He looked to Rick's Motorcycles for what was then a monstrous 18x9.5-inch rear wheel, as well as the 17x3-inch front. The Purple People Eater was going to be one of the first bikes in Europe to have a 250mm Avon tire. In order to keep the clean lines on the rear wheel, Peter had Rick's and Fred Kodlin help him create an inboard brake system that hides the brake behind the CCI pulley and H-D final beltdrive.
Peter knew he could make almost everything he needed, but he also knew it would require more time, so he opted to use some aftermarket parts such as Yaffe mirrors, Arlen Ness hand controls, a Dakota Digital speedometer mounted on the rocker cover, and a Hella taillight. He was up to the task of machining the pegs and shifters for the foot controls, and incorporated existing parts from a set of HPU components.
To get a beefy frontend matching the stance of this European V-Twin rocket, Peter looked to Ceriani in Italy to provide an inverted front fork to handle the potholes. An H-D Evolution motor, beefed up with an S&S 88-inch Sidewinder kit, as well as an S&S carb with a Fred Kodlin air-cleaner cover, provides power for the People Eater. The exhaust is handled by a pair of Martin Bros. pipes, giving this mean machine a sound to match its looks.
As soon as the bike was available for mock-up, Peter started to pound out all the sheetmetal. Because he needed the long fuel tank to follow the arc of the backbone, and the tank would be molded into the frame by only metal, he had to make sure all the seams were perfect. Peter worked the hidden oil bag into the frame and under the seat, incorporating the rear fender, one of the most intricate parts of the build because of the amount of fabrication work and metal molding for the seat. Peter also did a lot of round-rod work on the rear fender to accentuate the tips and to hold the handmade seat pan in place.
"I want to set a trend in the industry with fresh new designs, and I think my next bike will make an even bigger statement," said Peter from his new garage in Port Charlotte, FL. It's hard to look at this bike and comprehend the fact that it was built in a two-car garage. It was obviously a very well-equipped two-car garage, and when Peter was asked about his facility, he told us that they have a full machine shop. He only has to send out powdercoat, chrome, and paint; everything else is done in-house.
It's obvious that Peter has extensive fabrication experience and an understanding of mechanics and engineering, but it is impressive and inspiring to think that this rolling piece of European artwork was created in a 24x28 garage. Be sure to look out for Peter's next build, which is rumored to include a 145-inch motor, a Magna Charger, and lots of hand-fabricated parts.