Jonathan’s Big Twin

Jonathan’s Big Twin

I got this bike through a trade and knew it had to have a slightly modern twist because of the black motor. I prefer bikes with a natural aluminum finish that is conducive to vintage styling. Originally the bike was going to be a Vicla chopper but, with other looming bike builds and shows in the near future, I decided on a board track-inspired bike to cut down on some fabrication! I wanted to do a springer but came across Chassis Design’s front ends. Super trick stuff, to trick for me! But they are literally down the street from me so I figured I would stop in and see if they could do a one off for me. I love using covered shocks on my builds and had them fab a single-rail girder instead of a dual rail. They also machined the front, now rear wheel to accept the bigger bolts of a pulley. This company deserves a lot of credit because the front end is the star of the bike and because they are manufacturing parts for other builders and companies. I used a section of fender left over from another build and fabbed fender struts out of bungs and wrought iron railing pieces. I also fabbed a center stand out of the same type of pieces for show purposes. That way the bike is upright giving it that board tracker in waiting stance along with showing off the front end. I fabbed a few other little things here and there but nothing major. 

One of the first things I typically do to my bikes, is cut out the factory wiring harness. I simplify it and use the asphalt-coated cloth loom to give the bike more vintage appeal. I also use shrink tubes extensively on the wiring and loom to cover any colors and keep dirt and moisture out. I like to use the ignition switches that start like a car to also simplify and cut down on wiring. You just have to remember that it is now the kill switch if something were to go wrong!

I designed the paint scheme by first doing sketches and then laying it out with masking tape to get the shapes and proportions I wanted. I also played with colors in my minds eye visualizing different colors paired with the olive green that I wanted. American Modified in Fontana did an amazing job laying the color and Cal Signs and Graphix in Perris did an incredible job with the gold leaf and black stripes. But once I saw the paint and set the seat I had for it beside it, I knew it wasn’t a match. I promptly ordered another seat and it arrived a few days before the show and was perfect for the bike. 

With bike shows approaching, rainy weather, and holidays were slowing down the powder and ceramic coating. I got powder coat back 4 days before the Easyriders Bike Show and the pipes back 2 days before the show! I literally tightened the last bolt, pushed the bike outside, gassed it up and rode 52 miles to Long Beach just making the check in time! I didn’t even have time to detail the bike but still took first place in the street custom class! People tell me I should get a trailer to haul the bikes and I do have a pick-up but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I just have to ride it! On the way home from the show, I lost my wallet somewhere on the freeway when it fell out of my pocket! These things will happen when you only sleep a few hours a night!

The next two weeks I worked out a few bugs and took it to the Grand National Roadster Show where I received first place in the North American  Manufactured class. 

Riding this bike is a blast! The front end makes this bike handle in a very precise and quick manner. It does not feel like a big lumbering cruiser, it feels very race like and agile. With the gleams of light coming off the chrome shocks, brass risers, and paint scheme, the vibe is so regal and timeless that it makes me both sad and satisfied when the ride ends.