Motorcycle Board-Track Racer Tribute
The true artistry, the signature of Steve’s prodigious talent, lay in the pieces he birthed from concept to reality.
THE scent of oil, metal-dust, and a particular, almost electric, anticipation hung heavy in Steve’s Perth workshop. For 18 months, this haven of industry had been his second home, a crucible where a vision, whispered across a century, was being forged anew. Steve, a man whose hands spoke a language of precision and purpose, gazed at the machine taking shape under his unwavering focus.
It had begun with a fleeting image, a black-and-white ghost of a 1914 board-track racer, minimalist, raw, an untamed beast of speed. But Steve wasn’t interested in simple replication. His genius lay in resurrection, infusing that century-old spirit with the relentless pulse of modern technology. This was to be his magnum opus, a flagship, a rolling testament to what one man, unburdened by compromise, could achieve.
The foundation was pure Steve: a custom, hand-made rigid frame, its 34-degree rake sculpted for aggressive intent. Into its cradling embrace, he coaxed the heart of the beast, an S&S 113-cube engine, fed by a Super ‘B’ carb and breathing through a sharp, Performance Machine air-cleaner. The exhaust, a venomous 2-into-1 system, was another of Steve’s creations, part black heat-tape, part HP Corse muffler, a clear declaration of power that ran as deep as its rumble. A Baker five-speed gearbox promised seamless shifts, while a Performance Machine, open-primary belt-drive, with its hefty two-inch belt and Steve’s custom-made covers, churned the grunt to the chain and sprocket final-drive. Every component, from the celebrated names to the bespoke pieces, was chosen not just for its quality, but for its role in Steve’s grand two-wheeled symphony.
The front-end was a ballet of nickel, anodised and satin finishes: Ohlins, adjustable, upside-down forks; IMA triple-trees; LSL billet clip-ons; and Rizoma’s rubber and alloy grips, reservoirs, and mirrors hinted at race-bred agility. A Motogadget, analog/digital speedometer and a separate Spovan gauge stood sentinel, whispering data to a rider who would demand nothing less than absolute control. And control there was — twin, four-spot Brembo calipers squeezed Braketech, 320-mm race-discs up front, matched by a 220-mm disc at the rear. Night duties were handled by the distinct, almost aggressive glow of a MT03 headlight.
But the true artistry, the signature of Steve’s prodigious talent, lay in the pieces he birthed from concept to reality — the fuel and oil tanks, their lines flowing with an elegant brutality; the front and rear fenders, hugging the massive LA Lace, 23-inch alloy rims shod with Avon Cobra rubber; even the knurled foot-pegs designed for unwavering grip — all sprang from his mind and were shaped by his hands. Even the black leather-work on the seat, meticulously stitched in red, was his own, cradling an uncommon yet practical Stage 5 Elka coil-over-spring and shocker setup.
Time seem to be a blur, a full-time obsession layered atop the demands of his own unrelated business. The exhaustion was a constant companion, but the vision pulled him forward. He knew his limits, however, the two-tone silver paint, with its darker, centre-racing-stripes, was entrusted to a skilled gentleman named Sam, ensuring the finish matched the meticulous engineering beneath.
The result isn’t just a bike, it is a kinetic sculpture, a street-custom bristling with clever engineering and a ‘balls plus’ power-plant. It goes as fast as it looks, a fact underscored by its already approved registration, a testament to Steve’s uncompromising standards.
Then came the decision to unveil it. He did at a big show in Melbourne, a stage far from his Western Australian home. Shipping it in an open trailer, a journey across the vast continent from Perth, was a casual defiance of convention, a reflection of his confidence in the machine. He wasn’t a ‘Johnny come lately’ to bike building, this was the culmination of years of dabbling, a flagship designed to court potential clients, to prove his ability to build bespoke dreams. The exposure is far greater on the East Coast of Australia so Steve selected Melbourne, and he reckoned “it was a no-brainer”.
At the show, nestled amongst other glittering marvels, Steve’s creation stood apart. The murmurs began quietly, and then swelled into exclamations. It wasn’t merely clean or sleek, it was exceptional. Every angle revealed another thoughtful detail, another piece of high-end kit, another stunning custom fabrication.
The deep, rich silver played with the light, highlighting the dark racing-stripes, while the glimmer of polished metal and the rich texture of the leather invited closer inspection.
Steve, watching from a distance, a quiet satisfaction in his eyes, knew he had achieved his goal. This wasn’t just a nod to a bygone era; it was a leap into the future, a brilliant melding of 1914 and today, built by one man’s unwavering dedication. It was, quite simply, one of the best built and presented bikes there, a true masterpiece of style and substance. And it was ready to run…
Words & pics by Knackers
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