Cyril Huze Blog » Frames

Replacement Frame For Road King

Cyril Huze — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:54:39 +0000

Part of their current series of replacement frames Paughco is now offering this precision fit frame for Road King. It’s a perfect replacement for stock 1998 and up FLT frames. The Paughco FLT chassis comes with 28° rake and accepts Twin Cam 88 and Evolution engines with matching touring model transmissions.

It is also designed to accept all the stock factory sheet metal, fork assembly, rear suspension and other hardware. Pricing for the Paughco FLT frames is set at $1995.95. For complete details visit Paughco.

Paughco 45 Bobber/Chopper Frame

Cyril Huze — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:50:01 +0000

This awesome new frame from Paughco will allow you to build yourself a very cool chopper using that ole 45-incher that’s been serving as a door stop for the past few of decades. Better yet the new Paugho 45 frame allows you to toss that old 3-speed and replace it with a 74 4-speed. The new bare frame retails for right around $1000.00, and that includes offset 4-speed tranny plate. The frame is set up for BDL belt or chain drive and can be ordered separately or with a host of optional accessories like the Paughco Springer, wheels, tanks and fenders shown here. With that in mind make sure you ask the salesman about a complete roller. You’ll be surprised at just how affordable one of these rides can be. Certainly would make a sweet father and son project or cool putter for shop or enthusiast. Probably shouldn’t sleep on this one as the new Paughco “45” BOBBER frame is certain to be in big demand. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or catch the entire line-up at Paughco.

Troubadour Gas Tank Now Sold By Fat Katz

Cyril Huze — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:45:16 +0000

Don Baumunk, President of Fat Katz Inc, a leader in high quality steel gas tanks and fenders, just informed me that he purchased the “Troubadour” gas tank tooling from Independent Gas Tank Company . You will now be able to purchase very sleek “Troubadour” gas tanks in various widths and lengths directly from Fat Katz Inc. The Troubadour and Trendsetter are available starting at $795.00. I remind you that Fat Katz is also doing one-off gas tanks and fenders for truly unique projects. Fat Katz 877-432-8528.

Ready To Assemble Racing Chassis

Cyril Huze — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:35:24 +0000

US Choppers is producing a chassis named “Factory Race Platform” reminiscent of motorcycles from the mid teens. Using it as a base you can build a vintage looking bike or a modern custom showing its heritage. Of course this chassis is hand crafted for precision fit, with in mind strength and durability on the road . Available with matching 1915 combo gas /oil tanks as well as a battery/stash box behind the seat post. The frame fit any big twin motor and transmission back to 1936, except Shovelheads. Offered by US Choppers

Custom Frame. You Think It. Rolling Thunder Makes It Right.

Cyril Huze — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:43:17 +0000

Like me you have seen (hope not experienced) too many beautiful bad/dangerous custom motorcycle frames. Too often, very good ideas turn into disasters because frame integrity is sacrificed for creativity. You don’t improvise yourself motorcycle frame manufacturer. Bring your ideas, but let the pros produce them. A few years ago, when frame expert Rolling Thunder Frames saw volume production demands decrease, its managers recognized the importance of adapting their manufacturing to offer an expanded choice of frame styles above and beyond the usual. Today Rolling Thunder has probably the largest line of true custom frames in numerous styles and configurations, and is one of the few experts accepting to work with you, your drawings and sketches to create your perfect custom frame. Rolling Thunder will propose 3D drawings, email you CAD files so that you can see your frame the exact way it will be produced, not only unique and beautiful, but guaranteed for structural integrity.
As illustrated in these pictures the customer vision was to combine ‘board tracker style’ with modern day technology. He wanted the frame to incorporate a 4 quart oil tank and Rolling Thunder did it by boxing in the neck area and passing the oil lines down the front loop and coming out just below the motor cases. The reverse radius seat side rails allows for a minimal seat area and showcases the spring seat design. In addition he also wanted his axle plates centered with the neck for a totally symmetrical look. Got ideas for a new custom frame? Call Spencer or Sammy on my behalf at (450) 699 7045 or visit first Rolling Thunder Manufacturing.

Paughco Single Down Tube Frames.

Cyril Huze — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:25:31 +0000

Paughco is one of the oldest manufacturers of custom and replacement frames for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They offer now single down tube configuration for their stock & wide tire rigid frames. Shown here is the Sportster version coming complete with your choice of straight or curved 1 ¾” down tube, 1 ¾” backbone, hidden axles and Chopper neck for 1” bearings. Custom build to each order the frame with single down tube and hidden axle assembly starts around $1500. The standard double down tube chassis, which is available with stock or custom rake and stretch starts at just $1203.95. For complete details go to Paughco.

Single-Sided Swingarm. Oil Tank Incorporated.

Cyril Huze — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:35:12 +0000

You know that there is not sleek bike without building it from a great frame. What about the swingarm which I consider an inherent part of the frame? Ever tempted, but afraid, by the idea to use a single-sided swingarm? Well, this post to give you a great source to install one either on any stock B-Motor Harley-Davidson or of course any radical custom built. For custom use, the single-sided swingarm incorporates the oil tank directly in the arm, oil filter and cap included. I told you. Very sleek and not so difficult to install, especially with the advice of the experts at Rolling Thunder Call Sam or Spencer on by behalf at: 450-699-7045 or visit Rolling Thunder Frames.

West Coast Choppers Exotic CFL II Chassis

Cyril Huze — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:18:18 +0000

Remember that exotic CFLII chassis Jesse James used on his bright crowd stopper red bike a while back? You know the one with the radical monocoque look. Well, West Coast Choppers is now making a limited number of these unique frames available to consumers. Actually they are being offered in a kit form with a number of unique components included in the package. Each CFL II chassis kit comes as shown with frame, 3-piece oil bag, 1” axle, billet sliders, stainless axle nuts, adjustable quick release seat pan, stainless neck badge, integrated battery tray and hold down and kick stand bracket. The futuristic triple box gusset frame with step over head tube is designed for 200 rubber, accepts EVO engines to 124”, and features an adjustable seat set up and 0 up with 1” out and 35° neck rake configuration. For complete details call 562-983-6666 or go to West Coast Choppers.

Rolling Thunder Rubber Mount Frame Series

Cyril Huze — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:05:38 +0000

You all know that a rubber-mounted engine gives you the most comfortable riding experience. You can go to a Harley Dealer and buy one of their rubber mounted engine bikes. But since you are going to customize it (drop seat, fat tire, more rake, more stretch anyone?) maybe you are better off building your own bike using a radical rubber-mounted frame. Rolling Thunder offers a rubber-mounted series of 4 frames (Bagger, FXR, Sportster, Dyna styles) that you can order in almost any configuration, from stock geometry to any rake, stretch, up stretch, size of rear wheel, left or right side drive., etc. The beauty of building a custom bike is that it’s just that: Custom To You. That’s why Rolling Thunder offers a tremendous variety of options. Trust my own experience, they can build almost any frame following your wish list. Rolling Thunder Frames.

From The Mind Of Rick Fairless. The Bettie Frame.

Cyril Huze — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:49:39 +0000

You knew Rick Fairless ultra custom bike named “Bettie”. Now discover the innovative frame that Rick used to build it. Not the average frame for the average project. This one-of-a-kind frame is now available and will help you build a very radical bike without having to fabricate any body sheet metal. As you can see, Bettie is a design fusion of the frame/gas tank/oil tank. It is constructed from custom bent .120 six inch tubing that has been sectioned to contain both the oil and the gas in the same tube. A 2″ dead air space insulates the oil tank from the gas tank. It is conceived to carry an 18″ x 300 rear tire on a rigid frame,. “Bettie” comes with rear axle and axle covers, and is also available in a Softail frame version. Specifications are: 3 inch out- 1 up, 45-degree rake, neck height is 19”, rear wheel 18” x 300, front wheel 21”, transmission setup is right side drive, and overall frame length is 71.5”. More info by calling 214-357-0707 or visit Strokers Dallas.

Rolling Thunder Sweet Amber Softail Chassis Kit.

Cyril Huze — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:02:53 +0000

Many of you don’t wish or are not expert at welding and prefer an all-in-one sheet metal chassis where everything is setup correctly in advance by the manufacturer. No more head ache with steel twisting after each round of weld (frame/fender/gas tank). No more nervous breakdown trying to align and or/offset your drive line. But you still want your bike to look like a one-off. So, to help you win the challenge of “I can build it in my garage and make it right the 1st time”, the craftsmen at Rolling Thunder produced a new all inclusive Softail chassis called “Sweet Amber” (I know the story behind the name and they will explain to you if you buy one!). It’s setup for a 250 to 360mm rear tire size, Right Side Drive (of course), with the oil tank built into the frame (cool), a battery tray below the seat area, and a mounted rear fender (no guessing where it should be). In addition, it comes with a proprietary Rolling Thunder’s radius one piece gas tank, and includes the choice of 2″ tubing, thereby reducing vibration for those using large motors. It is available in any configuration and designed for all motors, including a 145’ in either Evolution, Twin Cams and the new S&S X-Wedge. See it and many others at Rolling Thunder Frames. Or call on my behalf Sam or Spencer at 450-699-7045.

Rolling Thunder Custom Motorcycle Frames

Cyril Huze — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:36:40 +0000

During these last weeks you commented a lot about frame welding and integrity. When talking about quality frames, you even mentioned Rolling Thunder Manufacturing as an example of a company producing strong and reliable frames. They use CMM which stands for “Coordinate Measuring Machine” , to verify that all of their products are accurate within 0.0005 of an inch. Rolling Thunder is a leader in the custom frame building motorcycle after- market and they offer dozens of options allowing you to uniquely customize the frame you want. On their website you can “build” your frame by type of engine, size of rear wheel, motor style, downtube and backbone stretch/bends, tube and axle diameter and even neck style. Quite unique in the industry. They also offer a wide assortment of accessories including oil tanks, handlebars, fender struts and a very cool Springer front end. All bases are covered. I found this little clip to give you an idea about the company, and if you are looking for a custom frame for your next build , I recommend you pay them an online visit. Rolling Thunder Frames.

A 250 MM Wide Tire Bagger Done Right

Cyril Huze — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:45:51 +0000

When 2 of the best of our industry work together, you get innovative solutions opening new avenues for the customization of our bikes. The objective that Rolling Thunder Frames and Baker Drivetrain wanted to reach was to offer an easy process to build a radical good looking, well balanced and comfortable 250 mm rear tire bagger. While keeping most of your OEM parts, and especially your OEM VIN#, the wide ride will make the drones of stock baggers seem quite modest. This wide tire kit will provide the toughest of looks for most any dresser, while the right side-drive allows the correct balance and performance for a safe ride. A 1.5” longer wheelbase keeps the geometry proportionate and the rubber-mounted design will keep the wide bike rolling smooth as a touring bike should. How can you achieve this? The first option is to send your OEM frame directly to Rolling Thunder Mfg, where they quickly, seamlessly, and professionally modify your frame to fit the 250mmRSD styling. Your modified frame is then sent back to you together with your new transmission. Another option is to simply purchase a brand new 250mm RSD Bagger frame package from Rolling Thunder, in any of the Evo, Twin Cam A or even Twin Cam B configurations which will include the appropriate Baker transmission to get you that special custom ride. How is it possible? Baker Drivetrain provides an industry’s first proprietary modular RSD transmission that allows a Softail primary configuration, the Baker FFP wet primary, the BAKER SBD belt drive or any 3rd party Softail primary. More information at 450-699-7045 or at Rolling Thunder Frames.

The Return Of Independent Gas Tank Company.

Cyril Huze — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:12:35 +0000

I was glad to learn that founder of Independent Gas Tank Company Kyle Krejci is back in business. After a deal to sell his company fell through last year, Kyle took a one year break and is now back in Gilbert, Arizona, where he restarted producing his handcrafted 16-gauge cold rolled steel tank and 14-gauge steel fenders. As other builders I have collaborated several times with Kyle on some of my custom projects and I am certain that the v-twin industry welcome his return. Independent Gas Tank Company.

Anita Kohler Builds A Chopper. Tiki Pretty.

Cyril Huze — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:30:01 +0000

Anita Kohler and Peter Penz are life and business partners at Penz Custombikes in Austria. They specialize in fancy & rock solid frames that I have used on my customs and also sold with success in the United States. One year ago they sent me the 1^st pictures of their Tiki frame (Softail and Rigid versions) featuring a very cool curved twisted downtube. Not sure how they imagined this one. Maybe after sipping quite a few loads of exotic rum punches, refurbishing their offices with rattan furniture, wearing flower leis in their hair and dressing with brightly colored fabrics. You know, Austria winters can be very cold… Anyway, they had to promote this new frame by building a bike and Anita decided that she would show the world (and partner Peter), what she can do (and you too) wth it. Here the result. A Polynesia theme chopper called “Rocksteady” whose fabrication details are inspired by the tikis, these large humanoid carvings used to mark the boundaries of sacred sites. Here the shortened tech sheet. Penz Tiki frame with 1" out, 6" up, 42-degree of rake with twisted single downtube. S&S engine 93". Jeri Springer front end upside down (springs at bottom) 14"over. Baker/S&S 6in4 transmission, hand shift. Black rim American Wire Spoke wheels, 21 x 2.15" front, 18 x 8" rear, Kustom Tech Controls (black & gold), Belt Drive 2" open belt system. Seat (gorgeous) by Armin Dobstetter, etc. More in English at Penz Custom Bikes (photography Gerd Scheidel/Studio 1/Germany)

Hot Shocks From Progressive Suspension

Cyril Huze — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:17:16 +0000

Thanks to water-jet technology, you can now extend to your shocks the flame theme of your paint job. This is the first new product from Progressive Suspension for 2008. The company used their road proven multi-stage velocity sensitive damper system with 5 position pre-load adjuster, and combined it with water jet cut flamed cans. Shocks are provided in 2 spring colors: chrome cans with chrome or black springs. 812-Series Flame Shocks.

Klock Werks New Flare Windshield

Cyril Huze — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:09:16 +0000

A windshield has never been the sexiest part of a touring motorcycle. But a lot can be done to improve its cosmetics and its efficiency. Here an example called the Flare Windshield. This one was developed in a wind tunnel and proven on the Salt Flats of Bonneville during a bagger speed world record attempt and success by Brian Klock’s wife Laura Ellifson. This innovative windshield creates a down force and less drag on the motorcycle, improving handling characteristics and providing a much improved air pocket for the rider. Plus, it looks cool. The Flare Windshield from Klock Werks is a direct replacement for your 1998 and newer FLTR/FLTRI. It is custom molded from premium quality, hard-coated polycarbonate to provide unmatched durability, and pre-drilled for easy mounting using stock windshield hardware. Options available are 8" Tint, 8" Black, 8" Paintable Clear 12" Tint and 12" Clear. All are priced right at $169.95. Klock Werks Baggers

DeepSickness Bars For Wicked Custom Bikes.

Cyril Huze — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:17:14 +0000

Greg at Greg’s Custom Cycles has a taste for bikes and parts with an aggressive stance. So, he created a line called "DeepSickness" already including a monster front end and several sets of bars. The model shown here is a tri-point design offered pre-drilled or already prepared for internal throttle use. 1 1/2" DOM steel tubing, 32" wide, with different height options (standard risers are 6"). Sold in raw steel, chrome or powder coated the color of your choice. At Greg’s Custom Cycles.

Sprocket Gas Cap By Covington Customs.

Cyril Huze — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:40:03 +0000

Shaped like a sprocket you will have no difficulty unscrewing this one. Sold vented or not vented, in polish or chrome, with a steel or aluminum bung to be welded to your gas tank. And if you ride a factory Harley still equipped with its factory gas tank, an adapter is also available. Covington Customs

Peanut Gas Tank For Almost Peanuts

Cyril Huze — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:53:24 +0000

Here it is! It is called the Instigator Gas Tank and modeled after the vintage Wassel tanks. It holds about 2.2 gallons if you fancy the Frisco style (shown) or 2 gallons if you go for the deep tunnel. All tanks have a late style 74+ screw in gas cap bung, along with a female 3/8 NPT petcock bung. The tunnel has 1.75" of clearance. A good peanut gas tank as is or a good base to tweak it to make it your own. Price is only $199.99 plus shipping. Detroit Bros.

Envision Engineering Tank Shells

Cyril Huze — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:21:02 +0000

Envision Engineering is a full service manufacturing company that specializes in the deep draw forming of sheet metal components. Products engineered and manufactured by Envision can be seen on several of the top OEM American made motorcycles, including after market fenders and covers for Harley Davidson. They also sell retail the shells as shown. Each side is approximately 25" long and has 6" of useable width. The tanks are constructed from 16 gauge steel with easy welding in mind. They are sold by the set, with a left and a right side shell. You can also order tank mounts, tunnels and inlet bungs. Envision Engineering.

New Rocker Softail Seat System

Cyril Huze — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:45:31 +0000

I received a flow of direct emails (please, comment directly on the Blog for everybody to read) regarding the new 2008 Softail Rocker (FXCW) and Rocker C (FXCWC). Reactions not only about what Harley-Davidson calls the Rockertail Rear End mimicking the hardtail look, but also about the seat systems used on these bikes. Here are 2 close-up pictures to satisfy your curiosity. Personally, I think that the stock seat is going to be replaced very fast by a slimmer aftermarket one. The passenger seat? What is the legs length required? Ladies, tell me if you are you going to travel on it?

Muskrat Seat Pan By Fabricator Kevin

Cyril Huze — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:42:09 +0000

I posted several times about the work of Fabricator Kevin. For the garage or shop builder looking to install a solo seat, Kevin proposes this 10 gauge steel laser cut pan. After being formed it is equipped with a built-in nose hinge assembly that utilizes a bearing pivot tube. The hinge plates are stainless steel, so the pan can be powder coated and the hinge polished. The spring mounts are welded onto the pan, and are threaded to allow the springs to be affixed. Pan size is 13" long by 10 1/2" wide. The pan has rivet holes pre-punched to help the job of your upholstery shop. Very reasonably priced at $285.00 (bungs & 3” springs included). By the way, the seat pan is called Muskrat because it’s the name of the bike on which this seat pan was installed for the 1^st time. See It HERE

Ever Dream To Change Your Harley In A Racer?

Cyril Huze — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:47:47 +0000

I know a few custom builders who are taking this direction. They take a big American V-Twin and stuff it into a sport bike chassis that they hand fabricate. But it’s always for a one-off project. As the opposite, the idea of Curt Winter, owner and designer of Big Twin Racer, is to offer a ready to assemble aggressive riding style sport bike chassis accepting most of your Big Twin components. So he designed a rubber mounted frame with increased longitudinal ridgitity by the use of a unique perimeter style double backbone. Rear suspension is single shock. Critical components such as oil tank and gas tank are rubber mounted so that over time vibration won’t be a problem. The gas tank is also is shaped to fit between the twin backbone and give free movement to the rider. Oil is carried in an aluminum oil tank, mounted low and in front .to lower central mass weight and increase oil cooling by grabbing fresh air from the front. You can buy the kit or ask Curt to assemble your components. To see how it would look, go to War Horse Big Twin..

Advanced Custom Motorcycle Chassis

Cyril Huze — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:41:32 +0000

Whether you are building a bike from the ground up, adding a 300 mm rear tire to a stock Harley or just tinkering with a few chrome parts, you must read this new how-to book. I did, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best written (meaning explained in plain language) book to understand the correct process of building a bike. And as the title indicates a big part of the book is about choosing the right frame and how to make modifications to it to be unique.But it is also about shocks, forks, brakes, tires & wheels, sheet metal and wiring. This new Chassis book includes over 400 color images spread across 144 pages, explaining not just what to buy but how to assemble all those parts. Two Hands-On chapters cover the assembly of both an Evo Softail and Twin-Cam bagger, from bare frame to rolling chassis with drivetrain installed. For the price of a few chrome bolts you can order it here: Advanced Custom Motorcycle Chassis.

Santee Auctions All Its Equipment

Cyril Huze — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:40:45 +0000

Renowned manufacturer of custom motorcycle frames and wheels Santee Industries is auctioning all its equipment Thursday June 21 at its location in Valencia, California (preview June 20 from 8 am to 4 pm). I have used many Santee frames, and it’s sad to see such a great company disappear. But as always during this type of event some are going to get at great prices some of the best modern CNC, tube bending machining, tig welding equipment, etc in the industry. Auction information: Roy Gamityan 818-884-3737 x 281 at Great American.

New Double Down Frame

Cyril Huze — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:35:35 +0000

Frames By Wild West in Texas introduces the Dusold Designs "Double Down" frame. It features a single sided swingarm with a very comfortable 5 1/2" rear wheel travel, accepts a 300 or 360 mm rear tire. Completely Tig welded, it is available in many different rakes and stretches. A wild frame for a very wild project. For sale at Wild West Frames.

Creepster Fill Cup Kit

Cyril Huze — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:42:05 +0000

On a custom bike I like to have matching caps on gas tank & oil bag. In the new retro style, a young company called Nash Motorcycle offers this brass caps sold with weld-on vent fittings for venting tank into frame. Cap bung are machined out of mild steel for easy welding. You can order online at Nash Motorcycle Co. or call one of the 3 brothers (Trent, Taber or Teddy) at 360-693-4225.

A Pro-Street Frame Engineered To Endure

Cyril Huze — Mon, 21 May 2007 21:23:05 +0000

Mike Beland of A1 Cycles in Florida builds unusual bikes with a tendency to go to the extreme by putting in the same frame 2 engines and of course 2 drivelines (and making them work). From this experience Mike has a taste for frames with fat tubes and extra heavy wall thickness. So, no surprise that his new frame, this one made for a solo engine, has all the characteristics of “All In” his “monster bike” winner of the 2007 Daytona Rat’s Hole Show. Tubes are 1 ½” with a wall thickness of .120”, and dual down tubes offer reliable handling even if you buy the biggest motor the industry can sell. This pro-street frame gets both an aerial and aggressive stance by combining a 6” out with a low neck raked at 38-degree to provide a good trail. It will accept up to a 310 mm rear tire with a right side transmission setup. Mike tells me that a full rolling chassis will be available very soon. Call him at 561=784-2992 or visit A1 Cycles .

Independent Gas Tank Acquired By Bad Toys Holdings

Cyril Huze — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:29:53 +0000

Bad Toys Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: BTYH) announced today that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the assets of Independent Gas Tank Co. of Gilbert, AZ. Kyle Krejci, the former owner of Independent Gas Tank, will accept the position of General Manager of the newly acquired tank company as well as General Manager of Gambler Motorcycle and Sprint Car operations. All operations will be based in Gallatin, TN. Larry Lunan, CEO of Bad Toys Holding, Inc., stated, "We are extremely excited about this acquisition and having someone with Kyle’s industry background join the Company’s management team. Kyle has owned and operated Independent Gas since its inception and has a broad background in the motorcycle and automotive industry. We expect that this acquisition and Kyle’s expertise and reputation throughout the motorcycle and automotive industry will have an immediate positive impact for Bad Toys”.