Getting the project off the ground was not easy, because Johan spent months just debating on the type of frame to use. Dimitri finally said, “Johan, you have full carte blanche.” Dimitri wanted to use a Le Mans style frame with a Goldammer fork and Rick’s wheels. “Goldammer makes great front ends and Rick’s wheels are fantastic, so I was able to fulfill the owner’s request in these two areas,” Johan said.
First, Johan modified one of his frames by drilling holes in the tubes, which he used to hide the wires and cables. He then built an oil tank with a built-in starter switch and oil lines that routed in a very unique manner. The rear fender, with built-in taillights, can be quickly removed from the bike’s frame while the fuel tank is also a one-off. Johan measures each customer’s height, leg, and arm length. One of Dimitri’s arms was slightly longer and this prompted Johan to build a set of handlebars that can be adjusted to each arm.
The Jeff Gordon theme was not only chosen because the owner is a racecar fanatic, but also because Johan was previously employed with Dupont, a NASCAR sponsor. Johan contacted Dupont Europe for advice and they agreed to provide the paint and do the work, if they were allowed to do it in their shop. Dupont’s master instructor, Eduardo, oversaw the project. Instead of using high-gloss paint, Johan requested a dull finish.
“When Johan called me and said, ‘Come down to the shop and pick your bike,’ I was totally amazed and completely satisfied when I saw it,” said Dimitri.
Builder: Johan Bauwens
V-Motors
Johan Bauwens of V-Motors is one more talented European builder to add to a growing list with his own take on customs that usually entail a tough and ready to actually ride look. His extensive and wide ranging gallery of finished projects on his website shows few long and stretched out show bikes, most are done in his preferred style of high performance bad ass, hit the road and take no prisoners look. His full service shop in Wondelgem, Belgium, can do a tune-up on your Motor Company stocker or modify and accessorize it until your wallet’s empty and it’s asking for mercy. Ground–up customs ranging the whole spectrum of styles are also available and V-Motors is now a Twisted Choppers authorized dealer for those that have to have a direct taste of the American V-twin way of life. Not all of the custom building action is related to the time tested air-cooled powered power-plants as V-Motors has an extensive line of parts and a catalog of custom builds for Harley’s liquid –cooled V-Rod, which enjoys a highly regarded status on the European continent that it hasn’t quite reached in America. Johan enjoys building custom motorcycles, because he feels that being a custom bike builder gives him a lot of latitude. “I can go as far as my imagination takes me. Custom bike building is unlike factory production bikes where you only have certain models and colors to choose from. When a customer walks into our shop he can expect something rare and special,” stated Johan. For more information on V-Motors custom bikes and their extensive line of European and American parts and accessories, log on Johan’s website, www.v-motors.be. Just get ready to load the money gun as you’re sure to find one of his many bikes will get your imagination shifting into high gear.
This bike feature originally appeared in Barnett’s Magazine issue #57, September 2007.
SPECIFICATIONS | |
---|---|
Owner: | Dimitri |
Year/Make: | 2006 V-Motors Hot Rod |
Fabrication/ assembly: | V-Motors |
Build time: | 500 hours |
Engine: | 2006 88″ H-D Twin Cam B |
Cases: | H-D |
Flywheels: | H-D |
Rods: | H-D |
Pistons: | H-D |
Cylinders: | H-D |
Heads: | H-D |
Ignition: | H-D |
Carb: | H-D |
Pipes: | V-Motors |
Air Cleaner: | Kuryakun |
Transmission: | 5-speed H-D |
Primary: | H-D |
Clutch: | H-D |
Frame: | V-Motors Hot Rod |
Rake: | 42-degrees |
Swingarm: | RC single-sided |
Forks: | Goldammer |
Rear Suspension: | Legend Air Suspension |
Front Wheel: | 3.3×18 Rick’s/ V-Motors |
Rear Wheel: | 10.5×18 Rick’s/ V-Motors |
Front Tire: | 130/70 Avon |
Rear Tire: | 300/35 Avon |
Brakes: | Performance Machine |
Fuel Tank: | V-Motors |
Oil Tank: | V-Motors |
Fenders: | Rick’s/ V-Motors |
Handlebars: | V-Motors |
Risers: | V-Motors |
Headlight: | Motorcycle Storehouse |
Taillight: | V-Motors |
Hand Controls: | Beringer/ V-Motors |
Foot Controls: | Performance Machine |
Painter/ Graphics: | Eduardo/Dupont Europe |
Color: | NASCAR Red |
Seat: | CP Saddles |