This rustic looking custom machine bears the name “The Flying Dutchman,” and was not only inspired by the famous ghost ship, but also by the Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s interesting how an Italian bike builder can search the globe, and come up with a theme name for a bike based on various events that occurred many years ago. “One of the greatest things about being a custom motorcycle builder, is that you have the ability to dream something, and then turn it into reality with your own hands and hard work,” said Aldo Querio Gianetto of AQG Custom Motorcycles. We all have dreams, but few of us can turn those dreams into reality, especially when it comes to building a custom motorcycle.

My first glance at the Flying Dutchman custom bike even took me back into the past, but not as far back as the ghost ship. The jute bag seat reminded me of the sacks we used in my younger days for picking pecans. I think we call them croaker sacks. At that time, our little country town had the largest pecan processing plant in the world. I remember the whole area being consumed with pecan trees, and whatever amount we picked were considered our property, so we could sell them and make a little extra cash. Those were some good old days.

For this custom, AQG used what I consider the most trusted and most reliable engine in the industry, an 80 cubic-inch Harley-Davidson evolution (EVO). I’m sure there are those out there who would strongly disagree with this being the best engine, but it’s important to remember that is the engine that saved the Motor Company. Think back to the late 70s and early 80s when the Motor Company was on the verge of going out of business, and how the introduction of the EVO engine jump started a whole new generation of riders. A wave of the so-called white-collar workers started buying Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and many of them had never ridden a motorcycle, and didn’t even have a motorcycle license. They bought their bikes, parked them in their garages, and then took riding courses and got legalized to ride afterwards.

Anyway, AQG did some modifications to this EVO engine, and he used a 5-speed Zodiac transmission, and BDL primary, which gave him the total power he wanted for this custom. He also used an S&S super E carburetor for efficiency and sure starts. “A properly tuned S&S carburetor makes all the difference in how your custom machine runs. I use an S&S carburetor on most all of my custom-built bikes, because these carbs are the absolute best on today’s market,” stated Aldo.

The brass polished risers and kickstand, along with the raked AQG frame gives this custom its own special appearance. For more information on this custom, and AQG products, log on to www.aqg.it