When asked about some of the usual big engine gremlins, KJC’s general manager Dale Hood explains that everything has been thought through. Starting with a special ignition designed for KJC by Daytona Twin Tech and a great starter made by All Balls, these big engines are made to be ridden, not blowing gaskets and destroying starters. The new electronic compression releases do a great job and only a hot battery is required for reliable starting. This means that an easily connected trickle charger is a good idea, so you might mount those little extra wires that come with your charger if you get the Harley-Davidson one.
Now to this bike in particular. Most bikes built out of Kendall’s shops are registered as ‘Kendall Johnson Customs,’ since he has a manufacturer’s license. In this case, however, the customer had very strong ideas about what he wanted and brought a War Eagle frame to the shop to be modified. The rake was changed to total out at a whopping 55 degrees, with two inches of stretch up and four out. All the sheet metal was done in house along with the swingarm, exhausts, and handlebars. A Baker six-speed and 3” open Primo belt-drive handle the transmission chores. The 280 Metzeler and front tire are mounted on Weld Recluse wheels and the controls were provided by Arlen Ness. A High Rollers seat and Mean Street Predator forks finished off the bike. The paint was applied by Chad McCreary of Copperhead Graphics.
The folks at Kendall Johnson Customs want everyone to know that they are a fully operational shop which sells bikes, motors and parts as well as hopping up engines and building all out, one off customs. Many thousands of hours have gone into the development of KJC’s big motors. But his research does not stop at S & S’s doors. Right now a lot of work is going into getting the most out of the all American 127” Ultima engines, which they say are very well made, using a lot of Jim’s components. Kendall builds and sells completed motors not just for customs, but reports that many people purchase them to replace their stock Harley motor. Fitment usually isn’t an issue, only the clutch must be strengthened. The stock primary is strong enough if one doesn’t want to go to the open belt and the Harley-Davidson transmissions hold up well with the big motors.
Kendall Johnson’s second Biker Build Off, will have aired by the time this issue goes to press, shows that his custom bike building skills are commensurate with his engine building prowess. As described above, these engines are ready to power everything from one-off customs to standard Road Kings. Check out his website at www.kendalljohnsoncustoms.com.
SPECIFICATIONS | |
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Builder: | Kendall Johnson Customs |
Owner: | Lafayette Brazil |
Frame: | modified War Eagle |
Rake/Stretch: | 55 degrees total, 2 up, 4 out |
Forks: | Mean Street Predator |
Wheels: | Weld Recluse |
Engine: | KJC phase 2 S&S 124″ |
Horsepower: | 145 at the wheel |
Transmission: | Baker 6 speed, RSD |
Primary: | 3″ BDL |
Rear Tire: | 280 Metzeler |
Seat: | High Rollers |
Paint: | Chad McCreary, Copperhead Graphics |
Starter: | All Balls |
Ignition: | Daytona Twin Tech |
Controls: | Arlen Ness |
Tank/Fenders: | Kendall Johnson Customs |
Handlebars: | Kendall Johnson Customs |
Swingarm: | Kendall Johnson Customs |