Sucker Punch Sally Build

A SPS book for every build.

Even though this is a production Sucker Punch Sally custom, they know just how to add that traditional old school twist like no other production company on the planet. It’s not a hugely complicated custom bike, but Sucker Punch Sally's team still spends a tremendous time making sure everything is manufactured and assembled perfectly. They don't just slap a bunch of parts together and hope everything turns out OK.

For many bikers the Tradition began with a Panhead.

Each element and request is documented.

They begin with a build book for each customer’s dream scooter. In every case a few modifications need to be made to the frames, including fork stops and seat mounts, modifications that SPS handles in order to make their bikes unique and easy to maintain.

This is a cool tool to hold the string dead center.

Alignment is everything.

After they mount the seat, they make sure everything is lined up front to back by using a guide string pulled securely along the backbone of the frame to ensure the front and rear tires are aligned with the center of the frame.

Then it's on to using a straight edge to make sure the rear sprocket is aligned with the driveline.

In most cases the forward rear fender mount must to be fabricated to insure proper alignment with the rear tire, and the nut is then welded to the inside of the fender for easy installation. Rear fender mounting involves the size and shape of the tire, clearance for belt or chain and rear brakes. Plus the pulleys or sprockets must be perfectly aligned.

Jeff uses 3/8 oil line tubing to set the distance from the fender to the tire. This would generally be handled at the front of the chain adjustment.

While Jeff checks fender alignment, Donnie rebuilds motors.

He uses a couple more chunks of 3/8-inch oil hose to space the sides of the fender. Some fenders are cut for belts and chain, but it needs to be checked from the sides and from the top.

Now he’s getting serious.

Fender tabs tacked into place.

Cutting the material for the fender struts.

Here’s the simple handmade fender struts ready to rock.

Time to cut the fender to size or length.

From there they move on to tack welding the front tank mounts. Tank mounts involve thinking about the swing of the forks. Don’t need to dent that precious flame job with the trees. The builder needs to make sure the tank or tanks clear the engine, that the petcock will align with the with the carb without the gas line banging into the rear sparkplug. There needs to be frame clearance, so the vibrating backbone doesn’t wear a hole in the tank. Plus styling and seat thoughts must go into the planning before the mounts are tacked.

Jeff tacking the front tank mount.

A man who loves building bikes. Notice how he positioned the tank to keep it level and just at the right height.

Done deal.

Here’s a seat spring catch welded to the frame. Not only are sprung seats traditional, but they make a lot of sense, unless you want to chew rigid frame gum every time you ride.

With a rigid, it is important to make sure the welds are extremely solid and will not break with long, hard miles. As you can see, a lot of care is put into making sure that the welds are penetrating. These bikes are meant to be ridden. They are light and agile and a breeze to ride.

Sucker Punch Sally Bikes Represent the True Chopper Style and Roots.

Some manufacturing required, from tank and seat mounts to wheel spacers.

Next they check the alignment again just to make sure all the clearances are proper. The VIN tag is welded to the frame, making it easy for any SPS owner to insure and register their new bike. T

The man installing the official SPS Vin. This is a manufactured bike, and official Sucker Punch Sally.

Joe and Dave installing the engine over bare frame mounts, clean of any paint, for a good ground.

The motor is installed first, and then the tranny and belt drive. This is just the mock-up process. After everything is checked and re-checked for clearance and alignment, the bike is torn down and components are sent to powder coat and a fantastic painter.

Final mocked up SPS before chrome and paint.

Classic frame ready for powder.

Then the final build is put together and it's Miller time. If you think you might want a quick, agile, simple machine check out SPS online at www.suckerpunchsallys.com.

The crowning touch to any SPS Custom.

This is a cursory glance at one SPS build. Jeff and Donnie were chained to their benches over a decade ago. They have taken the traditional chopper build to a new level, with refined electronics and manufacturing processes to turn a classic into a reliable putt anyone would be proud to own.

I wish I could explain what these bikes represent to me. They speak of the first customs in the ‘40s and ‘50s, classic styling, with updated components to afford us the old with the new. Nothing is as fun to ride, easy to handle or makes us grow evil fangs like a highbar Sucker Punch. And don’t forget the girls…

Nothing is more American than a Sucker Punch Sally Ride. We’ll maybe…