“This is where I come in —Start over, disassemble bike, go through everything, reassemble and upgrade with parts like the exposed primary with custom cover, bigger carb to handle the 113” stroker, custom stinger air cleaner, controls, ignition, etc.”

It didn’t hurt that the project started with a first-class Rolling Thunder Fat Attitude Softail-style frame sporting six-inches of stretch in the down tubes and a 2” stretch in the backbone with a fairly radical 42-degree rake with three more just for good measure in the Hawg Halters Inc. trees. A ten-inch-over Deuce front end cradles Avon rubber on a 21” DNA Diamond spoke wheel with Hawg Halters Inc. brakes and a similar setup out back, but in an 18” version with a reasonably–sized Avon 250 mounted on it. James went for a modern chopper look with easy handling and good braking controlled by Performance Machine foot and hand controls.

Obviously James is a ultra-motorhead and a motor better make some serious beans if he’s going to show any interest. The Ultima El Bruto 113” was tweaked and twiddled until it pulled over 120rwhp and 120lb-ft of torque before he was satisfied. James casually mentioned to veteran Barnett photographer, Josh Placa, that he’s seen 140 on the speedo and normally I’d take that claim with a bit of whimsy as most people would not have the balls to peg a speedo on a chopper. But for a guy who races a blown alky short-wheelbase Fiat altered and lives to tell the tale, this is probably no big deal. “It runs excellent and it trails straight and goes where you point it unlike other choppers I’ve ridden. This bike is sweet!” said James.

Covering the re-worked Jesse James tank and Fat Katz fenders is a paint job that Robert says is “miles deep and dances in the sun.” House of Kolor Candy Brandywine paint layered over gold tribal variegated leaf mixed with a multi-color Candy Pearl fade will do that along with a bit of tasteful pin striping all done by DK seals the deal. Subtle flash you can only appreciate up close.

This whole unwanted project ended up being satisfying on so many levels for James. He loves the bike and enjoyed building it to completion, but there’s the other part involving the original builder that gives him the greatest satisfaction. “Knowing that I could help create and expand on another person’s dream who could not see it brought to this level because of the cancer he had was enough for me to really enjoy the build of this bike. I felt it was somewhat like a team effort,” said James.