Fabricator Kevin (formerly known as Kevin Verkest) has been specializing in building parts at his shop, Fabricator Kevin’s Steel Chopper Parts in Clinton Township, Michigan, for the home builder who’s not just bolting on some chrome thingie on his Road King. His expertise in CAD and CNC plasma and laser cutting along with an artist’s eye has provided not only great parts, but elegant solutions to many a ground-up bike builder’s problems. Although his focus is on making parts, every blue moon he conjures up a bike that consistently knocks my socks off. Although I’ve previously seen photos of Detroit Knuckle, seeing it in person took it to a whole ‘nother level. The “When it’s right, it’s right” portion of my brain went into full-blown mode and I couldn’t pull myself away from just standing there like an idiot and staring at this bike. Hopefully I wasn’t drooling too.

I mean, how can you go wrong with a ’71 Shovelhead frame featuring one of FK’s hard tails and stuffed with a 93” S&S Knucklehead backed by a BAKER 6-into4 Tranny for starters? Is it old, is it new? Who gives a crap, it was exquisite in its timelessness. Maybe it’s just my version of what I think a custom could and should be. Glossy black paint by Bob Adamek combined with polished and raw engine castings is my version of flashy. It also looked totally rideable and actually that’s how I judge a bike’s worthiness in my own judge’s rulebook. Yeah, I would prefer brakes at both ends, but that’s a minor problem if I somehow found myself with my name on the title. Yup, this fabulous montage of parts was my hit of the show and nothing’s gonna change my mind. Great job Kevin.

For more info on what Fab Kevin’s up to, be sure to visit his website (www.fabkevin.com) for more info. Make sure you have some paper towels nearby to clean up the drool.