Modified Stockers
Martin Hurtado must feel the same way I do about enjoying big things that go fast, wicked fast. If he was looking for absolute max punch for the dollar, he might have gone the hopped-up Dyna route, but instead he’s taken a big body bike (in my opinion) and absolutely stuffed it with a power plant that could light a medium-sized city if necessary. Martin’s 2003 Anniversary Edition Fat Boy, aptly named Silver Bullet, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing if there ever is one. This mildly and tastefully customized Fat Boy wearing its factory-issued silver and black paint still has a stock look that might get it lost in a parking lot until you start checking it out closely. That ain’t no Stage 1 TC88 sitting there with a fancy D&D 2-into-1 pipe. Builder Dave Dupor of DD Customs in Lake Villa, Illinois, let the cat out of the bag and said, “The motor was first modified with the Zippers’ 124” kit and the bike dyno’d at 128 horsepower and 131 foot-pounds of torque, but Martin wanted even more power. We installed a ProCharger supercharger kit with a custom throttle body, intercooler, and a side-mounted bonnet and the bike currently dynos at 198 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheel. It is scary fast.” Mr. Dupor, “scary fast” is the definition of an understatement in this case. Yeah, anytime you increase power over 300% it’s got to get your undivided attention at WFO. And, that’s a good thing, just like all eight barrels bellowing on a 427 side-oiler at redline. The only thing better is reaching for the next gear and starting the process all over again.
Surprisingly, not a lot had to be done to the bike to contain all this power as it still has its stock H-D 5-speed gearbox albeit with a Barnett Scorpion clutch keeping the clutch plates interfaced, but Dave added, “The next change will be from the rear 1” drive belt to a chain to eliminate any chance of belt snapping.” Keeping the rider onboard is the deeply-dished, alligator-covered (the rough hide surely helps not sliding around) seat by Kalin Motorcycle Seats. Dave said, “The seat was built up so that it holds the rider in the seat, otherwise, on-throttle, you’re gone!”
It’s not all about the motor, though. Dave has added a bunch of upgrades from the fat 240 Metzeler out back to Performance Machine El Dorado wheels with PM’s brake setups front and rear. Battistini foot controls and boards along with a Road King headlight nacelle add a bit of eye candy that Dave compliments with his trademark wireless and hoseless look. Possibly a lot of work for nothing unless you see Martin refueling for another run as this 198 horsepower Fat Boy has gotta be just a silver and black 100th Anniversary blur on the road.
Up Close: Performance Machine Phatail Kit
Whutz a matter Bunky? You say you want a bigger butt, but your Harley won’t let you put on a trendy fat tire? Well that’s not a problem anymore with a number of aftermarket fat tire conversions for Harley’s beloved Softail line like the Performance Machine Phatail Kit Dave Dupor installed onto the back of Martin Hurtado’s ’03 Fat Boy. This bolt-on kit for ’91 and newer Softails comes with everything you need to make your own butt look smaller perched over a 240mm Metzeler like on Martin’s bike. This is truly a bolt-on affair as no offsetting of the motor and tranny is required with only the need to remove the stock fender struts to accommodate the new billet aluminum fender struts. The black powdercoated swingarm comes with a wider rear axle with billet end caps, wide steel fender, billet primary spacers, trans mainshaft, countershaft 5th gear, final drive gear, front motor sprocket, clutch push rod, and all gaskets, hardware, and spacers needed. Needless to say, detailed instructions are included. If you’re not comfortable attacking this yourself, any competent shop should be able to handle this with ease. “I’ve put on a few and they were really easy to do,” said Dave. “They go together just fine and I haven’t had any problems with them. Actually this one came about because Martin wanted PM’s El Dorado wheels anyway and this was a good time to install a wide tire kit. It’s no big deal to do and it goes together and works very well.”
For more info on the Phatail Kit and PM’s huge line of products, check out their website at www.performancemachine.com or give them a buzz at 800-479-4037.
Builder: Dave Dupor
Anytime I interview a builder I have to ask the dreaded question of how business is going for them in this little downturn we’re going through and it’s great to occasionally hear that things are going well for some builders like DD Custom’s Dave Dupor who said, “ I’m actually busier than I’ve ever been which is great.” I can’t tell you how much I enjoy hearing that and it intrigues me enough to find out why. “A lot of this has to do with hard work and customer service and satisfaction,” said Dave. “Everyone sees the glitz and the glamour, the cars and the bikes, but nothing’s easy I’ll tell you that. People don’t see the long hours and the sacrifice to get there.”
It doesn’t hurt that Dave’s been business-smart enough to keep his overhead low and not be afraid to work on just about anything that will pay the bills. “The Harley market’s really blown up this past year. I’ve been swamped with full-blown conversions to fat tire kits, huge stereos, big fenders, and big bags,” said Dave. “I still do about six to eight ground-up builds a year which is more than enough. I think the whole key is you gotta be able to diversify. If you don’t you’re gonna fail.”
Dave’s also found a nice little steady niche doing his Ghost Bar conversions with everything neatly and reliably hidden while the bike stereo market has simply exploded for him. “The minute one guy gets a stereo, they go to a friend’s house who wants to know where he got that. Next thing you know, I’m doing one for him too,” said Dave.
If you’d like to skip waiting for a friend to show you how to make your bike look and sound good, check out Dave’s work at www.ddcustomcycle.com or call 847-356-8053.
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