Finding the right foundation to start this build was quite easy; using ICI’s own “Hardlife” rigid frame which could be proudly displayed all by itself just to see the craftsmanship and gorgeous design inherent in Jesse’s work. Touches worthy of special note are the flush axle caps with hidden fasteners, the oil tank hidden in the bottom of frame, cup-less press-in bearing races in the neck, and the RSD drive train designed on the centerline of frame. I’m sure Tom appreciates this when he’s hitting triple digits. Jesse and head designer, Michael Prugh, covered “Hardlife’s” sensual radial bend frame in elegant bodywork, which will be available soon on ICI’s two new rollers, “Hardlife” and “Lowlife” (softail). Straightforward paint by Tim Garner of Garner Custom Cycles highlights the smooth body shapes, especially the curvaceously swept back tank. It just looks tight and right.

The frame’s forty degree rake shoves a super-sanitary Perse fork into the wind while the ICI designed ‘Flow’ wheels rotate on a set of Metzeler’s, sized 120mm front and 280mm rear. The intricately simple design is enhanced by the rear’s right side rotor/brake combo that lets you get the full effect of the ten-inch wheel width while the front’s three- inch rim width puts the proper foot print down for good handling. When Tom needs to bring all this high speed fun to an end, he can call upon brakes by Performance Machine to ensure the day. PM provided the simple, but effective hand controls too.

Trying to square-off the fat Metzeler is a Total Performance Engineering engine shelling out 121 cubic inches of way more than adequate horsepower. TP is known for its high power and reliability and the Cad bike’s no shrinking violet in that regard. Exhaling through an ICI two-into-one exhaust that has a megaphone look reminiscent of an old Norton (to me at least). It’s very nice. ICI’s belt primary looks both very clean and strong and unites the engine and Baker RSD six-speed to create a cloud of Metzeler when necessary. I got a feeling this baby sounds real good smoking ‘em up.

Jesse’s very proud of his new headlight design and rightly so. Much like the V-Rod headlight has been a tradition breaker on many customs, this slick unit is another and will be available very soon. This light could have tons of great applications, bet it works well too, check with ICI if it hits you where you live. Controlling all this are the comfortably swept back bars.

Watch the videos on ICI’s website and tell me it they don’t look comfy, especially the ones where they don’t use them at all. Sure shows the bikes track well at speed or just ask Tom why he’s smiling so much as he’s barreling across South Dakota way faster than he should.

Jesse builds about six remarkable customs a year, but as previously stated you have to be not only wicked cool, but wicked lucky to get one. There are quite a few builders of high regard using his frames already or you can get your own high quality frame or roller (soon) direct. Punch up ICI’s great website at www.independentcycleinc.com or call 605-737-4200 for info. Sometimes you gotta make your own luck.

Builder

The corporate name of a company can often tell you all you need to know about it. For instance, take the name of Jesse Jurren’s company, Independent Cycle Inc., it really tells you what you’re dealing with and it’s all good. Here’s an example regarding current trends, “I won’t build choppers, everybody has that covered. I hope the old school thing just goes away.” Jesse’s got his own vision of what’s right in customs and works hard at making it real. ICI has been churning out high quality and innovative products for the pro and home builder and also through its well known subsidiary, Legend Air Suspension Systems. Jesse’s a totally independent thinker and designer and works hard to provide, “high quality, cost effective stuff for the customer.” Parts, frames, rollers, and wheels are bursting out of ICI at the moment.  Living in the future as a true manufacturer does, Jesse says, “we’ve got lots of new products coming in 2007 and 2008 too. Jesse’s a busy boy, a very busy boy.

An avid off-road rider, Jesse moved ICI 400 miles just to be near better riding. His love of riding extends even to the Bonneville Salt Flats where he will be sponsoring and sharing racing duties on his original black “Lowlife” with drag racer, Valerie Thompson. Events like this help develop and refine his company’s products from frames to air suspension. Speaking of suspension, Legend Air has been at the forefront of air technology with continuing development to provide superior ride and handling. Available not only for Softails, but FL’s and V-Rods too. Legend’s “On-the-go” switch allows the on-board air compressor to compensate for weight or just to look low and cool while parked. Exciting new designs and well built products are some of the reasons respected builders like Jim Nasi, Ron Simms, Matt Hotch, Jerry Covington, and Kendall Johnson are ICI customers. Being independent can be a good thing, just ask Jesse. 

SPECIFICATIONS
Owner:	Tom Bradsky
Make/Year:	ICI 2005 Hardlife
Fabrication, Assembly:	ICI
Build Time:	6 months
Engine:	121” TP
Carb:	Mikuni
Pipes:	ICI
Transmission:	Baker 6-speed, RSD
Primary Drive:	ICI
Rake:	40 Degrees
Stretch:	7″
Front End:	2005 Perse
Front Wheel:	21″x 3″ ICI Flow
Front Tire:	120mm Metzeler
Rear Wheel:	18″ x 10″ ICI Flow
Rear Tire:	280mm Metzeler
Brakes:	PM
Fuel Tank, Oil Tank:	ICI
Fenders:	ICI
Bars:	ICI
Headlight:	ICI
Hand Controls:	PM
Foot Controls:	ICI
Chrome Plater:	New Dimension
Painter:	Garner Custom Cycles-Tim Garner
Graphics:	Tim Garner
Moulding:	Tim Garner