For the build we used a super cool extended tank from Paul Yaffe Originals and a 3-inch frame drop kit from FBI with new side covers. Danny and I molded the two products together before carving a body line down the bike to match up to the Arlen Ness extended bags we used. Not wanting standard bag fillers, I built them into the saddlebags to match up more seamlessly with our rear fender. Dave from Dave Ames Upholstery came up with a redesign on the FBI drop seat that lended a custom look and really fit the bike well. We used a set of Legacy wheels from Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation for style. These aren't your average three-spoke tribal wheels, the machining time is outrageous. They were a perfect touch to a classy bike like this one.
As with all last minute builds, there's always a glitch. Usually the builder gets a break around paint time, not here. With Danny doing a large portion of the prep and final wet sanding, I laid down the copper base with some added chrome flakes. Then I added a few more flakes with some layers of tangerine kandy. Just because you don't paint for over a decade doesn't mean you take the easy way out, right?
When it came time to put the bike together, we got some help from our good friend, "Whitey." Whitey was that extra man turning the wrenches that really made it all possible. After getting bumped up to 103ci by Eastside H-D, the motor fired on first push of the button and it was off to another rally.
So do you think we got a break after that? Nope, that wouldn't be for another two weeks. After putting in a 30-hour push to get the bike completed, we took a four-hour nap and then went back to the shop to service the bikes we were going to ride to Sturgis for our first real father and son road trip. After 10 days of vending we spent another few days riding to California for the wedding reception Sandra and I had no time to have before Sturgis. I guess it pays to have a wife who is as dedicated and passionate about the motorcycle industry and business as I am.
So, you want to own your own business now? Nine to five is only the amount of hours of sleep you can expect to lose in that scenario!