The Refined Ryan Reed Design Softail
By Bandit |
I feel a surreal opportunity overhead, kinda like a cloud of marijuana smoke wafting across a room after the first pungent hit. Ryan Reed, 33, the shop foreman at SO-CAL Speed Shop in Pomona, California, doesn't realize how important this motorcycle is to our lifestyle. It represents the pure Softail, but in addition, it symbolizes fleeting freedoms in our society.
I know, this is a bike feature, not a political expose, but we're entering a nasty turning point in our society. We can all become tree-huggers and customize electric mopeds in the future or stand up for freedom and a balanced approach. Ryan is in a particularly tenuous position. He's the foreman of one of the most noted hot rod building shops in California, and he loves to build these classic works of art.
Let me see if I can make a case-in-point here. Softails epitomize the essence of the chopper, the sorta stripped rigid Pans and Knucks of the '30s and '40s. The factory bent over backwards to keep the spirit alive with the advent of the Softail, when H-D bought the rights to the design in 1982, from Bill Davis, a Missouri Biker.
Harley’s production FXST Softail made its debut in summer 1983 as an ’84 model, but Davis’s prototype work began in his garage in 1974-75, with a 1972 Superglide serving as his foundation. Both Davis and the factory tried their best to capture the classic Panhead glide lines. Ryan takes the classic to a new level, by simply refining what are already factory components.
Ryan was fortunate to grow up with a mechanical father and a waitress mother who studied photography and art on the side. Dad enjoyed working on cars and training his kids with tools, but as a hobby. In that era, a factory job was critical. Dad ran heavy equipment. Few folks dreamed of doing what they loved for a vocation.
Ryan worked with his older brother in an electro-forming plant, and built cars on the side, until he had the opportunity to go to work for Fat Jack, then ultimately SO-CaL Speed shop. He was one of the fortunate ones who could find a lane open to what he loved as a job. But it's once again in jeopardy with unrestricted EPA sanctions against tampering and any modifications to ignition, intake, or exhaust, especially in California.
SO-CAL Pomona currently builds 5-10 cars a year, from early Fords and now '50s and '60s cars. They sell hard parts, chassis components, suspension, tin signs, and apparel from a lost era. They also have shops in eight other locations, including Canada, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Oregon and Colorado.
“I like that basic look of the big fender Panhead,” Ryan said. “The clean lines, the Heritage and when the new Softail Deluxe was introduced, I was inspired.”
So he started buying black Deluxe models and modifying them.
“Each one has different details, a 6-speed transmission and plenty of power,” Ryan noted. “I don't need to build from scratch.”
He takes the stock components and modifies, refines, and refinishes them.He repositions the fenders to make the bike look lower, and it is. He lowers the front and rear, runs 19-inch front wheels, and makes each machine look smaller.
He re-contours the exhaust system to be symmetrical with the frame and blacks out components around the engine to let it stand out. Fit and finish is critical. Logos are painted on by hand. He moves the foot controls just slightly to allow the exhaust to flow. He applies the same criteria to the wiring, cables, and oil lines. Everything is rerouted for better flow and aesthetics. Lots of components are modified, like the brake pedal, then powder- coated for a factory appearance. So in essence, he creates what every Heritage Softail should look like.
With the support of SEMA, motorcycle rights groups all over the country, the MRF and the MIC, hopefully we will be able to continue to customize and build what we dream, but it's looking tough, unless we get involved, stand up, and fight for our future and freedom. Besides, Ryan needs a job. He's about to have his first little mechanic.
Bikernet.com Reed's Ride Designs Extreme Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Glen
Bike Name: I don’t really name my projects, it's just Glen's bike
City/State: Oak Hills, Ca
Builder: Ryan Reed
City/state: Corona Ca
Company Info: Reeds Ride Designs, and shop foreman at SO-CAL speedshop in Pomona Ca.
Web site:www.reedsridedesigns.com
E-mail: reedsridedesigns@gmail.com
Fabrication: Ryan Reed
Welding: Ryan Reed
Machining: Ryan Reed
Engine
Year:2008
Make: Harley-Davidson
Model: Deluxe
Displacement: 96-inch
Builder or Rebuilder: The engine is stock other then exhaust, air cleaner, power commander and dyno tuned at Temecula motorcycle service
Carburetion: Power Commander assisted EFI
Air cleaner: screamin eagle filter with hot rod style housing and mesh inserts in the openings
Exhaust: Hand built 1.75 Large radius bends (look at the symmetrical down tubes) Heat shield. Pipes copper lined and heat coated by EMBEE performance coatings
Mufflers: 8” baffles
Transmission
Year: 2008
Make: H-D
Gear configuration: 6-speed
Frame
Year: 2008
Make: H-D
Style or Model: Softail
Stretch: none
Front End
Make: H-D Showa
Model: Glide
Year: 2008
Mods: 2” lowered progressive springs
Sheet metal Ryan Reed
Tanks: filled center seam and area around rear mount so seat could be shortened at the front edge
Fenders: Front fender lowered and moved back, filled rivets, shaved Deluxe emblems, cast bronze fender brow at leading edge
Rear fender: lowered, struts cut off to match fender contour, evenly spaced mounting hardware, '55 Volkswagen heart taillight, shaved turnsignals.
Oil tank: blacked out
Paint
Sheet metal: Ryan and Abe Rodriguez/ Abe’s custom paint
Molding: Hand shaped, cast bronze fender brow
Base coat: PPG
Graphics: Dennis Ricklefs/ DR. Design striping, and gold leaf lettering all under the clear.
Type: Two tone scheme similar to 1934 Harley
Pinstriping: Dennis Ricklefs/ Dr Design
Wheels
Front
Make: Black Bike, Alum. Sun Bands, Stainless 60-spoke,
Size:19”x 2.75
Brake calipers: Blacked out H-D
Brake rotor(s): Ferodo , Stainless Drilled
Tire: Metzler 120/70×19
Rear
Make: Sun
Size:18.425
Brake calipers: H-D
Brake rotor: Ferodo
Pulley: polished stock HD
Tire:160/60×18
Controls
Foot controls: Early style HD, Ford running board rubber inserts
Finish: Powder
Master cylinder: H-D/ Brake pedal moved over and guseted to match factory Harley floorboard mounts
Handlebar controls: Chrome HD, Hand shaped levers
Kickstand: H-D
Electrical
Ignition: EFI
Ignition switch: H-D
Coils: H-D
Wiring: detailed
Taillight: '55 Volkswagen
Accessory lights: Rear turn signals mounted to pegs
What’s Left
Seat: Gabe Lopez, Gabes custom interiors.
Gas caps: H-D
Handlebars: Chubby Knucle bars, with rolled ½ tube added to match the bar around the seat
Grips: Stock with safety used to detail
Specialty items: Hand built Dash, Exhaust, Repositioned fenders,
Credits: Pete Chapouris/SO-CAL speedshop, Randy Cordero/ Studio photos, Gabe Lopez/ seat ,Dennis Ricklefs/Striping and lettering Abe Rodriguez/ Paint, Temecula Motorcycle service/Dyno Tune
First Million-Mile Harley-Davidson
By Bandit |
Former Wisconsin State Senator, Dave Zien, completed his 18 year journey and record breaking attempt by accumulating one million miles on his 1991 FXRT. Zien and his entourage rode into the parking lot of Hal’s Harley-Davidson, New Berlin, Wisconsin, amid the cheers and flags of over 300 enthusiastic well wishers.
At the event, Zien thanked Attorney Michael Hupy and Hupy and Abraham law firm for sponsoring his ride and making this all possible. In return, Attorney Hupy thanked Dave for his service to his country and presented him with a check in the amount of $5,000.00, payable to the Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Zien was an outreach director for the VA after he came stateside, and helped veterans get loans for housing and schooling.
To cap off the final leg of his voyage, Zien decided to invite long time friend and fellow Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, on a 3,000 mile round trip ride to Florida and back. There, they would pick up photo-journalist John “Rogue” Herlihy, another Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member. Joining the ride was also Dan Stephans, another friend of Zien’s and Iron Butt competitor. The foursome left Space Coast Harley-Davidson in Palm Bay, Florida on a return trip to Wisconsin fraught with bad weather, torrential rains, tornado warnings and flash floods.
Even in a storm, Dave looks to the positive things in life, and even within set backs, like engine failures or missed appointments or opportunities, instead of anger he calls it, “Blessings in disguise. Bikers,” he says, “have “courage, creativity and charisma.”
After passing numerous cars pulled over just outside of Nashville, the group came upon an overturned semi-truck blown off the highway. Just north of Nashville, two lanes of I-65 were closed due to flooding. It was a memorable ride back, leading up to an even more memorable world record. In fact, Michael Kneebone, president of the Iron Butt Association, presented Zien with a special certificate on April 4th. He explained that they had an award category for riders who reached one million miles, but they never had anyone do it on a single motorcycle.
Zien and Tony Pan spent the morning, of the landing party, riding in the hills around Pan’s home in Waukesha County. They calculated the last 30 miles needed to reach one million. They rolled into the staging area with only two miles left to go, which was the exact distance from that spot to Hal’s Harley-Davidson. Riding behind a flag escort provided by Patriot Guard Riders, the FXRT rolled into Hal’s just as the odometer rolled over to all zeroes. Perfect!
When Dave speaks of riding a motorcycle, he evokes a spiritualism from deep within his soul. He often talks of bikers saying they are today's freedom fighters and, “Red blooded American patriotism is alive and well deep within us. For some, we show it.”
Two days later, on April 6th, the group pulled up at Harley’s corporate headquarters at 3700 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee. There, Steve Phillips, VP of Quality and Dealer Relations, handed over the keys to a brand new 2009 Road Glide. Phillips joked that he had to give Zien a new bike because they couldn’t find any technicians who would work on the FXRT anymore.
When something does upset him, like anti-biker legislation, his response is a call for effective activism.
“Plant the see, set the stage, bait the hook. Stand up, speak out and fight back.”
These sayings are wholly owned by Zien, to the point they are referred to as Zienism. He's famous and somewhat notorious for these exclamations. He ends almost every speech with this: “May you have hunger in the heart, fire in the belly, and your soul is absolutely on fire.”
These are some of the passions he wears on his tattered leather sleeves and so selflessly shares with anyone who will listen.
Some little know facts about Zien’s FXRT and the wear and tear of a million miles.
The bike has original fenders, gas tank, oil tank, triple tree, handlebars, primary and tranny case (the main shaft is original but the gears have all been replaced).
There is no kill switch on the bike (ok, for the newbie bikers, that’s the on/off switch)
No kickstand (he had to lean the bike on curbs, against trees, etc)
No neutral or oil lights, tachometer doesn’t work, no horn and the odometer worked but the speedometer arm was broken so he guessed at speeds.
He had the motor rebuilt 10 times, with a remanufactured motor being installed last October in Yuma, Arizona at Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson. The bolts holding the lower cases together had metal fatigue and have tyme serts holding them in.
The bike utilizes a roach clip jumper cable system from battery to coil for hard to start cold mornings. It has as an auxiliary 6-gallon fuel cell with John Deere petcocks to increase mileage on his endurance rides. On one leg of this journey he ran 31,000 miles in 31 days for another record.
The transmission was overhauled three days before his last leg ride to Florida. Due to excessive pressure buildup, the primary was drilled and vented one week before the final leg journey. Although the bike has a kick peddle, Zien uses a Phillips screw driver, which he inserts into a hole drilled in his starter, to bring the beast to life.
The bike has seen 105 rear tires and 65 front tires, 17 stators, 9 seats and Zien has worn out 13 pairs of engineer boots while riding Suzanna Ala Sha-Luck A Lay Ya, the name he affectionately calls his bike.
An old tradition with him, he also named his rifle Betsy-Sue, while serving in Vietnam with L Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He even remembers the guns serial number, 549909. Like his gun, which he depended on for life, his bike kept him alive and vital.
Congratulations Dave Zien on a record that will stand for many years, and best of luck on your next million miles.
The Conspiracy Gang Comes to Bikernet
By Bandit |
Upfront, I want to say Bikernet has an open-door policy. We're always looking for cool bikes to feature, from all over the world. We're not holding back or exclusive to Biker Build-off stars. If it runs and is a terrific example of whatever style, we'll feature it. That includes, bobbers, rats, choppers, dressers and race bikes. So, we were pleased to hear from a shop we had never swapped e-mails with, Conspiracy Cycle Works, a six-year-old shop in Dexter, Michigan outside Ann Arbor.
Ethan, one of the gang of six, contacted Bikernet with a handful of shots of one of their recent builds, Jada II, so we set up a conference call. On the other line were Ethan and George, who is one of the three owners. The three owners, plus three employees run the shop. My learning process began with several e-mails, and I rapidly became a senior at the Conspiracy school during our conversation.
This shop is as complete as they come. “First we had to have the best in engine building on staff,” George said as he discussed Tom Metty and their rebuilding and performance facility. They have a full machine shop, service area, welders, a dyno (built by the staff), two frame tables, and you name it. George started fuckin' with bikes in 1991 and worked at a couple of dealerships before he decided against tall profit margins, and wanted to deliver fair prices and prompt service to his customers. “I didn't like the dealer mentality.”
They don't have a specific product line but they constantly build one-off components for ground-up projects and modified customer bikes. “We've built 17 ground-up customs,” George said. “There's a large riding population in the community.”
Their old 4,500 square foot cinderblock building built with a beam from a Willow Run WWII bomber, sits across the street from a Forrest Lawn Mortuary, and once housed a Sheriff's outpost, heating and air-conditioning facility, and forklift distributor during its history. Their shop efforts hit home when they mentioned Bonneville.
“We hold 43 SCTA World Land Speed Records,” George said. We immediately started to discuss classes and speeds ranging from unlimited class dual Evos running 164 mph to hot rod Sportsters with 167 mph records. “We call it Death Wish Industries Racing Team.”
“I included a shot of 'the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,'” said Ethan. “Ugly is the twin engine. The 350 Sprint is the Good, and the Bad is the 160-incher that crashed. Pete survived the crash at over a 130 mph. When he finished rolling through the salt, he started picking up parts of the bike.”
“Tom Metty (Pete's brother) always says, 'it was probably just a reflex thing, growing up with 12 brothers and sisters. If you broke something and could hide it before anyone noticed, well you didn't do it.'”
I told George I was jealous, with our measly two record 5-Ball Racing Team. Now you know about the shop, here's the Jada II after the Jada I was a modified Harley. The owner, Chad Klein II, decided to step up and build the bike of his dreams with a drop seat, and one-off I-beam frame, one-off Conspiracy springer, Baker right-side drive 5-speed and an exotic motor built by Tom. They worked closely with Ron at Axtell to build the Shovel engine with a Xotic Pan nose kit and stuffed the coil inside. The frame member is part of George's '37 Ford pick-up project, the front axle.
They bead-blasted finish was produced with the use of powder coating. Tony, another staffer, designed and built the bars. It's obviously a non-stop group of guys who love to go fast, build sharp scooters and chase beautiful women. Men after my own heart.
Bikernet.com Extreme Conspiracy Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Chad “JADA” Klein II
Bike Name: JADA II
City/State: Dexter, Michigan
Builder: Conspiracy Cycle Works
City/state: Dexter Michigan
Address: 8080 grand street Dexter, Mi 48130
Phone: 1-734-426-7000
Web site: www.conspiracycycleworks.com
E-mail: info@conspiracycyleworks.com
Fabrication: CCW
Manufacturing: Creep Cycle Works
Welding: CCW
Machining: CCW
Engine
Year: '84 lower end
Make: Harley/ CCW
Model: Shovelution
Displacement: 97-inch
Builder or Rebuilder: Tom Metty
Cases: Stock Shovel
Case finish: Exotic Coatings Cast Aluminum Powdercoating(for easy hose off cleaning)
Barrels: Axtell Shoveltution Ductile Iron
Bore: 3.815
Pistons: CP
Barrel finish: Exotic Coatings
Lower end: Stock Mercury Balanced By Suntech
Rods: H-Beam Ultima
Heads: Stock Evo
Head finish: Exotic Coatings
Valves and springs: Beehive
Pushrods: Chromemoly
Cams: Dynomaster 600 Axtell
Lifters: S&S
Carburetion: S&S Super E
Air cleaner: Repop '60s
Exhaust: CCW
Mufflers: Cocktail Shakers
Other: Fakie pan rocker tops. Fake generator cam cover with coils housed inside
Transmission
Year: 2008
Make: Baker RSD
Gear configuration: 5-Speed
Final drive: Chain
Primary: Bandit Machine Works
Clutch: Bandit Machine Works
Frame
Year: 2008
Make: CCW
Style or Model: JADA II
Stretch: Some
Rake: 38 degrees
Modifications: Well we built it so… none? Or all? Depends on how you look at it
Front End
Make: CCW
Model: Springer
Year: 2008
Length: 6 over
Mods: Extra bouncing power, needle bearing rockers, stainless rockers, chromoly tubing
Sheet metal
Tanks: Midwest closeout special Modified by CCW
Fenders: CCW
Panels: Huh?
Oil tank: Moon Eyes
Other: Hard stainless oil lines
Paint
Sheet metal: Black
Molding: Huh?
Base coat: paint
Graphics: JADA Design studios LLC
Type: Paint?
Frame: Powder coat ebony Exotic Coatings
Molding: Huh?
Base coat: Exotic Coating Powder coat
Pinstriping: Sethro (kicks ass)
Wheels
Front
Make: Spoke assembled by CCW
Size: 21×3.25-inch
Brake calipers: Performance Machine
Brake rotor(s): Performance Machine
Tire:120/70/21 Metzeler
Rear
Make: Spoke assembled by CCW
Size: 16×8-inch
Brake calipers: Widened Performance Machine 4 piston rear to fit Flyrite Sprotor
Brake rotor: PM
Pulley: Flyrite Choppers Sprotor
Tire: Metzeler 240/50/16
Controls
Foot controls: WCC FTW
Finish: Military powder
Master cylinder: Brembo
Brake lines: Drag nylon lines
Handlebar controls: Joker
Finish: Black annodized
Clutch Cable: Hydraulic
Brake Lines: Drag Nylon
Shifting: Via Foot
Kickstand: Weld On good for holding up bike
Electrical
Ignition: Daytona Twin Tec
Ignition switch: Boat
Coils: Dyna
Regulator: Cycle Electric
Charging: 22 amp by Cycle Electric
Wiring: External
Harness: CCW
Headlight: 7” Round(CCI)
Taillight: Fab Kevin
Accessory lights: do sparks count?
Switches: Bastinni
Battery: Big Boar
What’s Left
Seat: CCW Stainless Steel/Leather by Jada
Mirror(s): Joker
Gas caps: CCW
Handlebars: CCW Old man hangers
Grips: Performance Machine/Renthal
Pegs: WCC
Oil filter: KN
Oil cooler: air
Oil lines: Stainless steel hand bent(CCW)
Fuel filter: In Petcock
Fuel Lines: Top secret NASA approved
Throttle: Joker
Throttle cables: Braided stainless covered in black (CCW)
Fasteners: ARP/ Wing Nuts/ Lawson
Specialty items:One thing that took a lot of time that no one will ever see is the ignition. It’s a Daytona twin tech housed in that Exotic cover. Exotic designed the cam cover to have the stock ignition, so Ethan built a boring bar to cut the bosses down .300 and cut down a cup .300 to get it to fit in that sucker and still have the points cover fit. Along with the coils being hidden in that cover also, gotta love those 4:00 a.m. ideas.
Jada hand tooled and hand laced the leather seat, he completed quite a few pieces for the shop in the past, but he out did himself on this one.
Building a frame started with a 71-year-old piece of steel that lived it’s previous life as a Ford truck front axle. It's inspiration proved to be a challenge in itself. The old I-beam was replaced by a super-bell drop axle in George’s 1937 Model A pick-up. It had to be straightened smoothed, and hot rod holed before it was fit into the frame jig.
Comments:IF YOU GET BORED WITH THIS YOU’LL GET BORED WITH ANYTHING!
Credits:Tom Metty for the complex motor Build and much guidance.
JADA For the inspiration and all the candy, drinks, and cigarettes.
George for… Well he owns the joint and designed and built most of this thing from his vision and uncanny knowledge.
JADA his desires for this project.
Ethan for the many late nights and long hours working on this bike to finished up. And all his oddball ideas.
Tony For the bars and fitment of the springer front end
Exotic Coatings for an Awesome Powder Coat Job
Harlen for damn near killing himself (and Ethan) to try and get this finished for the show
Michigan Cycle Works.
Bryan Vance for the expert Welding…thanks tinkerbell!
Dexter Machine for the great CNC work.
Lou for lacing up the wheels.
Gena Duncan For the Awesome Shots,and our lovely Model Lorena Norman
Dotson's Number Two: The Aileron
By Bandit |
I met quiet, unassuming Christian Dotson at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona a couple of years ago. His long, odd-looking, silent gray fellow-colored custom was stuffed in a dank corner, as if passed over for general competition. He was new to the game. The young man entered his first custom bike to appraise the world of his abilities as an artist and test the waters. At a glance, he took the World's Most Beautiful Bike award, hands down. Done deal. Christian rocked the custom world with an unusual Panhead that spoke to the vintage, maintained the pure machine aspect, and stretched the imagination.
Christian grew up in Texas, moved to the Bay area (Santa Rosa), and recently dropped into Pomona on the outskirts of Los Angeles. “I was looking for more creative opportunities and resources,” Christian said. He shared a space with a hot rod builder, Walden's Speed Shop, where they manufacture roof and door skins for '30s Fords. They also make hot rod frames, handle rust repair and restorations. Plus they build and install hot rod exhaust systems.
The Los Angeles experience was positive, but his folks in Texas aren't getting any younger and a new commercial building on a lakefront is calling. “It was built in '06,” Christian said. “It's 3,000 square feet and perfect for a one-man operation.”
Christian's creative and design experience ranges beyond motorcycles to cars, hot rods, and furniture. He has computer modeling experience. “But I prefer to draw extremely detailed sketches and work with a machine shops to finalize component design. Most of the work on this bike was traditional hand fabrication.”
He met Kiwi Mike at the San Diego Motto-Expo last year. “I like his vintage Indian engines,” Christian said. “I wanted to blend modern sport bike design with vintage board track construction.”A fully polished version became the center jewel of his next creation.
His seating, handlebar and peg positions are designed after the GSXR exactly, while many of the components are made with tapered tubing from '30s cars and hot rod wishbones, including the frame that wraps around the compact drive line, and the girder front end.
The suspension is made from leaf springs modified with abrasives and grinders, because the material is too hard to machine. “Both front and rear leaf spring systems from hot rods are ride-height adjustable,” said Christian. The leaves have Teflon buttons between them to prevent squeaking. He made the oil filter adapter, designed the Mikuni carb adapter, the velocity stack, exhaust tips and an offset sprocket to drive the chain around the wide rear tire. He built a cover to conceal the ISR sprotor rear brake and sprocket from LA Chop Rods.
The front end was built with the wishbone tapered tubing and Christian machined bungs and designed the fixture to align the components during welding. He used much the same process to build the one tapered-tubing frame rail, wrapped around the Kiwi engine. “The frame also holds the oil,” Christian said, “and the wiring in stainless conduit.”
He built the exhaust system using mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing. He also made the seat pan that was covered and tooled by Duane Ballard. To hide the electrical components, he designed Kubota tractor alternator to charge the system, then made a faux generator cover and stuffed the regulator, battery eliminator, and circuit breakers inside.
When he couldn't find the appropriate sized tapered tubing, he machined thick-walled tubing or solid stock in tapered increments. Then he heated and bended to fit the application, such as the hand shifter. The shift knob has a button built in to actuate the high/low beam switch.
“I didn't want to paint graphics on the hand-made gas tank,” Christian said. So, he used a power hammer to manipulate a sheet of 3/16-inch aluminum for a contoured shape. “I beveled the edges, so it wouldn't look like a coarse chunk of aluminum.”
Then the final touch was racecar inspired, aircraft rivets carefully placed around the edge, but they don't protrude into the tank, because, said Christian, “It would be impossible to seal.” The design element is attached to the top of the tank with double-sided adhesive. Then he used a British-made Moon Eyes Monza gas cap and a cheap screw-on oil cap that he ball-milled for a refined look.
There you have it the Bikernet custom of the year for 2009, unless someone else challenges it, say, at the Badlands Run this summer. We look forward to following Christian's progress as the young man explores his talents, develops products and builds more stunning motorcycles. Amazing stuff.
Bikernet.com Extreme Aileron Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Christian Dotson
Bike Name: Aileron
City/State: Pomona, CA
Builder: Dotson Design
City/state: Pomona, CA
Company Info: Dotson Design
Address: 1040 Price Ave.
Phone: 707-318-5891
Web site: www.dotsondesign.com
E-mail: christiandotson@yahoo.com
Fabrication: Dotson Design
Manufacturing: Dotson Design
Welding: Dotson Design
Machining: Dotson Design/ Greening Auto Company
Engine
Year: 2009
Make: Indian
Model: flahead
Displacement: 84 cu. in.
Builder or Rebuilder: Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co.
Cases: Kiwi Indian
Case finish: polished
Barrels: Kiwi Indian
Barrel finish: black powdercoat
Lower end: Kiwi Indian
Heads: Kiwi Indian
Head finish: polished
Carburetion: Mikuni
Air cleaner: Dotson Design velocity stack
Exhaust: Dotson Design brushed stainless steel
Mufflers: none
Transmission
Year: 2009
Make: Kiwi Indian
Gear configuration: 4 speed overdrive
Final drive:
Primary: Kiwi Indian
Clutch: Kiwi Indian
Frame
Year: 2009
Make: Dotson Design
Style or Model: single-loop with leaf spring rear suspension
Stretch:
Rake: 25 degrees
Modifications: completely hand fabricated
Front End
Make: Dotson Design
Model: leaf spring girder
Year: 2009
Mods: tapered fork legs fabricated from vintage automotive suspension parts
Sheet metal
Tanks: Dotson Design
Fenders: none
Oil tank: in frame
Paint
Sheet metal: Dotson Design
Molding: Dotson Design
Base coat: PPG black
Graphics: none
Type: base/clear
Frame: Dotson Design
Molding: Dotson Design
Base coat: PPG black
Pinstriping: none
Wheels
Front
Make: HDW
Size: 23”
Brake calipers: none
Brake rotor(s): none
Tire: Monster 120
Rear
Make: HDW
Size: 20”
Brake calipers: ISR 6-piston
Brake rotor: ISR sprocket brake
Pulley:
Tire: Monster 200
Controls
Foot controls: Dotson Design
Finish: chrome
Master cylinder: Brembo
Brake lines: custom braided stainless
Handlebar controls: none
Shifting: Dotson Design hand shift
Kickstand: Dotson Design/ Honda Goldwing
Electrical
Ignition: Morris Magneto
Regulator: Cycle Electric
Charging: Kubota tractor dynamo
Wiring: Dotson Design
Headlight: Dotson Design/ Todd’s Cycle
Taillight: Dotson Design
Battery: none
What’s Left
Seat: Dotson Design pan/ Duane Ballard leather
Mirror(s): none
Gas caps: Monza cap
Handlebars: Dotson Design
Grips: Dotson Design
Pegs: Dotson Design
Oil filter: K&P Engineering
Oil lines: Dotson Design polished stainless hard lines
Throttle: Streamline internal throttle
Credits:Special thanks to Bobby & Melinda of Walden Speed Shop, Doug at StarSide Design custom paint, Jesse Greening of Greening Auto Company, and Sherm’s custom plating
The Famous Tom Sawyer Ride
By Bandit |
Today’s doom and gloom outlook on the economy seems to have gripped the United States like an epidemic with no cure. While some have decided to hide themselves in a protective shroud of denial while others refuse to spend a dime unless absolutely necessary; then there’s the bikers. While the economic black cloud may have an adverse effect on all of us, we still do what makes us who we are; we fucking ride! Face it, that’s what makes us who we are, we ride, build, and modify our beloved H-D. Tom Sawyer is definitely cut from this cloth. When in doubt, RIDE!
Tom Sawyer, owner extraordinaire of Sawyer’s Motorcycle Shop located in Cleves, Ohio (www.sawyermotorcycleshop.com), has been wrenching and riding for decades. This little red chop is just the latest creation to come out of his shop. Proving he’s a man after my own tastes, he even went so far as to use brewery parts from an old Sam Adams brewery to accent the American feel and finish of the Santee framed chop.
”I used my years of experience as a rider as a guide when building this bike. I wanted to make it a fun bike to ride whenever I wanted to blast around town or whatever. While she is not my only bike, she is definitely my favorite and the most fun…right now.”
When I queried about the brass, I half expected Tom to reply with some brass fetish he had aquired in the Navy. Those squids can be eccentric fools, ya know? Tom just liked the contrast of the brass and like many craftsman, he was able to incorporate it into the build.
“The stainless steel is food-quality and was used to manufacture beer at the local Sam Adams brewery. After I made the pipes, I needed some back pressure and designed the endcap/baffles. They are a combination stainless set in brass.”
The idea of exhaust notes ringing through beer making hardware reminds me of Saturday nights at our local watering hole, I usually see red on those nights as well. Tom’s creativeness and style can be seen on every angle, nut, and brass bolt used on the bike. Check out his latest ride or visit his website and ask him to help you with your next build. Most importantly however, is to get off the computer and RIDE!
Bikernet.com Extreme Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Tom Sawyer (No, not that Tom Sawyer)
City/State: Cincinnati, Ohio
Builder: Tom Sawyer, Sawyer’s Motorcycle Shop
Phone: 513-353-0697 or 0497
Web site: www.sawyermotorcycleshop.com
E-mail: SawyerMC@roadrunner.com
Fabrication: Tom Sawyer
Value: 28K
Engine
Year: 1975
Make: H-D
Model: Shovelhead
Displacement: 88”
Builder or Rebuilder: Tom Sawyer
Cases: H-D
Case finish: Metal, Black Paint
Lower end: 4-5/8 S&S Flywheels
Stroke: Stroked
Rods: S&S
Heads: H-D Dual Plugged
Cams: S &S 514
Carburetion: S&S Super B
Air cleaner: Round Ball Stainless Steel w/ Brass Star
Exhaust: Tom Sawyer
Mufflers: Seriously??
Transmission
Year: 1981
Make: STD Cse
Gears: Andrews
Clutch:Barnett
Frame
Make: Santee
Style or Model: Wishbone Rigid
Stretch: Stock
Rake: Stock
Front End
Make: Mid-West
Sheet metal
Tanks: Paughco
Fenders: Tom Sawyer
Oil tank: Tom Sawyer
Paint
Sheet metal: Don Ernst
Electrical
Ignition: Dyna 2000i Single Fire w/ Twin Dual Coils
Taillight: Tom Sawyer
What’s Left
Seat: Tom Sawyer
Specialty items: Accel 8.8 wires, Glass Sediment Fuel Bowl, 2 inch Stainless Steel exhaust w/ Stainless Steel and Brass Endcaps, Brass Electrical Center, Brass Grips, Foot Pegs, Brake and Shift Levers, Hand made oil tank and rear fender, struts, and tailamp. Hand-made chain guard, caliper bracket, coil mount, oil filter, and license plate bracket. Hand-Made seatpan with Hand-Tooled leather seat by Tom Sawyer.
Scotty Finally Enters Candyland
By Bandit |
It's interesting, spending time with builders, their latest rides and their lives. Many times recently I've heard, “Motorcycles, cheaper than therapy,” and, “Motorcycles are the cure for insanity.” There's something about two wheels, like biplanes soaring along the pavement, unobstructed by society's sounds and restrictions. Scotty grew up in Southern California, mostly in Huntington Beach, where Chica resides. He saw the free-spirited biker lifestyle as a nirvana he sought as a major goal in life.
I'm going to shift gears slightly. I'm about to describe riding in Southern California in the '60s as heaven on earth, in one of the best coastal communities mother nature ever bestowed on the human race. So what did we do? We dropped Disneyland in the center of it and surrounded it with concrete and stucco, until nothing was left. Our brothers in Australia currently have paradise on their island. “Don't fuck it up like we did,” I tell them.
So back to Scotty, who at 12 years of age, hung out with a new club called the Hessians. “I polished chrome and sanded bondo for Varmit, the prez,” Scotty said as he watched the brothers prepare for a bike show.
Back then, open roads were just a couple of blocks away. They could ride the greatest coastline on Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Los Angeles. If the cops fucked with them in one town, they could roll into the next berg unencumbered.
Life was simple, with terrific open roads out of town through orange grooves that ran for miles, surrounding old clapboard houses where bikers could raise hell, shoot guns and do burnouts until dawn, without disturbing any citizen's highly sensitive decibel meter. Scotty fell in love with upswept pipes, wild metal flake paint and narrow front ends.
“I still have ten fine classic custom bikes locked in my memory bank,” Scotty said. “I still want to build each one. I'll never forget some of your bikes from the early '70s.”
Unlike some of us madmen motorcyclists who attached chasing skirts with freedom and pearlescent paint, Scotty fell in love with his high school sweetheart, got hitched, and stayed connected and true for 30 years. He and his, wife Julie, the blond, still a 120-pound SoCal girl, started a family and never stopped. They currently have seven junior Scottys, ranging from the age of 7 to 25, plus a couple of grandkids. Holy shit, that's a clan and he stuck with 'em throughout the terrible teens.
“From 13 to15, they know everything and are rebellious,” Scotty told me in his knowingly fatherly manner. “From 15 to 17, they're sullen and won't talk to anyone. Then from 17 to 19, they wake up and discover they don't know shit and maybe you do know something.”
He raised the Stopnik clan with a contractor's license, but specialized in major machinery installations in industrial plants, like boilers in the garment district, prison work and installing equipment in machine shops. “I learned bending steel,” Scotty said, “and I became experienced at anything metal. Bikes are just metal machines.”
Ten years ago, Scotty found an opportunity to realize his dream of building bikes. He stumbled onto Craig's List and bought a '73 FL from a 300-pound member of a Hollywood Boy Band. “The guy played a roll in the Big Fat Greek Wedding movie,” Scotty told me. They said it was a show bike, but it was parked along side the Hollywood home under a tarp.
“I just wanted a bike with matching numbers,” Scotty said. “As long as it had four gears and the motor ran, I was cool. We got it started, I paid four grand, and I hauled it home.”
He immediately tore it down and began to build a mechanically tight rigid rider. He cut off the stern of the FL frame and grafted a Paughco rear section onto it. “I looked for shit that I remembered from the past, like the AEE headlight.”
He didn't have much cash, and although he admired painters like Harpoon or Edwards, he found a painted tank on line for $300. He bought it and mounted in on a Triumph, so he could sell it. The painter was cool, so he worked with him, and sent him this tank and fender.
“I didn't have a paint scheme I wanted, just a handful of colors that were cool back in the day.” Jaynes Schmidt of Blue Moon Kustoms handled the psycodelic colors.
While the sheet metal flew across the country, Chica built the engine and Scotty looked for strong components that would turn his parts bike into a solid reliable runner, like the Rivera/Primo clutch. “I wanted to build it after one of my ten favorites.”
He was ultimately dazzled by the Blue Moon paint, and while he buttoned it up in the family Garage, his youngsters, Taylor, 11, and Samantha, 7, played video games and named the scooter after their fav, Candyland. His older sons Scotty, 23, and Chris “the Turkey,” 19, who ride skateboards for Vans and surfboards for Hurley, work on their '64 Pan and triumph choppers.
“It's a rush to ride with my kids or watch them fly down the block toward home,” Scotty said. The kids are members of the Cycle Zombies, CZombiesblog.com. His oldest, Jennifer, at 25, already has a family and a husband who flies for Delta. Scotty has a couple of grandkids, Cole, 4, and Jet, 2. The remaining clan includes Jessica, 16, and Catlin, at terrible 13. Hope I didn't leave anyone out.
There you have it. A story that began in 1959 in Huntington Beach and the motorcycle aspect is still unfolding today. He's got to be doing a couple of items right to have a strong family, involved kids, and still hang on to his sanity. Maybe it's riding motorcycles and the dream to build nine more.
Owner: Scott Stopnik
City Huntington Beach
State: Califa
Website: www.czombieblog.com
E Mail: scottstopnik@socal.rr.com
Basics:
Make: Harley-Davidson
Year: 1973
Model: FLH
Type: Custom rigid
Fabrication: Big Scott
Finish: Big Scott
Time: 4 months
Hardware: Swap meets
Assembly: Big Scott
Assembler: Big Scott
Value: 20k
ENGINE:
Type: Harley-Davidson
Displacement: 74 ci
Year:1973
Horsepower: Enough
Heads:Stock shovelheads
Valves: Harley-Davidson
Pistons: Harley-Davidson
Cylinders: Harley-Davidson
Camshaft: Harley-Davidson
Lifters: Harley-Davidson
Pushrods: Harley-Davidson
Carburetor/Injection: S&S Super E Shorty
Air Cleaner: Old '70s
Ignition: Joe Hunt magneto
Exhaust: Paughco upsweeps
Mufflers: Nope
Finish: Chrome
Transmission:
Type: 4-speed Harley-Davidson
Clutch: Primo Pro Clutch
Fasteners/Hardware: Acorns
Did you build or buy your bike?: I built it
How Long did it take?: About 4 months
In what order was the bike built?: As soon as I had all the stuff I needed for fabrication,it took about 4 months
Frame:
Type: Stock FLH frame with Paughco weld-on rigid section
Year: 1973
Builder: Harley-DavidsonBig Scott
Stretch: None
Rake: 30 degrees
Swing Arm: Nope
Shocks: Nope
Modifications: Rigid tail section
Forks:
Type: Inline springer
Year: Repop new
Builder: V-Twin
Finish: Black and chrome
Triple Trees: 3” dog bones
Modifications: Top clamp ears cut off
Wheels Front:
Rim: Chrome spoke steel wheel
Size: 21”
Hub: Star hub
Builder: Harley-Davidson
Finish: Chrome
Fender: Never
Tire: 21” x 3.00 Avon Speedmaster
Brake: Mechanical drum
Wheels Rear:
Rim: Steel chrome spoke
Size: 18”
Brake: Juice drum
Builder: Harley-Davidson
Finish: Chrome
Fender: Wassel 4” rib made in England
Tire: 4.00 X 18” Avon Mark II
Hub: Star hub
What connects you to the bike:
Handlebars: old 4” z bars
Risers: 3” dog bones
Headlights: 70s blue clear triangle
Taillights: Small
Turn Signals F/R: Nope
Speedometer: Never
Tachometer: None
Gauges: Nope
Electric’s: Harley-Davidson altenator
Seat: 70’s Italian diamond
Oil Tank: Harley-Davidson horseshoe
Fuel Tank(s): Old Sportster
Paint, Chrome, and other F/X’s:
Colors: Too many
Type: hok
Special Paint: Candyland
The Painter: Jaymes Schmidt
Address: Oshkosh, WI
Chrome: Brush Chrome, Garden Grove, CA
Powder Coating: Specialized Coating, Huntington Beach, CA
Color: Black
Work by: Big Scott
Credits:
Motor was built by Chica Custom, Huntington Bbeach, CA
The Triple Crown Custom
By Bandit |
“I liked the notion of the vintage '30s, H-D Peashooter single,” Roger Goldammer said. “The first effort with a single cylinder was a styling exercise.” Roger, is a clean, good-looking bike building mastermind. His first single, Trouble, was a challenge to develop, yet it won several custom motorcycle competitions. “I like to evolve and change my bikes.” In other words the environmental component designer with a precision knack for motorcycle nirvana, couldn't leave it alone.
He followed the first single effort with Notorious, another carefully crafted single rotated to the stern, 15 degrees, fuel injected with a rear head machined to fit the front cylinder, allowing the intake to be aimed at the bow for a larger more performance plenum intake chamber position hidden beneath the fuel cell.
“A substantial plenum allows any intake to develop terrific top end power,” Roger said. “This bike developed 80 horsepower at the rear wheel.” That wasn't enough to satisfy Roger's need to deliver more than just distinctive class in the battle between style and practicality. “I decided to build a race machine that would compete at the highest level of custom bike building competitions.”
It gave me chills to hear Roger articulate his desire to master and glean Bonneville race history and convey it to a national audience at the exclusive custom builder world championship in Sturgis. “It would be the best case scenario to succeed on both fronts,” said Roger.
This bike, Goldmember, was born with the same configuration Notorious single cylinder engine and transmission. With the rear head mounted to the front cylinder Roger was forced to design and grind a performance cam. The bike would be longer and still utilize the front suspension designed into the elongated frame neck. “I was borrowing from the past, yet making it all new,” Roger said. His base power train was historic pushrod technology from the '30s coupled with a '50s café racer tail section mated to a sportbike faring and a blown, inter-cooled, fuel injected, 965 cc single cylinder engine (60 cubic inches) on nitrous.
The challenge mounted, like a man with a broken leg attempting to climb Mt. Everest. Roger ventured to work with a historically slow engine package, cut it in half and pumped it to 140 hp at the rear wheel. Think about it. A brand new 96-inch California Twin Cam develops less than 62 rear-wheel horsepower. “I still wanted to do it,” said Roger. “It was a challenge around something I love.”
Hang on for the race story. With just 1 mile under the Z-rated tires he rolled to Bubs Bonneville event in September of '07 with his first bare metal version. He immediately blew up his 2-stroke flyer and rolled the untested frame configuration onto the notoriously slick track and ducked as close to the fairing as possible. “Although I broke the primary and the electric shifter,” Roger said. “We still set a averaged record of 147 mph with a top speed of 164 mph during one pass.”
He returned home to Vancouver with a World Land Speed Record, tore the bike apart for powder work, paint, fastener nickel plating, and he set it up to be street legal with lights and mirrors. It immediately won the Artistry in Iron show, then he rolled to Sturgis and the AMD World Championship.
“It was the best case scenario,” Roger said. “I'm grateful that the industry took an open minded approach toward judging. They recognized the appearance coupled with the performance flair.”
The AMD shows are judged by builders and they didn't miss Roger's unique combination of performance technology, machine work, sheet metal fabrication, wheel hub and brake designs, and fit and finish coupled with World Record functionality.
The next year he returned to Bonneville with the new paint and enhanced his two-way averaged record to 150.8 mph.
“I like to keep it fresh and interesting,” Roger said, “a rideable bike with substance.”
When it comes to Roger, that's a vast understatement. He created a never-before two-wheeled historic art object, designed in massive horsepower out of a half-breed engine and set a world land speed record using unmarketable components. “The nitrous still didn't work,” Roger said with notions for the future. “I will dual plug the head, change the timing, for an additional 30 horsepower.”
This year (2009) he has salty dreams of returning to the salt with his 2-stroke, the single H-D, a Softail and a 1098 Supercharged Ducati.
“I like the look of the bare-metal frame and sheet metal,” Roger said. “It's always a huge commitment of thousands of hours, with no customer to fan the flame at the end of the tunnel.” It's all about sacrifice, motivation, dedication, and two-wheeled passion.
Bikernet.com Extreme Goldmember Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Roger Goldammer
Bike Name: Golldmember
City/State: Kelowna BC Canada
Builder: Roger Goldammer
City/state: Same
Company Info: Goldammer Cycle Works Ltd
Address: 168 Rimrock Court, Kelowna BC, Canada V1W4J6
Phone: 250 764-8002
Web site: www.goldammercycle.com
E-mail: sjgoldammer@shaw.ca
Fabrication: GCW
Manufacturing: GCW
Welding: GCW
Machining:GCW
Engine
Year: 2007 GCW
Make
Model: : HD v-twin based single cylinder
Displacement: 965cc
Builder or Rebuilder: GCW
Cases: Merch
Case finish: Powder coat
Barrels: Enginuety
Bore: 4.125”
Pistons: Ross
Barrel finish: Powder
Lower end: Merch
Stroke: 4.4”
Rods: Merch
Heads: Enginuety
Head finish: Powder c
Valves and springs: AV&V
Pushrods: Rivera
Cams: GCW
Lifters: Jims
Carburetion: Fuel injection
Exhaust: GCW
Mufflers: haha
Transmission
Year: 2007 Baker
Gear configuration: 6- spd, close ratio top gears
Final drive: chain
Primary: narrowed Rivera belt drive , 2 inch
Clutch: Rivera
Frame
Year: 2007
Make: GCW
Style or Model:
Stretch:
Rake: 35*
Modifications: everything
Front End
Make: GCW
Model: Girder with hidden shock inside frame neck
Year: 2007
Length:-2
Mods:
Sheet metal
Tanks: in tail section
Fenders: All hand-formed aluminum
Oil tank: two of them, under bike
Paint
Sheet metal: aluminum shot by JA design
Molding: none
Frame: powder
Wheels
Front
Make: GCW hub with Buchannon's rim
Size: 19x 3
Brake calipers: Leos Custom Cycle
Brake rotor(s): Leo`s
Tire: Avon
Rear
Make: GCW hub
Size: 23x 4.25
Brake calipers: Leo`s
Brake rotor:Leo`s
Tire: Avon
Controls
Foot controls: GCW
Master cylinder: Brembo
Handlebar controls: Perf. Machine
Finish: Black ano
Clutch Cable:
Brake Lines
Shifting: Pingel electric shift
Kickstand: Matt Hotch
Electrical
Ignition: ThunderMax
Ignition switch: toggle
Coils: Nology
Headlight: small
Taillight: LEDs thru fuel tank
Accessory lights: GCW
What’s Left
Seat: GCW
Mirror(s): Joker
Gas caps: GCW
Handlebars: GCW
Grips: P.M.
Pegs: GCW
Oil filter: Perf-orm
Oil cooler: Lockart
Oil lines: GCW
Fuel filter: in tank
Fuel Lines: GCW
Roger Goldammer Awards
1 st Place Artistry in Iron Las Vegas Bikefest/Hot Rod Bike 2008 (Goldmember)
1 st Place AMD World Championships 2008 (Goldmember)
1 st Place AMD World Championship 2007 Metric Class (ExperiMental)
Canadian Champion of 2007 (Nortorios)
Winner Biker Build of 2006 (ExperiMental)
1 st Place Artistry in Iron Las Vegas Bikefest/Hod Rod Bike 2005 (Trouble)
2006 British Columbia Creative Achievement Award Recipient
1 st Place AMD Wolrd Championships 2005 (Trouble)
1 st Place Artistry in Iron Las Vegas Bikefest/Hot Rod Bikes 2004 (BTR#3)
2 nd Place Easyriders Columbus Invitational Class 2004 (Lowtek)
1 st Place AMD World Championships 2004 (BTR#3)
1 st Place Easyriders Portland Spectator Class 2004 (Fuzzy Logic)
1 st Place Easyriders Portland Judged Class 2004 (Lowtek)
Most Innovatiive Builder VQ/Easyriders Daytona 2004 (Roger Goldammer)
Most Innovative Product Street Chopper 2003 (G Force Component Front End)
1 st Place best Engineered Bike Oakland Roadster Show 53rd Annual 2002 (Project X)
1 st Place Overall Oakland Roadster 53 rd Annual 2002 (Project X)New Product of the Year V Twin Expo 2002 (G Force Billet Front End)
Harley-Davidson Iron 883
By Bandit |
Nyla’s Diary Friday, February 6, 2009 – 10:30am. My day started early, 5:00am to be exact. I had to get Bandit and Doc Robinson from Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia, to the Long Beach airport for the annual pilgrimage to the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio. We’ve had the most beautiful weather the past week, temps in the high 70’s – low 80’s, until today. Rain in the forecast for the next five days… The drive to the airport was uneventful.
Yes! guys are gone!!!
Tonight I go to the Robert Berman Gallery in Santa Monica for the unveiling of the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, along with ten tanks of that bike painted by various artists. Looking forward to going, not looking forward to driving in the rain. Spoiled California girl; I know it’s only water.
As Bandit would say, I’m burnin’ daylight so I gotta get to work. More later.
Friday, February 6, 2009 – 10:30pm. What a fun night. I took my daughter Karley and her boyfriend, Alex along for company. We arrived just after 7:30 to a rainy, flooded parking lot. We sat in the truck for a minute and watched as fashionably Chic couples danced around puddles, trying not to get their shoes wet. Most ended up ankle-deep in water and cursing, but got over it quickly. We found a safe passage and headed in.
The place was small and packed. So much artistic eye candy; you didn’t know where to look first. Two Iron 883’s graced the room, one at the entrance and one in the back and tanks along both sides of the room on pedestals. There was also blown-up photographs and original art from some of the artists; All incredibly good.
My first hello was to Paul James from Harley-Davidson. He’s such a nice guy and so passionate about all things Harley. I thanked him for the invitation then wandered around. We ooed and awed over everything and Alex even got to meet one of his favorite artists, Alex Pardee. What a nice guy.
I loved every one of the tanks. What a treat to see each artists interpretation, but I have to say the highlight of the night was Chopper Dave’s butt. I guess you had to be there…
Artists to Celebrate Custom Creativity for Raw and Elemental Bike– Harley-Davidson launches new motorcycle under $8K for young America at gallery opening
MILWAUKEE (Feb. 4, 2009) – Watch two worlds of rebellion collide when a band of low brow artists—including Shepard Fairey—display what rebellion means to them this Saturday at a public gallery opening titled The Art of Rebellion – all to celebrate a coming out party for Harley-Davidson's latest dark ride, the Iron 883TM motorcycle.
The public is invited to experience history by getting a first look at the Iron 883 with a backdrop of a gallery opening and reception on Feb. 7 in Santa Monica, Calif. at the Robert Berman Gallery (2325 Michigan Ave.). Ten artists will display a custom-painted Harley-Davidson® gas tank in the event's theme. The gallery of tanks as well as a piece from the artists own collection will be on display and available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Art Matters, a charity that supports and encourages the exploration of new ideas and art. The first 100 copies of a limited edition signed Shepard Fairey poster will be given away at the event.
“At Harley-Davidson, we understand the concept of personalization,” said Paul James, director of product communication for Harley-Davidson. “This event brings together two worlds that represent breaking ground, pushing limits, and making something your own. The Iron 883 is a raw and elemental bike built for those with a passion for self expression.”
With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycle. The Iron 883 model continues the rebellious tradition of Harley-Davidson Sportster® motorcycles that have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.
“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”
As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down, blacked-out, and ripe for custom creativity. The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with a black chopped rear fender, drag style handlebar, and a solo classic seat that fits the lone rider.
The Iron 883 is now available at Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide. It’s sold in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.
QUOTES FROM THE ARTISTS–
SHAWN BARBER
What is your impression of Harley-Davidson?
Harley Davidson is the free spirit of America with attitude and power to back it up. Pure Rock and Roll.
What do you think about Harley-Davidson getting involved with this community (art community)?
fuck yeah!
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
fun times.
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
Tattoos are inherently rebellious. I painted my tattooed arms wrapped around the tank, holding on tight, ready to ride…
BOB DOB
What is your impression of Harley-Davidson?
Their an American icon. I can't help think of Hells Angels. I know that's a stereotype but that's what I think of.
What do you think about Harley-Davidson getting involved with this community (art community)?
I think it's great because it gives artists more exposure. Harley Davidson enthusiasts might not see a particular artists work otherwise.
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
It was very odd. I paint with oils and they don't dry quickly so I smeared the paint quite often.
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
I have this character called Luey. He's a little devilish. He get's drunk from drinking milk. So I thought it would be humorous to have Luey drinking milk as if it were moonshine. The jugs are a throw back to prohibition.
The painting is an omage to Greg Knoll who was a rebel big wave rider in the 50's and 60's. His trademark was his “jalhouse” trunks.
FRANK KOZIK
What is your impression of Harley-Davidson?
Personally…I love my Harleys, both of which are highly modified for 'looks'.
What do you think about Harley-Davidson getting involved with this community (art community)?
It’s great.
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
Difficult.
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
1984 gave us 2 revolutions…Reagan and Punk in this country. Which one wins? You tell me.
ALEX PARDEE
What do you think about Harley-Davidson getting involved with this community (art community)?
I think it’s amazing. Harley Davidson's iconic graphics, and overall attitude or style has had an obvious impact on fashion and art over the years, especially with the younger fans. And the ability to customize every little part on a Harley is an art form in itself, so it seems natural to take the next step, whether it’s in customization, marketing, or just for fun, and involve some creativity from a community artists who have been influenced by the brand themselves. I think it's refreshing and admirable.
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
As a precursor, I am pretty horrible at adapting my artwork to 3 dimensional surfaces, but surprisingly the shape of the tank is amazingly sleek, and it was pretty comfortable, and I was practically cradling it like a baby while I was painting on it. I think I developed a weird bond with it, and I can see how people get attached to their bikes when they are building them.
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
I often think of rebellion as being an inner battle, like something inside of us is fighting to get out, usually our real emotions, beliefs, or passions. I think a lot of times situations present themselves that stop us from being who we want to be, or act how we want to act, do what we want to do. But when we finally allow our hearts to trust our souls, we let those true colors come out, whether anyone likes it or not.
I took this idea and applied it to the use of color. With dull black and whites representing something that is holding the subject back, like a shell, and the bright colors bursting out of this “shell” representing the rebellion.
For the tank, there is this dull gray hand who was keeping this brightly colored creature captive in his fist, but once the creature DID finally rebel it is now emerging out of the fist, no matter how hard the hand squeezes.
And as far as the original piece, the 15-year boy was molded into this sad, over-disciplined, self-loathing gray “shell” by his extremely abusive father. But when he finally couldn't take it anymore, the boy rebelled and killed his father. That instant, an overwhelming release of “color” poured out of him and his life is now going to be beautiful.
DAVID TRULLI
What is your impression of Harley-Davidson?
Harley-Davidson is an icon. It’s bigger than just a motorcycle manufacturer. The name has become synonymous with the open road, with independence, with leaving conformity and responsibility behind.
What do you think about Harley-Davidson getting involved with this community (art community)?
I think it’s great that Harley is getting involved with the art community. People have been turning bikes into works of art for a long time, it’s good that Harley is actively embracing that and reaching out to artists.
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
Working on the gas tank was challenging, difficult (with my process, at least) and inspiring. I’ve always loved cars and bikes and there’s something about having that hunk of steel to work on that spoke to me. Unlike a flat piece of art, this will be viewed from all angles, so coming up with a design that works in all directions was tricky. Compound curves are fun to deal with too. It became my obsession and I spent many hours at a time on it. I totally enjoyed it!
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
All my life I’ve listened to rock and roll. To me, the best rock has always been rebellious, whether it’s rockabilly, psychedelic, punk, you name it. It’s a form of music that sounds best loud, distorted and rough. It’s been used to protest injustice, express anger and frustration, or even just to knock the wind out of convention.
The sides of my tank are the guts of a guitar amp; speakers, power transformers and vacuum tubes bright and hot from the work they are being forced to do. On top, the “Gain” knob from an amp, turned past ten for maximum volume and distortion. Finally, a guitarist caught up in the music and the moment.
The companion piece, “Blacktop,” is more personal. Riding as rebellion. The individual, the machine and the road – nothing else.
OLIVER VERNON
What is your impression of Harley-Davidson?
Classic.
What was it like painting on a bike tank?
Actually, it was the first time I painted a piece to be viewed in-the-round. It was a shift from perceiving the painted surface as a crop from a larger field to seeing it as a 3-Dimensional shape unto itself. The shape of the tank is an elegant natural biomorphic form, which provided interesting new challenges for composition. It's nature implies speed–designed to be propelled through space with great intention, efficiency and velocity. Using collage as a starting point with torn pieces of my own ink-on-paper work, the process became sculptural as the complex curvatures of the form threatened to deny the smoothness of the paper being applied (this awakened new creative problem-solving methods.) Collaging the entirety of the surface was an intimate way to explore every millimeter of it, which established a corporal relationship between it and me…something usually not the case when working on flat surfaces.
How is your work an interpretation of rebellion (artwork on tank.. and your original artwork)?
In recent years there has been an element of popular consciousness, which has intensified…the seething unrest. We have shared the feeling of despair concerning the ways of our nation's leadership, and as our awareness of the horrors has increased, so have surged the inner feelings of angst and rebellion. We all want a new way, to break the shackles and forge ahead with a renewed hope of possibility. My work, although non-objective, is saturated with the emotional quality of rebellion. Forms strongly deny being tied down, labeled, understood from any fixed vantage-point. I propose in my work a new perspective on circumstances…that things are not as fixed as they seem.
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ MODEL IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE–New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude
MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s.
The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.
“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”
The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.
The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.
A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.
Harley-Davidson Iron – add one
As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles atwww.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom .
The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors.
Iron 883 features and highlights:
Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Black fuel tank with unique graphics
Black front forks with gaiters
Black belt guard and front fender supports
Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Black low rise drag style handlebar
Black mid-mount foot controls
Black low profile front fender
Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights
Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Side-mounted license plate holder
One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
25.3-inch seat height
Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Pre-Paint Bike Feature
By Bandit |
This is another Bikernet first, a full bike feature on a running but unpainted chop. Could it be that the owner is hoping for a feature shot at the Horse or Cycle Source? He didn't want to blow his first bike feature opportunity just on Bikernet.
“That's not it at all,” said owner/builder Michael Boen. “I just can't afford a three grand paint job.”
The more I got to talk to 47-year-old, Michael, the more I recognized a true Michigan biker. He's been riding since he was a kid in Alabama, scooting around farmlands and through cornfields on his 1970 350 Honda.
“Harley didn't have a strong reputation back then,” Mike said. “I still wanted one, but I couldn't justify the expense. Jap bikes were cheap and Harleys unreliable.”
He did the family bit, got married, raised two sons, and found a daughter through marriage, while working for a major property management company. His job calls for maintenance, including electrical, roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, vault repairs, ATMs and security mends.
“We manage some 25 banks, and I've learned to repair almost anything,” said Mike.
Once his girls were educated and off to jobs out of state, Mike sat back with his wife Jackie and pondered their future.
“I would like a career in custom motorcycles,” Mike continued, “so I took two years off and attended the MMI Harley course in Orlando. I loved it, but it focuses predominately on dealership jobs. I wanted more.”
He was also aware of the sliding motorcycle business and respectful of his property management longevity. He went back to work in the PM firm and built this bike, while honing his design and fabrication skills for the future. I'll let him tell you about the build.
“I must say doing this build was a lot of fun and very relaxing. Everything went together well, and fit and finish were planned to the last detail. Always start with a plan and stick to it. There were times I thought I should change this or change that, but sticking with my plan worked out for the best. I did, however, go through four gas tanks before getting the look I wanted. The first seat I made was way too small for any kind of long distance trip, so I went with a totally different style based on comfort more than looks.
“The overall look I was trying to achieve was reminiscent of the bikes Indian Larry built. (The best bike builder, I know, along with many others, won’t go into detail). But I was on a budget. I had to change a few components to fit my body at 6’3” and 200 lb. I wanted it to fit me. The seat had to be higher and back a few inches more. I needed taller bars, and extended forward controls, while keeping the flow and lines in proportion without looking weird from the side view.
“The bike tracks well at 3.5 inches of trail (sweet spot), goes like an arrow, and hugs the corners like a sport bike. I wanted to stick with good quality parts for reliability and function. I built her to ride. Taking long trips on a rigid frame, and knowing I can get there and back with little or no problems was essential. (Of course we all know how that works, don’t we?) I also wanted to be able to stop on a dime and give change back, so I contacted Kevin at Fabricator Kevin’s and acquired his TOKICO calipers builders kit. A stock H-D bike only wishes it could stop this good!
“One is never really done with a bike, and there are several things I want to change. I want to have her professionally painted (picture enclosed) with brown and gold metal flake scallops. Maybe I'll add a front fender. I have never been as wet in my life than riding in a rainstorm with no front fender. Not fun.
I like the look without it, but I am still deciding on whether to add it or not. Shoot me an e-mail, and let me know what you think. MadeNtheUSA@hotmail.com.”
Mike made a comment about raked triple trees. Raked trees cannot be used to fix a design flaw. He started with 5 degrees in the trees and it dropped his trail to .75 inch. The front end was sloppy and didn't want to track, a disastrous mixture. He backed up to 0 degrees to afford him the proper trail, and it handles like a dream.
He looked at the motorcycle industry for a way to avoid the daily grind, but he's sticking with his 25-year career. That's not stopping Michael from making plans for long runs and this is the year of the 10th Anniversary of the Smoke Out.
“I'm making that run and maybe Sturgis,” Mike said. “I still owe the government $25,000 for my MMI training, but I'll handle that.”
He's also looking into building his wife another bike. She rode until he had an accident and almost lost his foot. She sold her bike and buckled down until he was back on his feet. Her build is coming up.
“Then I'm going to build a bagger for the long hauls and restore a military 45 before they're all gone. The best MMI class was the vintage H-D training. They had an amazing array of classic motors to work with. ”
There you have it, the life and times of Michael Boen, a man and his machines. He did it right, and I'm sure we'll see his chop painted in the near future, plus a few Boen products and his restoration projects. It's as if life is just beginning for Mr. Boen.
Bikernet.com Extreme Boen Tech Chart
Regular Stuff
Owner: Michael Boen
Bike Name: GRACE
City/State: Grand Rapids, MI
Builder: Michael Boen
City/state: Grand Rapids, MI
Company Info: No Company, Just garage
Address: 1978 Radcliff Ave. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: 616-949-0370
Web site: Wild-at-Heart Custom Cycles.com (not yet up and running)
E-mail: MadeNtheUSA@hotmail.com
Fabrication: Michael Boen
Manufacturing: Me just putting parts together
Welding: You Bet
Machining: Just a little
Engine
Year: 1999 (NEW) H-D Smart Start Evo
Make: Harley Davidson
Model: Evolution
Displacement: 80 cu. In. (1340cc)
Builder or Rebuilder: Harley Davidson
Cases: H-D
Case finish: Silver
Barrels: Stock
Bore: Stock
Pistons: Stock
Barrel finish: Silver
Lower end: Stock
Stroke: Stock
Rods: Stock
Heads: Stock
Head finish: Polished
Valves and springs: Stock
Pushrods: Stock
Cams: Stock
Lifters: Stock
Carburetion: Keihin 40mm CV Carp (re-jetted)
Air cleaner: 1998 Dyna Lowrider FXDL Air box W/K&N Filter
Exhaust: Paughco 1 ¾” Up Sweep W/Fishtail, Chrome
Mufflers: NOPE
Other: Exhaust Wrap (copper color) W/Hand Made Copper Heat Shields (Antiqued)
Transmission
Year: 2006
Make: JIM’S
Gear configuration: 5 Speed Gear Set W/23T Sprocket
Final drive: DIAMOND Chain – 530/120 Gold O-Ring
Primary: BDL Dry Belt 1.75”
Clutch: BDL Dry Clutch, Lock-Up
Frame
Year: 2006
Make: Paughco, Inc.
Style or Model: Wishbone Rigid Chop
Stretch: None
Rake: 30 deg.
Modifications: Seat Post to Accept Jims 5-speed Trans, Custom Neck Gusset W/Iron Cross @ 45 Deg., Gas Tanks Bungs added to Backbone and Exhaust brackets
Front End
Make: MidWest
Model: 41mm Wide Glide Single Disc.
Year: 1999
Length: Stock
Mods: Ball Milled Triple Trees & Lower Legs
Sheet metal
Tanks: Indian Larry Legacy – Dip Dish, 3.5 gal.
Fenders: Rear – WCC 7.5” Front – None yet?
Panels: None
Oil tank: 3.5 qt. Round Chrome W/Center Fill, W/Battery Box
Other: Handmade Battery Top Cover
Paint
Sheet metal: Rustic Umber Multicolor Textured
Molding: None needed
Base coat: Primer
Graphics: None
Type: Rust-Oleum #239122
Frame: Powder Coated (Chocolate Brown)
Molding: None
Base coat: None
Type: I don’t know, Some kind of Powder?
Graphics or art: Brass Carved Tank Cover (Eagles In Fight) Acquired this piece, made it fit
Special effects: Could be if I’m going really fast!
Pinstriping: None
Wheels
Front
Make: Custom Chrome 40 Spoke Laced
Size: 3.5” x 16”
Brake calipers: TOKICO – Fab Kevin’s Builders Kit W/Stainless Brackets
Brake rotor(s): 99/H-D Chrome Stainless 2 Piece Front 11.5”, 2” hub
Tire: 130mm x 16” DUNLOP
Rear
Make: Custom Chrome 40 Spoke Laced
Size: 3.5” x 16”
Brake calipers: TOKICO – Fab Kevin’s Builders Kit W/Stainless Brackets
Brake rotor: 99/H-D Chrome Stainless 2 Piece Front 11.5”, 2” hub
Pulley: Sprocket – Dish Type, 51 Tooth, Chrome
Tire: 150mm x 16” DUNLOP
Controls
Foot controls: Supreme Legends USA, Premium Flat Top +2” Billet
Finish: Chrome Billet Aluminum
Master cylinders: FRONT – 9/16” Bore, REAR – 11/16” Bore
Brake lines: Custom Stainless, Braided (Barnett)
Handlebar controls: 2006 Harley Davidson
Finish: Chrome
Clutch Cable: Custom Stainless, Braided (Barnett)
Shifting: Handmade Shifter Linkage (Large Antique Wood Drill Bit) Powder Coated
Kickstand: H-D 2004 Softtail (new)
Electrical
Ignition: Crane Cam’s Fire Ball – HI 4 Single Fire Ignition
Ignition switch: Side Mount Elect. Box W/Key Switch, Chromed
Coils: Crane Cam – Single Fire
Regulator: Crane Cam
Charging: H-D 32 Amp
Wiring: Custom
Harness: Custom
Headlight: Tradewinds &’ Hi/Lo, Bradley Billet
Taillight: Iron Cross, L.E.D. Vertical mount
Accessory lights: Added a Bright Light Indicator mounted on Headlight, Natural light indicator
Electrical accessories: HORN
Switches: 2006 H-D Chrome
Battery: Drag Specialties, 310 cca, 12 volt High Performance
What’s Left
Seat: Handmade, Pan, Pad,& Cover (Blk. Leather) w/4” Springs
Mirror(s): 2 – H-D 2006
Gas caps: 1 – Chrome Vented
Handlebars: 16” Apes, 1 ¼” Bars, 2006 Chrome Hand Controls
Grips: V-Tech ISO
Pegs: Chrome, Ball Milled
Oil filter: Stock H-D
Oil cooler: None But, 30 MPH + works good
Oil lines: Blk Rubber Oil Lines
Fuel filter: EMGO W/Brass Filter Element
Fuel Lines: PINGEL High Flow Shut off Valve W/Res. W/Blk Rubber Gas Line
Throttle: 2006 H-D
Throttle cables: Custom Stainless (Barnett)
Fasteners: Stainless Steel, Grade 5’s, Grade 8’s
Specialty items:
Handmade Brass Risers 3”
Handmade Brass Primary Inspection Covers W/Brass accents
Handmade Shifter Linkage (Wood Drill Bit) turned out pretty cool
Handmade ½” Square Steel Sissy Bar W/Cross Insert, rimed with Brass accents — a bitch to get lined up & straight
Tag and Tail light Bracket W/Handmade Document holder (Brass)
Handmade Regulator Bracket (Stainless Steel)
Credits:I would like to thank the following companies and people for there support and products during this build and always remember: Buy American whenever possible.
1.Fabricator Kevin’s – Brakes, tag/taillight mount, and the laser-cut neck gusset he made for me. Kevin, your welds are works of art.
2.East Side Radiator Service, Holland, MI for the treatment inside the gas tank (not that white cream shit)
3.DMC Chops – For the handmade brass risers (awesome work)
4.Iron Eagle Motorcycles, Grand Rapids, MI for all the misc. parts needed. (Barb, Bimbo, Mike, and Taco,) Love you guys
5.Indian Larry Legacy – Gas tank and cool brass points cover
6.American Iron, Inc. – Grandville, MI – For the start up Dyno run & Tune.
7.Leather Express, Grand Rapids, MI – Donation of the fine black leather for the seat cover (616) 243-1441. Thanks, Bob
8.My wife, Jackie, for keeping the beer cold and putting up with my sometimes crabby ass.
9.Last but not least, Keith Randall Ball at Bikernet.com for allowing me to do this post.
Next Project: Full Restoration of a 1976 CB750 Honda (Did I just say that out loud?)
The Roland Sands Softail Code
By Bandit |
Leaning up against a scurvy bar in the Badlands I overheard one biker say to another, “Those rich fucks, like Arlen Ness…” I listened to his complaining, finished my Jack and ordered another one. I looked across the bar at the mirror behind the bottles of booze and wondered who that old fuck was in the reflection. I remember when Perry and Nancy Sands had a little bike shop in Long Beach. They were just a couple of bikers trying to make a living in this crummy little industry.
Arlen Ness started out delivering mail and building bikes in his garage. If it wasn't for his wife, Bev, he would have ran off, joined a Bay Area club, and gone to jail. It's the code of the west for a man to work hard, stick with his family and hopefully grow something good for his industry, family and community. Arlen stuck with the code and so did Perry and Nancy. Their shop opened in 1970 and I remember installing one of Perry's first disc brake systems on Kim Peterson's bike. He was just a cub reporter at Easyriders with a bobber/rat bike and we had to try out this new shit from Performance Machine.
Over the years, we tested and tried many Ness and Performance Machine components as both companies and families grew. While I ran from wife to wife, joined a club and partied with the best, Arlen and Perry stayed true to the code and passed solid family values on to their kids. Roland rode dirt bikes with Perry, stayed in school and ultimately came to Performance Machine to follow in his father's footsteps, designing custom components and building state-of-the-art bikes.
“I've been very fortunate to have the capabilities, a top-of-the-line machine shop, and all the PM resources at my back,” Roland said at his father's retirement party.
After spreading his wings and flying in lots of different custom directions, with many accolades at his back Roland shifted to reality-based products designed specifically for Softails, until recently the best selling Harley-Davidson.
“We wanted to build as bitchin a Softail as possible with high quality components at a good price,” said Roland. “We really tried to focus on the parts that mattered the most to make the thing look good. Not bolt-on pretty shit, but good shit.”
Over the last couple of years, Roland designed a sharp functional line of Softail-oriented components to add performance, style and individuality to a stock Softail. Once you roll through this feature, you'll find the entire product line at the end with descriptions. This way, you get to see the components in action and separately.
” RSD is constantly designing new products for not only Softails but full customs, baggers and everything else,” Roland added. “There really is no limit to what we build or what some of our products can be used for. Our handlebar line continues to grow, as well as some of our steel parts, fork braces, license plate brackets and more. Our new Ronin and Mission wheels will bolt on to just about any bike.”
This particular Softail was built by Jason, and engineer on the Roland Sands Design team. “Jason, my engineer wanted to build a bike out of our products for testing and because he could,” Roland said. “He's an engineer with a passion for design and motorcycles. He's got a good eye for simple design that lends itself to the way we build bikes. My whole crew is really involved in motorcycles, so it's not like we're a bunch of engineer types. We're really a bunch of enthusiasts who have found our way into bike building.”
There you have it. We have featured Roland's bikes in the past and I'm sure we will feature more innovative designs in the future.
“I'm just going in my own direction and doing what feels right. We are always building new stuff that's different.” Roland said. “You might see a Softail custom and CR 500 motocross bike turned into a café racer on the lift next to it. We have no category, we are our own category. My business model doesn't exist, so I really have no map laid out about what or how to do it. I just do it my way and hope it works. We've done all right so far.”
In the meantime RSD and Performance Machine are manufacturing some very classy components to help Softail owners build super-clean, tight looking customs.
Bike:
2005 Harley Davidson Night Train FXSTBI Fuel Injected (Love that black motor)
Front End:
Stock HD Triple Clamps Powder Coated Black
Stock HD Triple Clamps Powder Coated Black
Stock Showa Fork Lowers with fender mounts removed and powder coated black
Progressive Suspension 2″ lowering spring kit
New neck bearings and dust caps
Handlebars and Controls:
Stock Harley Davidson Brake Master, clutch levers, switch housings (all black)
Roland Sands Design Vintage Ape Hangers powder coated black and internally wired
Barnett Clutch Cable (New during build)
Barnett Throttle and Idle Cables (New during build)
Russel Stainless Steel Brake Line with midnight black coating
Performance Machine Contour Grips with Renthal Rubber
Engine and Intake:
Roland Sands Design Chrome Vintage Rocker Box Covers
Roland Sands Design Chrome Vintage Timing/Cam Cover
Roland Sands Design Venturi Air Cleaner (NEW RSD Product!!)
Wheels and Tires:
Roland Sands Design Domino Contrast Cut 21 X 3.5 Front Wheel
Metzeler ME880 120/70-21 Tire
Roland Sands Design Domino Contrast Cut 18 X 5.5 Rear Wheel
Metzeler ME880 200/55-18 Rear Tire
Pulley:
Roland Sands Design Domino Contrast Cut Pulley 20mm wide
Polished Stainless Steel 12point pulley bolts
Brakes:
Performance Machine 4 piston differential bore black anodized caliper front
Roland Sands Design 11.5″ Domino front Rotor contrast cut
Performance Machine 4 piston rear brake caliper black anodized
Roland Sands Design 11.5″ Domino Rear Rotor contrast cut
polished stainless steel 12 point rotor bolts
Exhaust:
Roland Sands Design/ Vance and Hines Tracker 2 into 1 pipe ceramic coated.
Sheet Metal:
Roland Sands Design Fuel Injected Fuel Tank and backbone cover
Roland Sands Design “Gas It” fuel injection kit (Relocates pump to bottom of the tank)
Roland Sands Design Springer seat kit with battery cover
Roland Sands Design Fender and Chrome Strut kit for 200mm softails
Rear Suspension:
Progressive Suspension Chrome Adjustable Softail shocks
Upper Motor Mount:
Roland Sands Design Vintage Upper Motor Mount (relocates coil and eliminates horn)
Lighting:
Harley Davidson Headlight powder coated black body
Performance Machine Taillight/Turn Signals/license bracket.
Battery:
Yuasa (New)
Paint:
Chris Wood at AirTrix Industries
Amazing silver metal flake with deep black base, hand laid Harley Davidson graphics and pin striping.
Chris is an awesome artist and is the painter for some of the best builders around, Roland Sands, Matt Hotch, etc…
www.airtrix.com
Seat/Leather:
RSD solo seat pan
Leather by Roberti Customs in Texas
hand tooled red leather top with alligator underside!
Amazing work!!
www.roberticustoms.com
To view Video, Click Link Below! http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/tied0028/?action=view¤t=Softailridingphotos059.flv
CONTRAST CUT FORGED ALUMINUM PULLEYS– Just like the Roland Sands Design aluminum wheels, these forged aluminum pulleys feature RSD's exclusive Contrast Cut finish. The polished pulley has been black-anodized, then CNC-machined to a contrast cut. The precision-shaped tooth profile is designed to fit the belt perfectly, and teeth are now hard anodized for longer wear. Both the Domino and Judge pulleys are a perfect match to Roland Sands' Vintage Softail conversion parts. Diesel also comes in a chrome version.
All pulleys (except '00-'06 Softail pulleys) are interchangeable for all years and come with a special adapter, which allows the pulley to fit 1.95″, 2.22″ and 2.50″ o.d. hub flanges. All applications require mounting bolts to be purchased separately. Proudly made in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine.
GAS IT FUEL INJECTION KIT– This kit allows the use of wild custom fuel tanks on '01-'05 fuel-injected Delphi models. It relocates stock fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter and fuel level sending unit to the underside of fuel tank (not included). The kit includes steel weld-in plate, 3.75″ x 8″ aluminum manifold, all hardware and instructions. The tank bottom must be relatively flat to accommodate port installation. The kit requires vented tank or vented gas cap. Custom fabrication is required. Made in the U.S.A.
Designed for use with 2001-2005 Delphi Fuel Injection components specifically the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel level sending unit, and main electrical connector. RSD “Gas It” kit is compatible with 2006-2007 Delphi Fuel Injection Systems with use of the 2005 and earlier fuel level sending unit and by converting the main connector plug to the 2005 and earlier plug (connector is supplied in the RSD kit). Installation on 2001-2005 Twin cam models is as easy as “plug and play.”
NOSTALGIA TOP MOTOR MOUNT– The polished stainless steel mount is a direct replacement for stock mounts. It relocates the stock coil to the top motor mount. The mount works with both carbureted and fuel-injected models. All mounting hardware is included. Made in the U.S.A.
NOTE: Horn must be relocated.
11.5″ AND 13″ TWO-PIECE BRAKE ROTORS– Featuring Contrast Cut, Chrome and Polished aluminum carriers with 420 stainless steel outer bands, these brake rotors are CNC-machined to complement Roland Sands Contrast Cut wheels. The rotors come with a spacer for use on 84-08 wheels, and the wide rear wheels require special rotors with a 2.50″ i.d. flange. 11.5” rotors available in Chrome and Contrast Cut finish. 13” rotors offered in Contrast Cut and Polished finish. Proudly made in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine.
NOTE: Will fit 84-99 applications if used in conjunction with PM calipers.
ONE-PIECE CONTRAST CUT ALUMINUM WHEELS– Roland Sands Designs Contrast Cut finish is unlike anything else on the market. It starts with a polished wheel, and then PM black anodizes it and re-cuts the wheel on the CNC machine to open up the design. The newly machined area is left raw for an aggressive, eye-catching style that's turning heads everywhere. Now available in three styles including the NEW Diesel and Diesel chrome that feature a contour lip design for a graceful arc from spoke to tire.. Available in both stock and wide sizes. Proudly made in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine.
NOTE: Custom rear wheels require the use of rotors and pulleys with a 2.50″ i.d. flange
NOTE: V-Rod wheels only work with Performance Machine calipers and RSD rotors.
NOSTALGIA ROCKER BOX COVERS– Like the timing cover, these rocker box covers have been CNC machined from a forged aluminum blank, then brilliantly chrome plated. Sold as a pair, the covers include all hardware.
NOSTALGIA TIMING COVER– This timing cover is CNC machined from a forged aluminum blank, then brilliantly chrome plated. Includes all mounting hardware.
VENTURI AIR CLEANER– This Venturi Air Cleaner features a five-spoke exposed filter design that enhances air flow for more power plus built-in internal crank case breathers. The backing plate also promotes smooth airflow into the carburetor/throttle body. Available in both chrome and Contrast Cut finishes. The Contrast Cut finish starts with a polished air cleaner that has been black anodized, then re-cut to open up the design. Includes high-volume K&N air filter and mounting hardware. Made in the U.S.A.
VINTAGE GAS TANK CONVERSION KITS– This steel tank rests on a clever tunnel that hides the OEM wiring and holds the stock ignition switch to deliver a clean look. Available for carbureted or fuel-injected models, these kits feature a steel backbone cover. The fuel-injection tank includes a RSD “Gas It” fuel injection kit that installs with simple hand tools and no fabrication is required. Gas tanks hold three gallons of fuel. Made in the U.S.A.
1″ VINTAGE AND VINTAGE SHORT STACK HANDLEBARS– Add period-style bobber ape-hanger handlebars to your ride. Inspired by the Roland Sands Design custom dubbed El Borracho, these handlebars are available with chrome, black powder-coat or raw finishes. The chrome and black powder-coated bars are knurled, slotted and drilled for internal wiring; the raw handlebars are knurled, but not drilled or slotted. Standard bars have 3 1/2″ on-center knurling; Springer bars have 4 3/4″ on-center knurling. All the handlebars feature removable chrome billet end caps. Made in the U.S.A.
VINTAGE REAR FENDER CONVERSION KITS– These kits are designed to be used on OEM frames over any rear wide swingarm kit. They include both billet fender struts and steel fender. All mounting hardware included. 200mm fender measures approximately 9″ W. 240mm fender measures approximately 10.5″ W. Made in the U.S.A.
NOTE: Requires the fender supports to be cut off of stock chassis.
VINTAGE SEAT CONVERSION KITS– Add a period-style bobber seat to your venerable Softail. These seat kits are inspired by the Softail conversion Roland Sands Design created and dubbed El Borracho. The seat kit includes fiberglass battery cover, billet seat pivot, steel seat supports, seat springs and steel seat pan. It is designed to seamlessly fit with the RSD gas tank kit and 200mm or 240mm fender kits. The seat pan kit and seat spring/mount kit are also available separately. All necessary mounting hardware included. Made in the U.S.A.
RSD 2-INTO-1 TRACKER EXHAUST SYSTEM BY VANCE & HINES–We’ve teamed up with industry pioneer Vance & Hines to introduce a stylized, black ceramic 2-into-1 exhaust system for Softail owners. The Tracker Exhaust fuses RSD styling and design with Vance & Hines performance and racing technology. The pipes feature a high temperature black ceramic coating that will not chip or flake. The detailed and drilled chrome heat shields feature the V&H logo and the RSD brand mark is CNC-machined into the billet exhaust tip. Black has never been so beautiful.
