The chopper itself is unmistakably a Patrick Kennedy.  After over a decade of looking at choppers and potential builders, the first time I saw a Patrick Kennedy bike I knew that I had found what I was looking for.  A few months after accidentally running into a Kennedy chopper at All American Cycle in Portland, Oregon, Lou and I actually booked a flight to southern Arizona to meet Pat and Brooke face to face to talk about our aspirations of starting a build.  Little did I know that we were speaking with one of the finest motorcycle builders to ever turn a wrench.  In my estimation, there are untold numbers of fine bike builders that will never learn as much as Pat has forgotten about choppers. And that is not any kind of slam on anybody, it’s just a simple fact.  Pat and Brooke Kennedy are the real deal, and I feel extremely lucky that they took on our project.  I seriously doubt that he would take on a project that did not provide a challenge. Pat has been there and done that in all aspects of builds, and it takes a special project to allow him the opportunity to truly show his artistic and mechanical talents.  Pat Kennedy’s talents are nothing short of amazing, and on top of all that he is also a great guy.

Why did I choose a Pat Kennedy chopper? Easy, it’s like blondes, brunettes and redheads.  They are all fun to look at, just as are bobbers, pro-streets, ultra moderns, and Old School bikes; and I like them all, but everyone has their personal favorite.  Pat just makes choppers the way I think they should be:  Old School with clean lines.  When you look at “The Lou,” you see my idea of what a custom rigid chopper should be, and nobody does it like Pat.  I know that to say my chopper is the coolest bike that I have ever seen is a tall statement, but I say it without hesitation. 

Up Close: Patrick Racing Engines

Born from Nigel Patrick’s Top Fuel racing experience, these engines are made out of billet aluminum instead of using castings.  Available in sizes from 101” up to 128” Patrick Racing Engines feature dynamically computer balanced bottom ends, 10.25:1 pistons, CNC ported heads, and are made with big bores and short strokes.  The big bore design along with the special balancing makes the motor smoother than most according to company spokesman Bill Tetreault. They come with an ignition and carburetor, a one year warranty and have passed the EPA test in a Von Dutch built bike. Built in California, Patrick Racing always had to build engines that would pass the state’s more restrictive standards. When polished, the billet aluminum shines like chrome. These are definitely some of the better looking v-twin engines out there. They are carried by Drag Specialties. Visit Patrick Racing’s website at www.patrickracingbillet.com.

Builder:  Pat Kennedy, Pat Kennedy’s Custom Motorcycles

Pat Kennedy has been building true long bike choppers since 1979. While perhaps not the latest thing, he is the genuine thing. All long bikes, all the time. Pat started his retail and chopper building business with his brothers in Oceanside, CA, then progressed to his catalog chopper parts business in Tombstone, Arizona in the early 90’s. Over the past fifteen years Pat has been producing high quality American made choppers and chopper parts for builders all over the world. Today Pat Kennedy’s Custom Motorcycles resides in Bisbee, Arizona, where Pat and his small team of fabricators hand builds each component he sells. Each frame, fork, fuel tank, wheel, motor, transmission, seat, fender, control, brake system, and paint scheme is painstakingly produced for the individual rider, his taste, style and dimension.  In 2006, Pat is changing gears and going back to his roots. He will be phasing out his parts business and returning to building bikes full time. Check out the latest at www.kennedyschopper.com or give them a call at 520-432-1330.

SPECIFICATIONS
Owners:	Reg & Linda Madsen
Year / Make:	2005 Pat Kennedy
Fabrication:	Pat Kennedy’s Custom Motorcycles, Inc.
Assembly:	Pat Kennedy
Build time:	Nine months
Engine:	Patrick Racing 101”
Carb:	Mikuni Flat-side
Air Cleaner:	Pat Kennedy, stainless
Pipes:	Pat Kennedy, stainless steel
Transmission:	JIM’s 6-speed
Primary:	Rivera Brute 3
Frame:	Pat Kennedy Outlaw Chopper, tailored to Reg’s size
Rake/Stretch:	43 degrees, 10”
Forks:	Pat Kennedy, 20” over, adjustable rake
Front Wheel:	120 spoke 21”
Rear Wheel:	120 spoke
Rear Tire:	200mm
Front Brakes:	PM
Rear Brakes:	GMA
Fuel Tank:	Pat Kennedy
Oil Tank:	Pat Kennedy
Fenders:	Pat Kennedy
Handlebars:	Pat Kennedy
Sissy Bar:	Pat Kennedy
Headlight:	Bates style
Taillight:	Pat Kennedy
Hand Controls:	Pat Kennedy
Foot Controls:	Pat Kennedy
Electrical:	Pat Kennedy
Paint:	Pat and Brooke Kennedy
Graphics:	Brooke Kennedy
Seat:	Brooke Kennedy
Cost:	Well worth it!