Bobbers
Knockout’s Down & Dirty rigid frame sets this tone with a low stance and a rational 35-degree rake. The twin downtube design is stretched 2” up and is heavily gusseted behind the steering head making a stout platform to build off. A timeless set of H-D narrow glide forks, shortened 1.5”, with black lower legs and trees makes the frame and fork look as one. Handling doesn’t suffer for looks as an airy, chromed set of Performance Machine Gatlin wheels with matching rotors and sprocket sports the ever-popular Metzeler ME880s fore and aft. Traditionally-sized in front at 90/90×21 while the rear carries a six-pack abs 180/55×18 that looks athletically fit and can handle anything the road dares to dish out. “I don’t like going bigger than a 200 rear, I don’t like the way they handle,” said Ralph. Matching PM rotors and sprocket complete the look and 4-piston PM calipers do their best scrubbing speed so Ralph won’t hear the voice of Pigmeat Markham saying “Heyeah come da judge” in his head.
Yeah, you need good brakes when you’ve got a retro-punk cool 103” S&S high-compression shovelhead between your knees. The 5” stroker-motor doles out modern power from a classic engine architecture dating back to ’66. The 10.7:I forged pistons (hence the HC designation) slam through 3 5/8” bores compressing a blend of liquefied dinosaurs and high desert air doled out by an S&S Super G carb. Atop this mixer is a Ralph Randolph Designs (RRD) Signature Series air cleaner, one of the many cool parts Ralph offers, with a mesh housing and a stainless backing plate sandwiching a foam element in between. The RRD 2-into-1 pipe is wrapped for efficient expellation and Old School looks and probably wouldn’t be something you’d want to start in avalanche territory. Speaking of starting, there are two methods to get this show on the road. It’s got a kicker with an RRD BMX-style no-slip pedal when you want to look cool and an electric starter for when nobody’s looking. A 3” open BDL primary and clutch transfers the end result of those starting choices to a 5-speed RevTech tranny which notifies the rear wheel what’s up after the PM hand and foot controls do their thing. RRD’s dual-shock seat with a Bill’s Leather Works’ cover totally transforms the ride of a rigid into something this old geezer personally gives a big thumbs-up to. Don’t leave home without it.
Custom Chrome Inc. supplies the base pieces for the fuel tank and rear fender which Knockout modifies for the look they want. RRD’s neat oval oil tank is another part they offer for an over the counter remedy to custom oil containment problems. The visually striking, but simple Ferrari Fly Yellow and white paint was shot by R&S Paint Shop. The strong, but subtle #39 graphic adds a racy touch without being over the top. “We’ve never had to do crazy, insane graphics to get attention,” said Ralph. “The bike’s styling should speak for itself.” It does, loud and clear.
The best part about 39 is last. This bike is one of Knockout’s built-to-order Cheap Shot models which start at $18,500, with a super-premium equipped bike like our feature bike going for a reasonable $26,500. Summing it up, Ralph said, “We don’t build bikes to sit in someone’s garage, we build affordable bikes to ride.”
Builder: Ralph Randolph, Knockout Motorcycle Co.
If you fly on US Airways you might want to sneak a peek at the pilot when you’re boarding as he could be one of the owners of Ralph Randolph’s Knockout Motorcycle Co. Yup, custom builder Ralph Randolph’s other job is flying the great unwashed to destinations all over the USA. The former Marine, college tuition cage fighter/architecture major, and pilot somehow found time to build custom bikes on the side before finally going into business with partner Ken Lucas in 2002. Now that’s a resume. “I grew up riding motorcycles as a kid, I’ve been into motorcycles my whole life,” said Ralph. “It was just a passion for creating stuff and the love of riding motorcycles that started this whole thing.” Ralph’s Marine/pilot background gives him great regard to attend to the little things when building a bike for a customer. “The things that we won’t let slide that maybe other guys would let go, we won’t do it ‘cause we know people are gonna ride the s**t out of our bikes,” he said. “Being a Marine and pilot, we bring a safety issue into it, a responsibility issue, and that leads to a great, mechanically sound product.” Having a degree in design doesn’t hurt either as far as creative style goes with Ralph’s feature bike 39 garnering a third place production class trophy at the 2006 AMD World Championship in a field of big time contenders.
Knockout hasn’t forgotten its roots though, and it’s still a full service shop where you can get your Harley’s oil changed or modified to your taste. “We’re gonna care for a customer’s bike the same as we care for our own bikes,” said Ralph. “We want them to have an experience here they won’t forget.” Check out Knockout’s cool bikes and parts line at www.knockoutmotorcycles.com or call 480-279-1734.
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