I am Batman and This is My Chopper
Not many people can say they built their bike entirely by themselves. It might have taken him two years, but Batman finally did it…
I ALWAYS wanted to build a chopper so I did some research and then put it into play. It took me, on and off, around two years to build with plenty of time in the garage with a bottle of scotch for company. The whole bike was put together by me except for the electrics.
The parts were purchased off the net. The only thing I regret is that I should have stipulated to the Yanks not to air freight things as this put an extra $4000 on top of the build.
The frame is a softail-style with adjustable air-suspension which can be operate by a switch. It can be lowered or raised while riding. It has a 32-degree rake which makes it handle well; it’s nice to ride.
The indictors are from Custom Dynamics. All fuel lines are stainless steel.
The wiring loom is off a Softail Harley which was wired up by Russell’s Electrics in Osborne Park.
Behind the 120-cubic-inch Ultima El Bruto motor is a six-speed Ultima gearbox. The motor is equipped with decompression buttons for easier starting. I went for a closed primary as it runs quieter and smoother. I am running a 65-tooth, 1.5 inch wide, Bayonet-style, rear-pulley with a 32-tooth pulley at the transmission.
Rims are a Bayonet II front 21 x 2.15; rear Bayonet II 18 x 300. The bike has a 0.5 inch offset to allow for the 300 tyre.
The front caliper is polished billet. One thing I would do is to make the front brake a dual disc for better stopping. Having two-spot calipers on one side is okay but four would be better especially when you have a two-litre motor.
Custom paint was done by Creative Works, Rockingham, and Autoglo, Bayswater.
Total cost of build to date is $38,000 with more to go.
I would like to thank the following: the model who was great to work with; Creative Works and Autoglo for the great job you have done; Excalibur Printing, Wangara, for supplying the place for photoshoot; Statewide Vehicle Hoist for the use of motorcycle lift; and Skol from Ozbike for the opportunity and Simon from Ozbike for taking the photos.
Gabriell
I’M 21-years-old and a part-time model, dancer, waitress. When I’m not working, you’ll find me down the beach or out shopping. I love modelling and have done photoshoots with cars and bikes before but doing this one was really fun, and working with Batman was fun as well. I really love his bike; it’s awesome.
Photos by Simon Harvey; words by Batman & Gabriell
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