They received a few different recommendations and after looking around and interviewing numerous people, they decided that Terry Faulkner, of Terry Faulkner Designs of Albemarle, North Carolina, was the right person to handle this project. Having seen some of his work before, they knew that Terry was extremely talented as a painter and fabricator. The bike quickly became a team project with the three of them collaborating on every decision.

One of the first decisions made was to use the RC Component Gladiator wheels. They loved the look of the intricate tri-spoke wheels with the Ness six-piston caliper/drilled-disc combo and felt they matched the style of bike that was being created. Terry agreed and suggested incorporating the wheel design into the paint. He drew up some samples and they all quickly agreed that this was the missing symbol they had been searching for.

Once the new paint and wheels were chosen, it became apparent that the entire style of the bike had changed. Tim and Marian realized that the old parts and accessories would no longer fit with the look of the bike they now envisioned. They began to search for new items that would compliment the design instead of distract from it. It was important to them that the bike remained a Harley-Davidson. Tim originally had chosen a Heritage Softail Classic because he liked the low and wide look of that style of bike. With the changes being made to the bike he wanted to ensure it retained that look. The struts were left in place. A five-degree rake was achieved by the Perse Performance S-Series trees so the stock Harley frame would not need to be cut, but would still end up having a raked-out, custom look. The H-D rear fender, the WCC front fender, the H-D tank, and the belt guard were extended to enhance the flow of the bike. Wireless handlebars, a retractable license plate by TFD, and flush-mount taillights also by TFD were additional design features that further enhanced the sleek look with their clean design. Each choice was made with the final goal Tim and Marian had in mind. They were working to create a Harley that could compete against other custom bikes in bike shows while remaining safe and comfortable when being ridden on the road.

Terry completed the fabrication work and sprayed the bike with House of Kolor Brandywine and Brilliant Silver paint while also doing the elegantly simple graphics. It was then handed over to TCX Customs for final assembly. They had come highly recommended when Tim began searching for a shop to carry out this phase of the build. TCX Customs handled all of the wiring of the bike, including the Legend Air Suspensions system. Tim purchased a JIMS 116” kit for the stock 88” Twin Cam engine that was assembled by TCX Customs for the bike. They helped him choose the final parts needed for the bike to complete the look and enhance performance. Parts like an S&S gear-drive conversion for consistent performance, long term durability, and added horsepower while the heads were diamond cut by Diamond Heads for not only show looks, but also additional cooling. A Wimmer Super Filter provided clean air for the S&S Super G carb mounted underneath and Arlen Ness Under-Cut Slash Ness pipes gives both cool looks and a fine V-twin backbeat. After all of the modifications the Harley-cased motor made an impressive 105 horsepower with 118 foot-pounds of torque. Transferring this power to the Baker 6-speed transmission is a Ness-Tech Radius belt primary running through a Rivera/Primo clutch. The bike was almost complete.

One of the final pieces necessary for any show bike is a custom seat. Tim contacted Butch Watson at High Rollers Cycle Seats in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to create a seat to finish this custom bike. Butch chose the material and design based thoughtfully on the design of this particular bike. As always, he created a one-of-a-kind seat that fit perfectly and flowed unobtrusively from the tank to the rear fender. The black alligator seat material he picked added the right touch of surface interest without becoming overpowering.

What you see on these pages is where a couple of pieces of chrome and a new set of wheels can lead. For a lot of us, making our bike a one-of-a-kind is just as important as riding it. Tim Franks built his dream and take it from me, he couldn’t be prouder. This North Carolina native is happier than a rooster in a hen house and by the looks of his Gladiator custom, he definitely has reason to strut.