Ducati Monster Forum

It’s finally done.

A few shots of my latest project bike, which has taken the better part of ten years of on-again, off-again tinkering. This bike has followed me through two job losses, a major move, sporadic spells of not giving a shit whatsoever, countless other projects, and the loss of my Dad, who introduced me to bikes when I was a kid and unfortunately never got to see the end product.

I started slowly compiling parts for this thing starting back in 2000 (swap meets and eBay were the source for most of the raw material, hours were spent scouring for just the right bits), when I bought the frame and rear wheel. That rear wheel, by the way, is a Halibrand spindle-mount unit, which were typically used on fronts of gasser drag cars in the late ‘50s and ‘60s running late ‘30s Ford straight axles; a bit of head scratching and machining was necessary to adapt and use it on a bike. That wheel was the source for plenty of consternation through the course of the build, necessitating plenty of mods to the rear section of the frame, not to mention a lot of custom parts.

The bike is dead simple at first glance, but there are dozens of one-off bits, many of which can hardly be seen (or can't be altogether). Lots of hours scrutinizing and changing things in the interest of minimizing superfluous items. It's one you have to look at a while to really catch everything.

The bike’s format/direction (I hate the word “theme” due to a certain TV show) changed three times during the decade of piddling, but the frame and rear wheel remained constant. The look and general feel of the final iteration was to be that of the classic ‘60s fuel dragster, crossed with a period rigid chopper.

Power is via a 93” panhead/shovelhead hybrid, for something a little visually different (and that pans are the coolest looking H-D engine, IMO) not to mention interesting to piece together. Just a 4-speed with a kicker, all you really need. There's nowhere to hide it so I wanted the wiring intentionally visible and it's all woven cloth-jacketed, hand laced with cord instead of taking the easy way out with plastic zip ties.

The funky, color-shifting metalflake was expertly applied by our very own ducpainter – it’s incredible in the sunlight, changing from bronze to gold to green to blue to purple. I had intended on some subtle, fine hand striping on the top of the tank and fender, but many beers later I think it’s best left simple.

Hope you dig it. I know ducpainter and Stu have for quite some time.  :)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0919Image0001.jpg)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0919Image0005.jpg)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0919Image0007.jpg)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0919Image0004.jpg)

 [clap] [clap] [clap]

Nice work Dave.

Awesome  [evil]  I love me some Panheads.  [thumbsup]

Most excellent  [thumbsup]
Pretty much what I've had in mind for some years now as what I would attempt to build on my own if I ever find the time.

WOW!

That looks really beautiful!   [thumbsup]

I just watched a build that looked very similar, the build bike had a completely rigid rear end (no springs under the seat). And speaking of springs, I love me some springer front end! Great job!

Awesome [thumbsup]

The pan is one of the most beautiful motors, really great work.

Nice work [thumbsup]

A few of the neater detail shots (still getting used to this particular camera):

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0920Image0002.jpg)

Astute folks will note the air cleaner - newer S&S units say "Super" instead of "Cycle" and are chrome. They quit making the "Cycle" lettered cover in 1975.

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0920Image0005.jpg)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0920Image0007.jpg)

(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2010_0920Image0003.jpg)

Beautiful detail.  [thumbsup]  That air cleaner is sweet. They never should have stopped making them.

SICK.

I notice your running a sprocket brake. Who did you go with?

It's an Exile setup.

Exile makes some trick parts.  [evil]

That thing is awesome!  [bow_down] [bow_down]

Indeed.

Russell Mitchell is a pretty cool guy. I bought the sprocket brake setup (and the front rotor) from him directly, back before the custom bike shows became the rage. Interesting guy to talk to, and he seemed to have a genuine interest in customers' projects.

That.


Is.


make the beast with two backsin'.


S.


I.


C.


K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great work my friend!  Simply great work.  [thumbsup] [moto] [clap] [bow_down] [drool]

I epecially like how the front wheel is laced.

Curious about the front end.  Looks like a custom springer setup. 


+11tyb to Stu's comment   [drool]

very nicely done.  I've always had dreams about building a bobber like that.  I'm a mechanical idiot so for me it's simply a dream at this point.  :'(

The springer is an aftermarket unit, two inches over stock. From what I've been able to gather it's a Paughco piece.

One of the few things that went on more or less as it came out of the box, other than tearing it down for powdercoat...

I have a an S&S 'Cycle' cover on my '77 Ironhead. Must have sat on the shelf for a while before it got picked up  [laugh]

Looks great, reminds me a lot of my old Sporty in general shape alone. Everything else is leaps and bounds above that old rattle trap. Great work.

I'd lower the headlight, but what the make the beast with two backs do I know?