Friday, April 15

Stripper

So, having just got the bike back from Benny, I had the chance to sit and look at it for a while this morning before getting out on the road. It isn't a chopper, it isn't radical, but it reflects a time and a style I've long been fascinated with. I've had the bike nearly two years (as bought, top) and it's finally fulfilling the role I saw for it as a rideable bike with a "60s hooligan" feel.

If you remember, inspiration was always Jack Nicholson's stripped Panhead in 'Hells Angels on Wheels' and though my bike looks nothing like it, it's captured something of the essence of what I love about that movie motorcycle. I like those early LIFE mag HA shots, where the bikes retain their stock geometry (even down to some with fatbobs and stock FL bars) but the Bates seats and 21" front rims have started to appear.

Matt Davis gave me the mufflers off his Panhead. Benny gave me that Triumph headlight – and made the sissy bar and pipes with Zip. The Roth scoop was gifted to me by Dr Sprocket, and the rear tyre by my dear brother Adam. I worked on Leedog for six months to persuade him to sell me the seat. Pete S and Johnny R (RIP) were always happy to offer valued advice and practical help.

Thanks fellas. It gives this bike value way beyond its worth in cash.

Gonna put some more good miles on the '52 this summer.

12 comments:

NoBBi said...

Looking great..
have a good ride!!

KEYSERBRAIN said...

GREAT BIKE GUY
READY FOR LINKERT UK ...
CHEERS
LORAN

David Bond said...

Very nice, also my favorite style...

magua said...

My goodness,thats a fine looking machine, the front end is perfect! Enjoy it!

Leedog said...

Haha,sweet,see you soon,xxx

KNUCKLE BUSTER 1939 said...

I enjoyed watching you go through the process...I had my concerns as you went through some of the iterations but the final product is a true representation of the look and feel you describe...early 60's Hooligan! Spot On...

jimmy monk said...

Well sharp,
your welcome home run, liquid lunch and solo burn home...
Panhead Glory.

Pete Stansfield said...

Looks the business, always happy to help.

23bricks said...

Bet your lighter than air on those skinny rims... Looking good to go

DicE Magazine said...

sexy sex

Watasha said...

Beautiful, so well done, Congrats

Steve Plowman said...

looks Ace Guy 8)