Nothing worth having comes easy and if you want something bad enough you have to take it. There is no such thing as a “free lunch.” This is the code that I live by, but when presented with a rare opportunity to own a Billy Lane bike, I hesitated. The feeling was so surreal that I needed coaxing from my girlfriend just to make the phone call! I’ve always been a big fan of Billy’s work. His ingenuity and creativity has always made him my favorite builder, and I have followed his progress since the late 90’s when Choppers Inc. wasn’t such a popular name. In fact, it was around that time that I bought a red cutie-pie t-shirt from him, and after all these years the words can barely be read, and that hot pretty pin-up is almost gone but I’m still wearing it today. I get a ton of flack from my girl because I wear it so often. She must have to wash it 3 to 4 times a week. Well anyway, back to the coaxed phone call…

I grew up riding motocross and sport bikes, but for the past eight years I’ve really wanted a chopper and it seemed like every monkey wrench possible was being thrown into the spokes. At one time I even got enough money to get a roller together, but because of my lack of patience and for the safety of others, I just sold the parts on eBay. Then one day I was perusing Billy’s site and checked out the “Bikes 4 sale” page. That’s when I saw my dream bike. Like my personality, I figured only the most hardcore of choppers would do and this was it. A 9  foot long springer named “Spooky.” Rigid frame, kick start only, jockey shift, and no front brake… need I say more? Certain that it was already sold, my girlfriend pushed me to make the call, which I was reluctant to do, but to this day I am so glad she was so persistent. The bike was still there, and was actually owned by a good friend of Billy’s named Toby.  It was over at Billy’s shop.

Well this is where the sacrifices come into play. Personally, in my humble opinion, I feel life is just one big sacrifice and it’s the trying times that make us men…not the times of glory. There are times in life where one has to take a moment to evaluate and prioritize. With that being said, the responsible person would have gotten a newer vehicle. Every morning I say a quick prayer that my SUV will even start. My 1997 Expedition has seen better days: 175,000 miles, dent ridden, no exhaust, no air conditioning, and no brakes. Yeah, I need a new truck, but instead I went to the bank, borrowed some money, loaded up the family including the dog into a borrowed truck, and headed out to Melbourne, Florida to get my dream bike.                                                       

We got to the shop and it was just as you would imagine. Billy welding right there in your face and a couple hundred grand worth of bikes to catch your attention. The whole Choppers Inc. crew was really cool. I want to give a personal shout to Carlos and Toby. You guys have a world of knowledge, and it’s great to have made some new friends who are truly genuine. Sometimes the world is a very cool place. We chilled out for about three hours, then we loaded up and headed straight home. Just like all of my ink, this chopper has changed my life. Let it be known that good ol’ “Spooky” is no trailer queen. It has been ridden hard since its conception, and will continue to be ridden that way until the day I die. Hopefully, my son will take over the reins and continue to rip that sled long after I’m gone. You’ll see my girl and I everywhere. From the streets of Manhattan, to the Catskill Mountains, and of course always wide open!

This chopper is still the only thing besides my mangled truck that I can call my own. I will be paying for this baby for quite some time, forcing me to cast aside numerous other luxuries.  And the sacrifices will continue, but I would have it no other way. No matter how outlandish your goals and daydreams might be, just stay focused, make a plan, and execute. If the timing is right, you have enough faith in yourself and are prepared to sacrifice, then all things are very possible. Thanks Billy for making a life long dream a reality.

Up Close: S&S ‘Shovel’ Engines

After the recent Old School Shovel Tour where a variety of builders brought bikes to the major rallies all constructed with S&S’s new shovel style motor, most readers are familiar with this engine. The details on it are even more interesting. Sold in a 93” flat-side style, the engine produces about 90 hp and 82 lbs of torque, what a good hopped up 95” Harley produces. So the engine has adequate power for almost any custom application.  On this bike, the engine was stroked to give 103” displacement for extra oomph.  For $7,744 what you get is a shovelhead engine built with many evo characteristics:  Evo based cases and fitment, Evo cam and oiling system, modern rockers, ignition, and carb; all with a two year warranty. S&S gives you the Old School look and sound in a package with modern reliability. Visit S&S on the web at www.sscycle.com.

Builder: Billy Lane Choppers Inc. 

Billy was raised in Miami and ended up with two engineering degrees to go along with his hot rod and car crazy upbringing. After messing around modifying his own bikes, he started Choppers Inc. in 1995 in Melbourne, Florida. He makes a wide variety of parts and holds seven patents. At the Cincinnati V-Twin trade show this past February he displayed his new bobber rolling chassis for builders who want to start with his well made, well recognized products. His TV appearances include episodes of Monster Garage, Biker Build-Off, Corbin’s Ride On, and his own The Billy Lane Project about his Blood, Sweat & Gears Tour. His website has a large collection of bikes he’s built and a few that are for sale. His rally and appearance schedule is there as well. A wide variety of clothing is available for purchase online. It looks like he’s heading in the rolling chassis and parts building/distributing direction at his shop, helping professional and home builders put together their own “Billy” bikes using the real thing. Check out his website at www.choppersinc.com.

SPECIFICATIONS
Owner:	Christopher Daidone
Builder:	Billy Lane
Year:	2003
Frame:	Choppers Inc. Rigid
Front End:	Springer by Mondo/Denver’s Choppers
Motor:	S&S 103” flat-side shovel
Transmission:	1959 Ratchet-top 4 speed
Primary:	3” Open
Starter:	None, Kick-start only
Rear Brake:	Exile Sprotor
Front Wheel:	60 spoke 21×2.15
Rear Wheel:	60 spoke 18×8.5
Rear Fender:	Choppers Inc.
Pipes:	Choppers Inc.
Gas Tank:	Choppers Inc.
Oil Tank:	Choppers Inc.
Handlebars:	Choppers Inc.
Forward Controls:	Choppers Inc.
Foot Pegs:	Choppers Inc.
Taillight:	Choppers Inc.
Painter:	Joe Richardson