid
Style or Model: Chopper Drop seat
Modifications: a lot

Front End
Model: Inverted

Sheet metal

Tanks: Hand built by Dissel
Fenders: Dissel
Panels: Dissel
Oil tank: Dissel
Other: cool grills on the side again hand built by me

Paint

Sheet metal: Me, Dissel and Emilio
Molding: Emilio
Base coat: Emilio
Graphics: not yet
Frame: Dissel

Wheels Billet Polish

Front
Make: Billet Polish
Size: 21”x 3.25” front and 18”x10.5” rear
Brake calipers: Ultima and Exile
Brake rotor(s): Ultima and Exile
Tire: Avon

Rear
Size: 18
Tire: Avon

Controls

Foot controls: Dissel
Finish: Polish
Brake lines: Dissel
Handlebar controls: Dissel Hydraulic
Finish: Polish> >

Electrical
Ignition switch: Solid state
Regulator: Compu-Fire
Charging: Spyke
Wiring: Through frame
Headlight: Dissel
Taillight: Dissel LED

What's Left

Seat: Daniel
Pipes: Custom
Mufflers: yeah right
Exhaust finish: Chrome and fire
Gas caps: Dissel pop up
Handlebars: Dissel
Grips: Dissel
Pegs: Dissel
Oil lines: Clear
Fuel filter: Clear
Fuel Lines: Braided
Throttle: Internal
Throttle cables: Internal
Fasteners: Stainless

You can bling your car. You can bling your Chihuahua. You can even bling your teeth, so why not bling your bike? Well, we’ve been doing it for a hundred years what with all kinds of nickel and brass then chrome and polished aluminum. And then there’s the paint job where it’s easy enough to drop $5,000 and more on high graphic multi-colors, gold metal flakes, chromatic paint that changes with the angle of the sun, even stealth paint to avoid radar detectors, you name it, it’s out there on some bike. You gotta wear shades or a welder’s mask to get close to some customs due to their rating on the paint and polish Bling scale.

But what if you wanted to go un-bling? Seems the car guys have been painting their streetrods in semi-gloss, satin and finally flat colors, very lo-cal, all shine removed. Why not do up a custom bike all non-gloss monochromatic but maybe add some shiny touches? Make that elegant touches. It was along those lines that French-born/Californian Christian Audigier was thinking when he commissioned the creation of NonBling boulevard cruiser seen here.

Now Christian is no stranger to high fashion with a twist. Make that with a tattoo, his design ideas generated by what’s moving and shaking in that thing we call the rock n’ roll pop culture. His insights have paid off big time to the tune of $35 million worth of sales booked at a recent Las Vegas Project and Magic Shows.

Known as the “Godfather of Street Chic” the designer turned the Sand’s Convention Center into a “Mad Max Thunderdome set” to launch his hip apparel that includes the tattoo inspired Ed Hardy, Smet and Christian Audigier lines. Along with a bevy of top European models there were several top custom motorcycles as well. Christian’s into bikes in a big way, often using them as center pieces at his stores across the country including the Flat White NonBling 1980 FLH seen here, now on display at his location in Miami.

His designs are noted for their “vibrant colors and exuberant, life-affirming attitude” and are popular with the public as well as the celebrity crowd including everyone from Paris Hilton to Liz Taylor. Christian was previously head designed at Von Dutch and we all remember that clothing phenomena and maybe even the original Von Dutch who had a penchant for painting motorcycles. In fact one of Christian’s customs, the Ed Hardy special, features tattoo inspirations as well as von Dutch style pin-striping. It’s one of a dozen one-off customs built for him special order by the Garage Company located in L.A.

Based around a 1980 FLH, the Garage Co. trio of Yoshi, Kiyo and Segura went to work on a ground-up. The 80 cu. in. H-D was refitted with a set of 8:1 compression KB pistons while headwork included a dual sparkplug set-up fed by an S&S E carb. Christian shifts through a 4-speed rotary top tranny mated seamlessly to a Primo 1 ½-inch belt all of which starts with a touch of the electric start button.

For long lower lines the 1984 FLH front end was raked three degrees while the H-D Wide Glide was shortened via a 2-inch under tube. 16-inch rims roll classic white wall Coker nostalgia tires locked down by a GMA clamper up front, an H-D juice brake on the rear. The fenders and 3.5 gallon gas tank are H-D items but take that as a base for all the one-off custom, handmade pieces that include the elegant fender ornaments, windshield, windshield crown, handle bars, tank panel, seat pan, seat rail, carb cover, license holder, and derby cover with Christian’s monogram logo.

Now we get to the frost on the cake so to speak. Well, make that sugar free frosting. Rather than jump for a flash paint job, the choice was a svelte flat white with just the right accenting from the talented hands of the artist Emilio who spent several hours on the striping and lettering. This is a bike tailored to its own set of fashion rules. Call it a trend setter, something that both Christian Audigier and the Garage Co. share in uncommon coolness.

More info at www.garagecompany.com and
www.christianaudigier.com.

“You're the storywriter…my story is a common one,” said Dan Bergman from Mesa, Arizona. Bandit gave me the assignment to write this feature, but I wanted to buy a six-pack of Coronas and chase a bubbly blonde named Coral around the shop, while he was picking up parts at Bennett's Performance in Long Beach. I dropped Dan a note inquiring about whether he could write his own feature.

“I blew the motor on my '02 Road Glide,” Dan reported. ” While we were putting it back together, I went thru a Kuryakyn catalog and ordered several chrome pieces for the motor. Guess I got carried away. When it was done one of my pals said, 'Too bad the paint doesn't set off all that chrome.' That started the project. I wanted a $10,000 custom-looking bike without spending $50,000. I was convinced I could do it and started seriously shopping for 'bolt-on' parts. I liked the Gatorboxes extended bags (they bolt right on) and I found Native Custom Baggers 14-gauge steel rear-fender and filler panels.

“Once those two main parts were here, it was just a little welding on the filler panels. I realized I didn't want to have a shiny new bike put together with ‘old’ parts, so I got all-new gauges, new radio, speakers and speaker covers, new wheels and tires, new Progressive shocks, new windshield, and a new seat. Miguel did his magic on the paint, and I have a brand-new 2002 Road Glide for much less than $50,000. The bike is very fast and rides like a dream. Long hauls are a pleasure and I get a lot of people saying, 'Man! That's a good-looking bagger.'”

I downed a couple of Coronas, ran out of limes, and Coral told me to pound sand. She had her eye on a brunette with even bigger tits. Nobody in the world has softer boobs than Coral, and she broke my heart, so I read over Dan's diatribe and knew it wasn't up to Bikernet snuff. Bandit doesn't like to publish stories containing a simple litany of components used to build a world-class scooter. There's always a passionate edge. Bill Gardner of GMA Brakes said to me one night in Spearfish, SD 15 years ago, “I don't know why anyone would take a perfectly good set of brakes off a new stock bike and replace 'em with mine, just because they're custom, but I'm sure glad they do.”

This industry is all about the passion, the fun, and the artistry of building custom bikes; but fuck, you know that. Anyway, I knew better than to toss this feature together, so I called Dan at his office in smoldering Mesa, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, smack in the middle of the Maricopa Desert, just east of the Vulture Mountains. The meat of the story behind the motorcycle quickly unfolded from Dan's 20-year history in the medical industry, supplying hospitals with customer-service software programs; but ever since he was a kid, motorcycles played a major role in his life.

“I rode a Whizzer at 16, and my stepfather owned a used-car dealership and sold me a '52 Indian that I rode until I bought a '46 Ford Coupe. Then I owned a 150 cc H-D popper, a 45 flathead, and in the '70s I built a 750 Honda-four, custom rigid in a Savior frame,” Dan said.

I knew immediately Dan had a set of spokes somewhere in his brain. He's 66 now, so he's been in one saddle or another for 50 years.

A year ago, his son called from San Diego Harley-Davidson, home of New York Mike, the owner. His son Derik works there and told him about an '02 Road Glide with 25,000 miles on the clock for sale, just $11,000. Dan flew in from Phoenix, paid for the bike and rode it home—almost. The engine blew up on the way home; the cam bearings came apart in the lower end. He called the dealership and they volunteered to retrieve the bike and fix it, which was very gracious of them.

“I thought that was cool until they returned the bike with a rebuilt engine and charged me $5000,” Dan said, “plus $400 for the transport. What [started as] a deal quickly turned into a so-so bargain. That's not all. I rode it for a couple of weeks and it blew up again.” He owned the bike for five months and the engine was rebuilt twice. But the bad shit was out of the way and he had a fresh, strong twin cam Road Glide to ride for the rest of his life.

“That's right,” Dan said, “so I decided to thumb through a Kuryakyn catalog and started buying all their chrome goodies for the engine.”

He was just beginning to scratch the surface and a mechanic at Chester's H-D in Mesa said, “You're not going to add all that chrome and leave the paint stock?” That was a like a bolt of lightning to his medical-profession brain, and he hauled the fresh-engine Road Glide to Main Street Custom Motorcycles where John and Chip added their two cents, “You're not going to paint a stock dresser and just put it back together stock, are ya?”

“I opened a manila folder and started stuffing it with magazine clippings, ads for parts, and pages out of catalogs,” Dan said. “My mind went on overload, so I hooked it to the Scottsdale, Arizona, Billet Bar, owned by bike builder, Myron Larabee. I sat there with a margarita and my wife Gayle and we watched a $50,000 electric-blue chopper roll into the parking lot, and it drew a crowd.”

He looked over at his wife and said, “I think I can draw a crowd with just $10,000 and my Road Glide.”

“So, shut up and do it,” his lovely wife of 30 years responded.

That singed the deal. Paul, from Native Custom, suggested a rear fender and filler panels. He worked with Bagger Bill of Gator for the extended saddlebags; and Chip at Main Street mocked up the rear section before he took all the sheet metal to Miquel. “Don't call me

,” Miquel said. “I'll call you when it's done.”

“Everywhere I turned there were new ideas, suggestions, shortcuts, and money-saving notions,” Dan said. Main Street handled the final assembly. “I called Bagger Nation and Paul Yaffe answered the phone. I ordered his new bagger bars, the only set he had. Miquel told me to go for a tan seat, and when I told him I had a set of Ostrich cowboy boots, he said that was perfect. We installed Bassani True Duals, and I replaced all the instruments on the dash with Tar Baby units.” He discovered some killer speaker panels and replaced his dash with an Arlen Ness job.

Three months later he rode back to the Billet Bar and rumbled into the parking lot. “Before I could park, the R-Glide was surrounded,” Dan said. “I wondered what the hell was wrong. They just walked past me to check out my Glide.”

As the interview wound down, I asked Dan if he had any suggestions for riders with dressers. “Guys constantly tell me that they want a unique bike, but don't have a lot of cash,” Dan said. “I tell 'em that they don't have to spend a bunch, just do it wisely. We only changed out the rear of the bike, and that didn't cost much. The tanks and front fender are still stock, just painted, and Miquel did an amazing job.”

There you have it. He had a helluva story and I'll still have a job in the morning.

Regular Stuff

Owner: Dan Bergman
Bike Name: Shirley
City/State: Mesa,AZ

Builder: Main Street Motorcycles
City/state: Mesa, AZ
Welding: Miguel's Psycle Paints did the welding and molding on fender filler panels

Engine

Year: 2002
Make: Harley-Davidson
Model: 113″ Screaming Eagle
Displacement: 113″ stroker
Builder or Rebuilder: rebuilt by Chester's H-D, Mesa,AZ
Cases: stock

Carburetion: Mikuni 42
Air cleaner: Arlen Ness Big Sucker
Exhaust: Basanni true duals with slash cut slip-ons
Mufflers: Basini slash cut

Transmission

Year: H-D
Make: H-D
Gear configuration: 5-speed

Frame

Year: '02 HD
Make: Road Glide
Stretch: stock

Front End

Make: H-D
Model: Glide
Year: 2002
Length: Stock
Mods: Chrome

Sheet metal

Tanks: Harley-Davidson
Fenders: front shaved H-D
Rear: Native Customs 14 guage steel fender
Panels: Native Custom Baggers filler panels
Oil tank: Stock

Paint

Sheet metal: Miguel's Psycle Paints Mesa, AZ
Molding: filler panels molded by Miguel's Psycle Paints
Graphics: Miguel's Psycle Paints Mesa,AZ
Graphics or art: Miguel's
Special effects: Miguel's
Pinstriping: Miguel's

Wheels

Front: DNA
Make: twisted 60 spokes
Size: 21x 3.5
Brake calipers: H-D
Brake rotor(s): H-D
Tire: Metzeler 880 21″

Rear
Make: H-D
Size: 16″
Brake calipers: H-D
Brake rotor: chrome
Pulley: H-D
Tire: Metzeler 880 150

Controls

Foot controls: H-D
Handlebar controls: Chrome
Brake Line: trick by Paul Yaffe
Kickstand: H-D

Electrical

Ignition: Screamin' Eagle
Ignition switch: H-D
Coils: H-D
Regulator: Compu-Fire
Headlight: H-D
Taillight: Native Custom Baggers
Accessory lights: Laser Lamps
Electrical accessories: taillights, turn signals & running lights

What's Left

Seat: Danny Gray ( Ostrich )
Pipes: Basanni
Mufflers: Basanni
Handlebars: Paul Yaffe Originals ( Monkey Bars )
Grips: Kuryakyn
Pegs: H-D floorboards
Oil filter: H-D
Oil cooler: Harley-Davidson (Chrome )
Throttle cables: hidden

Specialty items: saddlebags are extended and fully lined by Gatorboxes, extensive chrome engine, mostly by Kuryakyn. Sirius Satellite System, fitment of bags & rear fender by Mainstreet Motorcycles

Comments: incredible paint job created by Miguel's Psycle Paints, silver leaf, flames and pinstripes Sunset Pearl & Kandy Black Cherry

Credits: many thanks to my Pals at Mainstreet Motorcycles & Miguel: you're the best !

Here at Bikernet.com, we are always looking for new and exciting bikes that are built with one thing in mind; riding. Bandit sent me some info on a couple of bikes built in Minnesota by a relative unknown to the custom motorcycle world, Billy Wingerd, owner/ operator of The Shop. No, that’s not a typo, that’s the name of his place, The Shop.

Anyways, while trying to battle a severe stomach virus over the holidays, I received a couple of pics that were attached to an e-mail sent by his Highness, El Bandito.

“Hey, take care of this feature.”

That was it, that’s usually the extent of his e-mails: direct orders laced with his cantankerous attitude. Oh well, I guess I am used to it by now. SO I check the e-mail and look at the pictures of the bikes expecting to see the same thing I’ve seen over the past couple of years. I was surprised by the design as well as the color choice of these bikes. Anyone who paints a bike these colors has got to have balls the size of grapefruits, so I was compelled to check into this project a little further.

I decided to visit the shop website, www.theshopmpls.com, and see if I could get an idea of what this shop is all about. As soon as the first page opens, you are treated to a nice view of custom bikes sitting in a row inside a shop area. Upon further investigation, I found out The Shop not only builds custom bikes, but they are a dealer for Sucker Punch Sally bikes as well. SPS bikes littler the website along with a few pics of some of Jon’s creations. I especially liked the Sportster they built, very cool!

Following a couple of e-mails, I finally heard back from Jon, who had just returned from his honeymoon. (Some folks might congratulate you, while others are shaking their heads at the loss of another brother!)

Jon gave me a little background into the builds. About March of 07, a couple came into his shop and began talking about getting two custom bikes built. They are both shorter people and wanted the drop seat frame bikes that Detroit Brothers built. Once he covered the specs and two build two build estimates, they were off and running.

Starting with a couple of Detroit Brothers frames, Jon hacked off the backbone and seat tube area before installing a curved piece of tubing in both. He had his friend at Pearson Customs bend the piping to his specs to give the proper look and ride height.

The Purple Bike

On the purple bike, the guy wanted a street fighter-type bike and was thinking of some different take ideas. Jon began by looking at older Jap bike tanks on EBAY before finding a style that they liked. I located a similar tank down at a local take off jap bike shop in town. So he started the fabrication by sectioning out a 2 inch pie shaped piece on the top and cutting the bottom out before reshaping it to fit the frame.

The customer originally wanted some clip on bars, but the ones that were purchased didn't quite come back far enough for him to grab. Jon decided to grab some take-off old Sportster bars and cut them in half before welding some sections back together. They turned out perfect.

After that, he focused on the seat, oil tank, battery box area. Having little room to work with due to the drop seat and the Paul Cox Rigidaire set-up, it took him a little time to figure out where to put the battery. Not really wanting to locate it under the transmission because of clearance problems, he ended up having no choice really, and squeezed the battery under the transmission and positioning the Moon Eyes oil tank behind the transmission.

That’s something I learned recently during a bike build. You have to be flexible enough to go with the flow of the build, realizing not everything will go together or fit as planned. This is why there are so many bike builders bowing out of this profession; it takes real skill and knowledge to be a custom bike builder.

With all of the black components on the bike they took a set of lowers, shaved off the fender mounts, and had them powdercoated black. The customer initially was undecided on the triple trees so he chose some chrome ones for now, probably need to get the black ones soon to match though.

The Brown Bike

On the brown bike, she wanted more of an old school flair to it rather then the street fighter-look of her boyfriends purple bike. Jon was given a little more creative freedom with this bike and ordered the springer front end before building some custom mini apes for her, which gave her a little more reach. She had really liked this other gas tank that Jon had built a few years ago, so he built her a matching tank with the side mounted fuel gauge. They used a simple Kraft-tech rear fender ( the whole thing) and mounted the Sparto rear taillight and license plate mount on the rear of the fender for a more nostalgic feel. Similar mounts for the Rigidaire set up, Moon Eyes oil tank and battery box as the purple bike made the build go much quicker this time around.

She chose a 92″ S&S engine from MC Advantages with round cylinders and heads and they are still waiting on the Pan Cover rocker box tops from Custom Chrome. She had purchased some Detroit Bros dumper pipes originally, but Jondidn't feel that they went with the theme of the bike and decided to whip up some custom pipes real quick just to see if she liked them. She did, and we ended up going with those instead.

We would like to thanks Sprockets Custom Painting for doing a good job on the “weird” paint jobs, Pearson Customs for the radiused tubing and Baas Metal Craft for the seat pans.

While there are different shops popping up seemingly every day, it is always refreshing to see guys having the balls to jump in with both feet and give it their all. We hare at bikernet liked that attitude and style of these bikes, even if we scratched our heads about the colors. But hey, you gotta give the customer what they want, right? I am sure the owners get plenty of looks on these one of a kind customs.

Bikernet.com Brown Bike Extreme Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner:Sheree
City/State:Minneapolis, MN

Builder:The Shop, Jon Fox, Billy Lachner, Steve Novotney
City/state:Minneapolis, MN
Company Info:The Shop
Address:815 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone:612-333-0223
Web site:www.theshopmpls.com
E-mail: theshopmpls@aol.com
Fabrication:Jon Fox
Welding:Jon Fox
Machining:Jon Fox, Steve Novotney

Engine

Year:2006
Make:S&S
Model:Indian 92″ Round Cylinder
Displacement:92″
Builder or Rebuilder:
Cases:S&S
Case finish:Gloss Black
Barrels:S&S Round
Bore:3 7/8″
Pistons:S&S
Barrel finish:Gloss Black
Lower end:S&S
Stroke:3 7/8″
Rods:S&S
Heads:S&S
Head finish:Gloss Black
Valves and springs:S&S
Pushrods:S&S
Cams:S&S 525
Lifters:S&S
Carburetion:S&S Super E
Air cleaner:S&S
Exhaust:Custom 1 3/4″
Mufflers:none
Other:Khrome Werks baffles, black hi-temp finish

Transmission

Year:2006
Make:S&S
Gear configuration:6 speed
Final drive:Chain
Primary:Bulletproof
Clutch:Bulletproof

Frame

Year:2006
Make:Detroit Bros
Style or Model:Dropseat
Stretch:None
Rake:30 deg
Modifications:replaced backbone/seat post with curved piece

Front End

Make:DNA
Model:Springer
Year:2006
Length:stock
Mods:none

Sheet metal

Tanks:Jon Fox handbuilt
Fenders:Krafttech rear
Oil tank:Moon Eyes

Paint

Sheet metal:Sprockets Custom Paint
Molding:Sprockets
Base coat:Sprockets
Graphics:Sprockets
Frame:Sprockets
Molding:Sprockets
Base coat:Sprockets
Graphics or art:Sprockets
Special effects:Sprockets

Wheels

Front
Make:DNA 40 spoke
Size:16 x 3.5″
Brake calipers:PM
Brake rotor(s):Biker's Choice 5 spoke stainless
Tire:Metzler

Rear
Make:DNA 40 spoke
Size:18×3.5″
Brake calipers:PM black anodized
Brake rotor:Biker's Choice 5 spoke stainless
Pulley:Aluminum
Tire:Metzler

Controls

Foot controls:Supreme Legends
Finish:Black powdercoated
Master cylinder:Supreme Legends
Brake lines:Goodrich Black
Handlebar controls:PM Contour
Finish:Black Anodized
Clutch Cable:
Brake Lines Goodrich Black
Kickstand:Matt Hotch Designs Black Chrome

Electrical

Ignition:S&S
Ignition switch:
Coils:Crane
Regulator:Spyke
Charging:Spyke
Wiring:Steve Novotney
Headlight:5 3/4″ Drag
Taillight:Sparto
Accessory lights:BD Speed Shop
Switches:PM Contour
Battery:Odyssey

What's Left

Seat:Kevin Baas Seat Pan, Old Skool Customs leatherwork
Pipes:Jon Fox handbuilt
Exhaust finish:Hi temp black finish
Gas caps:Matt Hotch Designs
Handlebars:Jon Fox handbuilt
Grips:PM wrenthal
Pegs:Supreme Legends
Oil filter:Harley Davidson
Oil cooler:none

Credits:Steve Novotney and Billy Lachner for wiring and assembly, Sprockets for paintwork

Bikernet.com Extreme Purple Bike Tech Chart

Regular Stuff
City/State:Minneapolis, MN

Builder:The Shop, Jon Fox, Steve Novotney, Billy Lackner
Company Info:The Shop
Address:815 Cedar Ave C, MPLS, MN 55404
Phone:612-333-0223
Web site:www.theshopmpls.com
E-mail:theshopmpls@aol.com
Fabrication:Jon Fox
Manufacturing:
Welding:Jon Fox
Machining:Jon Fox, Steve Novotney

Engine

Year:2007
Make:S&S
Model:Shovelhead
Displacement:93″
Builder or Rebuilder:
Cases:S&S
Case finish:Natural
Barrels:Black
Bore:
Pistons:S&S
Barrel finish:Black
Lower end:S&S
Rods:S&S
Heads:S&S
Head finish:Natural
Valves and springs:S&S
Pushrods:S&S
Cams:S&S
Lifters:S&S
Carburetion:Super E
Air cleaner:S&S
Exhaust:Detroit Bros Dumper Exhaust
Mufflers:nada
Other:Heat Wrap

Transmission

Year:2007
Make:S&S
Gear configuration:6 speed helical
Final drive:Chain
Primary:Enclosed
Clutch:Bulletpruf

Frame

Year:2007
Make:Detroit Bros.
Style or Model:Dropseat
Stretch:0
Rake:30 deg
Modifications:backbone/seat post replacement by Jon Fox

Front End

Make:Midwest
Model:Wide Glide
Year:2007
Length:stock
Mods:Pro-One Triple Trees, powdercoated and shaved lowers

Sheet metal

Tanks:Special find (80's Honda Nighthawk), Jon Fox modifications
Fenders:Krafttech
Oil tank:Moon Eyes

Paint

Sheet metal:Sprockets Custom Painting
Molding:Sprockets
Base coat:Purple candy
Graphics:tribal
Frame:Sprockets
Molding:Sprockets
Base coat:Sprockets
Pinstriping:Sprockets

Wheels

Front
Make:DNA
Size:16×3.5
Brake calipers:PM
Tire:Metzler

Rear
Make:DNA
Size:18×5.5
Brake calipers:PM
Pulley:Aluminum
Tire:Metzler

Controls

Foot controls:Supreme Legends
Finish:Black
Master cylinder:
Handlebar controls:PM
Finish:Black
Clutch Cable:
Brake Lines
Shifting:
Kickstand:Matt Hotch Designs, Black Chrome

Electrical
Coils:Crane
Regulator: Compu-Fire
Charging:Spyke
Wiring:Steve Novotney
Headlight:Drag
Taillight:Drag
Accessory lights:BD Speed Shop Turn Signals front and rear
Battery:Odyssey

What's Left

Seat:Baas Metal Craft/Old Skool Kustoms
Exhaust finish:Black Ceramic
Gas caps:Matt Hotch Designs
Handlebars:Jon Fox, clip on's
Grips:PM
Fuel filter:Pingel

Specialty items: Paul Cox Air Ride suspension

To understand the Bike you must first know the two parties involved, I am The builder and conceiver of its whole, the man who twisted the steel and gave life to its thundering heart, who saw a means to an end, to reach its owner's, desired results. My history lives in a world regulated by the speed and power of all things in it, years of building, owning or racing the fastest Boats, Cars, Trucks, Snowmobiles, Bikes or what ever other thing we were into at that time, in this area, made me the one who could bring all the chromed elements together.

The bikes owner, T.A. Bertolucci, is also a firm believer in paying homage to the Great Speed Gods in all forms and functions. He has been a friend and a customer for over 20 years. We have collaborated on many projects over the years, all in the same manner and form, to make metal objects the nastiest and wildest speedsters we can.

As we speak we have already embarked on a new project for this year. It’s a single seat Cole Hydro running a 10-71 blown and injected 572 inch Big Block on Alcohol with a 2-speed Lenco trans, this will definitely be a boat that will “light your hair on fire”.

When we began building Watermelon Whine for T.A. it was to be a simultaneous build along with 58 Corvette he had owned for 25 years, we fabricated a new four linked tube chassis with four corner disc brakes to contain the 6-71 blown Weber carbureted Big Block Chevy and four speed trans. Modified the body and repainted it with a fresh Pearl White covering. The end result was one very wickedly fast Pro Street Car!

The bike project began with the same type of idea, a low slung Pro Street style bike with an over-powering engine, Just the way all things should be, if bigger is better, than biggest must be best, then if that isn’t enough just add a blower!

The engine is a TP 124 Pro Series, Tom Perrone was kind enough to special build this unit for us, featuring a blower specific grind camshaft, 8:1 compression ratio and mild head work it became a perfect foundation for my next trick. Calling upon my friends at Magna Charger I had them build up a blower configuration to work on a 131 inch motor, I than modified the intake manifold to fit my 124 inch unit, the result is a highly compressed intake charge raising the intake air density even higher than normal resulting in way too much torque and power, this combo will put a permanent big shit eating grin on to the face of anyone with the Balls to really lay into this monster.

With the fuel being fed by twin Mikuni’s and fired by the Crane ignition system the engine never falters. Driving all this power thru a 6-speed trans the acceleration and top speeds are staggering.

As with all our projects power and beauty must go hand in hand. The foundation of this bike is a custom Diamond Chassis softail frame built to my specs, then modified with custom metal work through out. There’s the usual Legend Air Ride, Hard Oil Lines, welded in rear fender, hidden lines etc. that have become so common place on high end customs. This was not so, back when this bike was built. LA. wanted a Zoomie style exhaust to go with, the all-business power plant, a digital tach/speedo to know if he should be scared yet.

We added a complete PM wheel and brake package to ensure safety, suspended it with an American Suspension front end and had my guy Bill “Long Hair” Brown at Long Hair Customs mix the Watermelon Whine green and add those always over the top graphics.

From a block away you can hear the whine of this blower motor, you know long before you can see it that something wicked this way comes. Couple that one off green color, the higher than life feeling you get when riding it and what else could you call this beast but “Watermelon Whine”.

Owner: T. A. Bertolucci
Built by: Thunder Mountain Motor Sports
City: Mount Shasta
State/Zip: California, 96067
Phone: (530) 926-2287
Website: www.thundermtnmotorsports.com
E-mail: Kevin@thundermtnmotorsports.com

Type of bike

Make: Thunder Mountain Motor Sports
Year: 2005
Model: Watermelon Whine
Class: Pro Street

Fabrication: Thunder Mountain (TMMS)
Sheet metal: Hand formed steel
Time: 3 months
Assembly: TMMS
Assembler: Kevin Brooks
Value: $75,000

Engine

Type: Total performance blower motor
Displacement: 124 cubic inches
Year: 2005
Horsepower: 168 hp on pump gas
Heads: TP
Valves: TP
Pistons: TP
Cylinders: TP
Cam: TP

Lifters: TP
Pushrods: TP
Carbs: Twin Mikunis
Air cleaners: Velocity Stacks
Blower: Magna Charger
Ignition: Crane Hi-4
Exhaust: TMMC
Mufflers: No freakin' way
Exhaust finish: Chrome

Frame

Type: TMMC
Year: 2005
Builder: Diamond Chassis
Stretch: 4 out, 2 up
Rake: 41 degree neck, 3 degree trees
Swingarm: TMMC
Shocks: Legend Air Ride
Modifications: Extensive

Forks

Type: Inverted
Year: 2005
Builder: American Suspension
Finish: Chrome
Triple Trees: 3 degrees billet

Wheels

Front
Rim: Performance Machine
Size: 21-2.15
Hub: PM
Finish: Chrome
Fender: TMMS
Tire: Avon 80/90
Brakes: Peformance Machine

Rear
Rim: Performance Machine
Size: 18-8.5
Brake: Inboard
Builder: PM
Finish: Chrome
Fender: TMMS'
Tire: Avon 250 Venom
Hub: PM

Paint

Colors: Custom Green Metallic
Type: PPG
Special paint: Harlequin
The Painter: Bill “Long Hair” Brown
Address: 224 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd,
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Chrome: Walkers Custom Chrome

Accessories

Handlebars: TMMS
Risers: Taylor Engineering
Taillights: Taylor Engineering
Turn signals: LED built in
Speedometer: Dakota Digital

Tachometer: Dakota Digital
Gauges: Dakota Digital
Electric's: TMMS

Seat: Corbin
Oil Tank: TMMS
Fuel Tank: Independent Tank Co.

T.A. bought the 1958 Corvette in the Early '70s, it had a classic 60’s style psychedelicPurple and weird graphics paint job. Originally equipped with a small block the car went thrumany engine changes prior to its last metamorphosis, the first time it was a potent 468 bigblock, Followed by an original LT-1 small block with a dual quad intake.

During a conversation over a couple of beers and some shots of Tequila T.A. came tothe vivid conclusion that since he had just added a nice Split Window Vette to his collection thatit would be a good time to remodel the 58’ into a vicious Pro Street car to match the Custom BikeI was building for him already. A few more beers, a couple more shots and he gave his all clearto do what ever the fuck I wanted to the car, as long as it was over powered and off the hook.

The project began by building a new foundation for what would become our latestcollaboration. We started with a custom Triangulated Four Linked tube chassis using a Fordinch rear end, four corner disc brakes with Mustang 2 drop spindles up front gave the car aperfect stance.

The engine is a 500 inch rollerized big block Chevy with all the goodies inside and out.Sporting a 6-71 Blower and four down draft Webers the intake supplies more than enough funAnd visuals to please everyone. Coupled to a four speed Muncie bang box the car is a tireroasting son of bitch. About half way thru third gear on street tires the ground speed catchesup to the tire speed enough for shit to really start happening quickly.

We had our boy Bill “Long Hair” Brown lay down the custom Pearl White withRed Pearl overly upon the flawless fiberglass body. When all was said and done, T.A. and Ilifted up our shot glasses and toasted another job well done, after a few more beers and shotsT.A. was overheard quietly asking me what should we do next? And that’s all it took to beginour latest act of overpowered joy!

This is a follow up to the chopper drawing article that was published about a year or so ago. You can find it through this link:

http://www.bikernet.com/garage/PageViewer.asp?PageID=778

Jerry Blanks commissioned the drawings from me, in the first article. He owns a carpet company but was interested in starting a new venture called So Cal Hot Rod Choppers. The bike was to be sort of a calling card for his new endeavor. As stated in the first article, the concept was Jerry's and he very much knew what he had in mind. He contacted me to provide him with a visual representation to confirm the design and guide the build. The bike has been completed for awhile and now we can finally share the results with the Bikernet readers.

Sometimes art functions at it's best when it's portraying something that cannot be seen or doesn't exist. It's fascinating to see something you've drawn come to life. I drew a lot of concept illustrations of satellites and shuttle missions when I worked at Hughes Aircraft Company, and it was always interesting to see how close the vision matched the reality. I've always been into bikes so, it has been gratifying this last year to see concepts of the Assalt Weapan and Jerry's Big Stiffy born from pen and ink.

With the concept in hand, Jerry set out to find the right folks to help his vision come together. First he discovered a frame builder, more than happy to take a deposit but unable to deliver. In Laughlin his luck changed when he met Luke from Ace's Chopper Works, who was able to build a frame to Jerry's specifications. Jerry wanted a fat tire bike in more ways than one, so when it came to the forks, he had Jeri's Springers modify their design to fit the massive front tire. He already had the wheels laced up and tires mounted by Larry Settle, so began the searched for the right builder.

The first guy selected to build the bike was another one of those guys who was great a taking your money. After a couple of months of no progress he found that the guy was spending his days at a bar on Jerry's behalf. He yanked the the roller from the rummy and searched for the right builder. Happily, when looking for an S&S distributor to provide an engine, he found Don Carlson of South Bay Choppers. Don turned out to be a great choice, as he could handle all aspects of the fabrication, including, welding, machining, painting, seat fab, and wiring. Jerry then found out that Don's daughter and his daughter were already good friends.

The original concept art was colored in two different hues. Jerry decided on satin black and mellow yellow since his truck and other toys were all a similar shade of yellow. All of the aluminum on the bike was given the satin treatment with scotchbrite pads. To match those parts, the steel items such as the sissy bar, oil tank, and taillight were powder coated satin silver.

The combination of clean lines and the fat front tire definitely got the bike noticed. More than a few people had to pull-over and ask questions during the photo shoot. One passing jogger whipped out a camera and asked if she could take a picture.

There are a couple of changes brewing that will not affect the overall character of the of the bike but will be made to improve the ride. There's been no problems maneuvering the front tire but, the forks having only about one inch of travel are living up to the name Big Stiffy. They will be replaced with a new black glide featuring fork boots. Also in the works, to help soften Big Stiffy's ride, is a new seat with a raised tail section featuring a mono spring suspension.

In the end Jerry's bike turned out very similar to the concept art. Having a plan and sticking to it was definitely the best way to go. Not every detail may have been planned ahead of time, but keeping all the components and finishes in line with the overall concept paid off.

If you have any questions or are interested in having your own Big Stiffy built, Contact Jerry at (310) 200-1984.

For concept art, design consultation, or other artistic needs contact Chris Kallas at ckallas@verizon.net (310) 316-2790

Bikernet.com Extreme Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner: Jerry Blanks
Bike Name: Big Stiffy
City/State: Redondo Beach, Ca.

Builder: So-Cal Hot Rod Choppers/ Don Carlson, South Bay Choppers
City/state: Carson, Ca.
Company Info: So-Cal Hot Rod Choppers
Address: 1443 Aviation Blvd. Redondo Beach, Ca. 90278
Phone: (310) 200-1984
E-mail: sobaycarpets@gmail.com
Fabrication: Don Carlson
Manufacturing: Don Carlson
Welding: Don Carlson
Machining: Don Carlson

Engine

Year: 2007
Make: S&S
Model: Shovelhead

Displacement: 93 ci.
Builder or Rebuilder: Don Carlson
Cases: S&S
Case finish: Natural
Barrels: S&S
Pistons: S&S
Barrel finish: Black
Lower end: S&S
Rods: S&S
Heads: S&S
Head finish: Natural
Valves and springs: S&S
Pushrods: S&S
Cams: S&S
Lifters: S&S
Carburetion: S&S G
Air cleaner: Goodson
Exhaust: So- Cal Hot Rod Choppers
Mufflers: open meg

Transmission

Year: 2007
Make: Jim's 5 speed
Final drive: Chain
Primary: Primo 3″ Open/Exile
Clutch: Barnett

Frame

Year: 2007
Make: Ace's Chopper works/ Luke
Style or Model: Big Stiffy 1 1/2″ Rigid
Stretch: O” out, 6″ up
Rake: 34 degrees

Front End

Make: Jeri's Springer
Model: Big Stiffy
Year: 2007
Length: 4″ over
Mods: 13″ wide, Satin Black Powder Coat

Sheet metal

Tanks: Sportster
Fenders: So-Cal Hot Rod Choppers
Oil tank: Round Cheapy

Paint
Graphics: Don Carlson
Type: Old school scallops on tank
Frame: Satin black powder coat
Molding: none

Wheels

Front 60 spoke
Make: DNA
Size: 18 x 8.5
Brake calipers: HHI 4 Piston
Brake rotor(s): DNA
Tire: Avon 250 mm

Rear
Make: 60 spoke
Size: 18 x 8.5
Brake calipers: Exile
Brake rotor: Exile Sproter
Tire: Avon 250 mm

Controls

Foot controls: Exile forward
Finish: Satin aluminum
Master cylinder: Exile

Handlebar controls: Jay Brake
Finish: Satin aluminum
Clutch Cable: Barnett
Brake Lines
Shifting: Exile, Toe

Electrical

Ignition: Exile
Ignition switch: Exile
Coils: Compfire single
Charging: Big Bear
Wiring: Don Carlson

Headlight: 10″ 32 Ford model A

Taillight: 32 Ford model A

Electrical accessories: VDO Speedo mounted on side of tank
Switches: Custom built into hand controls
Battery: Big Bear

What's Left

Seat: Custom leather, Don Carlson
Pipes: Don Carlson
Exhaust finish: Ceramic flat black, with cloth wrap
Gas caps: LA Chop Rods King Crown
Handlebars: Custom 1 1/2″ Don Carlson
Grips: Exile
Pegs: Exile

Oil filter: Pure Power/Billet
Oil lines: Black rubber
Fuel Lines: Black rubber
Throttle: Jay Brake
Throttle cables: Barnett

Specialty items: Custom Sissy bar, gas tank, modified filler, petcock and gauge/Don Carlson, Exile Risers

Credits: South Bay Choppers/Don Carlson Fabricator Extraodinare, he can make anything

Now days when you read an article about a bike build it reads like a service manual documenting how this was machined and that was bored out and this was raked and so it goes–dull. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate that, but you hardly ever read about the personal and emotional experiences of the process and the joy of riding the completed scoot. Maybe it’s all that, “I am bad ass,” or maybe those typical pictures of bikers with their arms crossed and brow furrowed doesn’t seem to fit with emotional expression or male bonding. Or maybe that just doesn’t translate into the written form. Trying to explain what riding or a particular ride is all about is a hard thing to do.

So, I will get to the geeky, grease monkey stuff, but first the stuff that really matters.

There are very few times in life when you have an experience that you can’t really describe with words. You know, those moments when you smile so big your face hurts, laugh so hard you feel like you just did a thousand sit-ups, or just well up with a big lump in your throat, but not because you are bummed, but because you are so freaking happy you, just can’t stand it.

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of those kinds of experiences in my life, yeah, yeah, a lot of them involved the opposite sex, but a lot of those moments had something to do with a motorcycle. I live for those moments, when everything gets quiet and all is right with the world. That’s what motivates me to ride, the trek to overcome duality with the bike, the road, the sky, and life.

It’s 5am on a Sat morning. I crack open the garage door, fire up the Pan after a few squirts and make the short hop over to Rey’s diner in Santa Monica to hook up with Matt and Dean and a few other brave souls to make the ride up the Pacific Coast Hwy to Ventura. Not a big deal you say? Well, for me, it was a moment I waited for, for almost 12 weeks. The sun was coming up, very few cars on the road and the weather was just perfect. As we rolled up over the hill just on the north side of Malibu, Matt hammered on the throttle and so did I. I pulled up along side him, he looked over at me, gave me that thumbs up thing, and had a grin from ear to ear. That was IT, that was all the reward I ever needed. Nothing else mattered, all was right with the world.

It would all be worth it, if that moment was final, but it just keeps getting better. Matt calls me every so often to tell me about these amazing rides he experienced, and he describes all the wonderful details of the road, locations, air, and the feel of the bike. It’s a beautiful thing. Bikes come and go, but those moments never die.

Ok, now on to the blood and guts section of our film.

Matt moved from London to LA in 2006 and we soon became friends after he called me to use a ramp to unload a bike. As editor and publisher of DiCE magazine, Matt Davis has not only seen his share of motorcycles he’s owned quite a few, but according to him, he never owned a bike that really felt like HIS. At the time he owned a really clean Shovel and a killer Trump, but soon they were sold and his mind was rolling on to HIS bike.

I had a mystery 1972 Shovelhead motor sitting in my shop that I was planning on using for a personal project. Along with the motor I had a Morris Magneto, I found at a swap meet, and a ‘78 ratchet top tranny. After some coffee one day goofing around the shop, Matt said, “ I want to use all those bits for a bike you are going to build.” I was a little surprised, but soon got really amped about it.“Yeah, lets build a bike with those bits mate.”

So it began. Over many beers, coffee and more beers, we brainstormed the build. Matt had a really clear idea of what he wanted. He was looking for something Frisco and something inspired by the Brat trend in Japan. I scratched my head a few times, but I was all for it. I hate to use these over-used terms but here it goes, in true old school tradition, most everything on this bike we searched for at swap meets, bartered, traded, rebuilt, or hand made. Matt did a ton of legwork, pulling many parts together from friends, women, and hobos.

Kurt at Ventura Motorworks came through with a clean juice drum, oil tank, and 3-finger clutch. While I was sorting out the motor, tranny, and lacing up the Akront wheels that Dean, co-editor of DiCE, provided, Matt scored what seemed to be a beautiful unmolested 1950 wishbone frame. Upon further inspection, the frame was bent bad, so Matt hauled it over to Dr. John who worked his magic massaging the old iron straight again.

After some begging and bribing, Matt was able to talk Jeff Worms out of an axed Sporty tank and Sporty front-end that Jeff shaved and polished. Jeff reluctantly gave up the tank and I dropped in the tunnel and tabs and mounted it. Later, Scott Craig would add the rib and work his magic paint can to top it off, with a bitchin’ green metal flake make over.

The seat, handlebars, and fender were scored from Eddie at West Eagle. Matt took a little off the bars, and I took some off the fender and tucked it in real tight like. The bars sat on a smooth set of solid brass risers from Gabe of Afterhours Choppers.

My good friends at Biltwell sent over one of their pipe kits and one late night me and Matt cut and burnt some medal to make sure this stroked out shovel had plenty of space to sing.

I bent up some round bar for the motor mount and headlight mount. Sorting out the left side controls on the open belt came down to fabricating a ¼ plate and some old donor controls to insure Matt’s foot placement matched the right side set of old FXR controls.

This build was much more than collaboration between friends, it was a quest between like-minded people to find those moments in life where all is right with the world. And, yeah, sometimes, you just can’t describe in words what those big grins are all about.

Owner: Matt Davis
City: Santa Monica
State: Zip
C Phone: 310-717-6436
Website: www.dicemagazine.com www.crocustoms.com
Model: Lisa, www.lisaangeline.com

What kind of bike?

Make: Harley-Davidson
Year: 1972
Model: Shovelhead
Fabrication: Caleb Owens “cro customs inc.”
Time: 12 weeks
Assembly: Caleb Owens, Matt Davis
Clutch: 3 finger H-D

ENGINE:

Type: H-D Shovelhead Stroker
Displacement: 88”
Year: 1972

Horsepower: some
Heads: S&S
Valves: S&S

Pistons: S&S Forged
Cylinders: H-D
Camshaft: Andrews A/B
Lifters: Hydraulic S&S

Carburetor/Injection: S&S E
Air Cleaner: Velocity Stack
Ignition: Morris Magneto
Exhaust: Cro Customs inc.
Mufflers: Ear muffs

Frame:

Type: Wishbone
Year: 1950
Builder: H-D
Stretch: none
Rake: none
Swing Arm: none
Shocks: spring seat
Modifications: none

Forks:

Type: Sportster
Year: late model
Builder: H-D
Finish: Polished
Triple Trees: H-D
Modifications: lower legs shaved and polished by Jeff Worms

Wheels

Front:
Rim: Akront aluminium
Size: 21”
Hub: ¾” spool
Builder: Caleb Owens
Finish: polished with stainless spokes
Fender: none
Tire: Avon Speedmaster
Brake: none

Rear:
Rim: Akront
Size: 18”
Brake: Juice Drum
Builder: Caleb Owens
Finish: polished aluminium
Fender: ribbed aluminium
Tire: 450 Firestone
Hub: H-D Star

Other Stuff

Handlebars: Stainless Attack Bars from West Eagle
Risers: Sold Brass from Afterhours Choppers
Headlights: Old hand held lamp circa ‘50s, custom mount by Cro
Taillights: 1950s Turner Microphone
Turn Signals F/R: none
Speedometer: wind in your face
Tachometer:
Gauges: zero
Electrics: 3-wires, no battery
Seat: West Eagle

Oil Tank: H-D
Fuel Tank(s): Narrowed sporty

Extra Credits:tank by Jeff Worms, Rib added by Scott Craig, tunnel, tabs, and mounted by Cro

Finishes:

Colors: Green metal flake
The Painter: Scott Craig

Chrome: Superior Chrome Inglewood CA
Powder Coating: T. Markus
Color: Black

I often feel like a basketball player during the final game of the season, when I start a bike feature. I’m pumped to share a passel of info about the bike, the girl, the builder, the owner, their dog and the naked chick in the window next door. I’m dribbling like crazy trying to make all the elements hang together and score a couple of points with an entertaining feature at the end of the day. Good fuckin’ luck.

I’m centered in that whirlwind predicament this morning while shoveling fruit, cereal, yogurt and coffee. Let me know how I did? The owner is JR Candy and he owns the building Dave Haze, the builder, leases for his shop. JR also runs a couple of Web sites having to do with playing pool, or Billiards. One of his sites is all about Biker related Billiard products. My attention level immediately piqued. I would love to have a small barroom pool table in the Bikernet headquarters. We recently scored a synthetic ping-pong table, but that’s not a pool table! Maybe it’s a good thing. I’d never finish another chopper build or a book, if I could do shots and play pool all day.

You’ll see some of JR’s billiard products on Bikernet in the near future, but we need to move on. I’m still researching the girl, but I spoke at length with Dave Haze, who has built choppers all his life, in Medford, Oregon. Just eight years ago he went official and opened a store front, Haze Custom Choppers. Get this, for all the naysayers in this business, during the 2007 downturn in the industry, Dave doesn’t do service work. “No stock bikes,” he told me. He simply builds bikes for customers and helps friends with custom alterations. Plus he sells a few parts. “This year has been just fine,” Dave told me. “Some of my customers have three of my bikes. But there’s always new customers rolling in.”

So obviously Dave is a good chopper builder who knows how to build and maintain a client base. In this feature you’ll see three examples of his workmanship. I asked him if he only worked with specific tried and tested manufacturers. “No,” Dave said. “I get engines from Ultima, TP, S&S and H-D for low budget builds. I buy frames from several guys. But if I buy a product and it breaks, I don’t go there again.”

On JR’s bike Dave built the oil tank, the custom fender, the seat pan. “I used a compressor air cleaner cover to hide the electrics,” Dave said. “We used an automotive serpentine belt pulley from a small block Chevy engine for the top motormount and installed an automotive high/low beam switch, so he could switch it with his foot.”

“During the build I ran over to the shop on a daily basis to sit on the bike,” JR said anxious to go for a ride, or was it the girl?

“The .44 mag risers are mine,” Dave said, “and the caps for the oil bag and gas cap. We reverse them from Billy Lane’s.” They build their bikes and paint them in-house. “We mix our own paints. JR’s is a mixture of green pearl, gold pearl, platinum pearl and gold leaf.” His father-in-laws brother, and 80-year-old gent does the leather seatwork in his trailer nearby. “He’s from Texas and I like that his work isn’t perfect.

His shop isn’t massive, just 1,500 square feet. “I grew up in the Bay area across from Arlen’s shop. As a kid I could see the mechanics working on bikes in the back, but gazing over the counters. Like a candy store for motorcycles.” He set up his shop the same, with a 4-foot wall behind the counter and windows into the build department. “Sometimes it turns into a party, but what the hell.”

He generally has 7-15 bikes being built or modified in the service area. “This month we have 12,” Dave said. “We build quality and I stand behind every bike.” Each Haze Chopper comes with a two-year warranty and there’s only Dave and Taco who work in the shop. “He’s a painter and a mechanic and I’m the same, plus handle the business side. It’s a solid team.”

I dug in and asked for a wild wanton story and his build philosophies, but he was Slim Pickens. “I like to keep my builds powered with 107-inch engines or less, or they’re in the shop constantly.” His formula creates fast bikes that rigid frames can handle for the distance. “We use stock motors for guys who are on tighter budgets.”

When it came to stories he had one from his first attempt to ride a Harley. “My uncle threw me his Panhead keys,” Dave said. “He told me if I could kick-start it, I could ride it for a day. I ran out to the bike, slipped in the key, grabbed the throttle and kicked it twice. I broke my leg.” He was 23 at the time and weighed 125 pounds. “I’m about 225 now and can kick anything.

There ya have it. The story of the Candy Chopper and Mr. Haze the builder.

–Bandit

Bikernet.com Haze Extreme Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner:John Candy
Bike Name:”OG” Oegon Green
City/State:Medford OR

Builder:Haze Custom Chopper/Dave Haze
City/state:Medford OR
Company Info:Haze Custom Choppers
Address:312 N central Ave
Phone:541-776-2467
Welding:Dave Haze
Web site: Hazecustomchoppers.com
Machining:Mike Barwum

Engine

Year: ‘06
Make: Ultima 120 CI
Displacement:120
Carburetion: S&S
Air cleaner: S&S
Exhaust: Samson

Transmission

Year: ‘06
Make: JIMS
Gear configuration: 6-speed
Final drive: Chain
Primary:3 3/8 Ultima Belt

Frame

Year: ‘06
Make: Milwaukee Twin
Style or Model: Rigid
Stretch: 4 inches
Rake: 34 degrees
Modifications: Lots

Front End

Make: Paughco
Model: Springer
Year: ‘06
Length: 2-over
Mods: Black with Haze risers

Sheet metal

Tanks: Sportster
Fenders: Haze Custom
Oil tank: Haze Custom
Other: Motor Mount by Haze

Paint

Sheet metal: Haze Customs
Molding: Gas Gage On Tank
Base coat: Green Pearl Haze Mix
Graphics: Gold Leaf
Frame: Haze Customs

Wheels

Front
Make: GMA
Size: 60-spokes 21-inch
Brake calipers: GMA
Brake rotor(s): 11 ½-inch
Tire: 90-90 Metzler

Rear
Make: GMA
Size: 60-spoke
Brake caliper: GMA
Brake rotor:11 ½-inch
Tire: 200 Metzler

Controls

Foot controls: Chrome Horse
Finish: Chrome
Handlebar controls: GMA

Electrical

Ignition: Crane
Coils: Crane
Regulator: 32 AMP Spyke
Charging: Compu-fire
Headlight: CCI
Accessory lights:
Electrical accessories:

What's Left

Seat: Haze Custom
Gas cap: Haze
Oil filter:Small Block Ford