A low-slung and compact 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH with sizzling rod underpinnings, masterfully constructed by Fatech.
Numerous parallels could be drawn between sizzling rods and {custom} bikes, however nobody celebrates them fairly like Minoru Watanabe. Watanabe-san runs Fatech in Tokyo, Japan, the place he builds nostalgic {custom} Harleys with sizzling rod underpinnings. This classic FLH is his newest construct, and it is oozing Americana.
Minoru began with a 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH, however little or no of the donor bike stays. That is to be anticipated; the person is a dab hand at constructing {custom} frames with distinctive strains, in order that was at all times the plan right here.
The FLH motor is now cradled in a hand-crafted twin down tube body, with a sloped spine that ends abruptly on the seat stays. Fatech’s final two builds have been inflexible machines, however he was intent on including suspension to this one, so he designed and fabricated an asymmetrical swingarm that makes use of a single shock.
The design is each unconventional and alluring. Seen from the right-hand aspect, the rear wheel feels nearly faraway from the remainder of the bike, held in place by a single tube. The left-hand aspect is visually busier, that includes an extra swingarm brace and a beefy Öhlins shock that is positioned completely parallel to the body.
Chromed Ceriani forks do responsibility up entrance. The FLH rolls on 19F/16R rims, utilizing Borrani rims, a 250 mm Fontana entrance drum brake, and a standard Harley rear sprocket brake. The tires are the basic pairing of an Avon Speedmaster (entrance) and a Firestone Champion Deluxe (rear).
Minoru went to city on the motor too. The underside finish was rebuilt with Carrillo and Truett & Osborn goodies, new WPC-coated pistons have been put in, and a Dynatek Dyna S ignition was added. Different adjustments embrace cross-flow heads, Jim’s lifters, and a twin-carb conversion with S&S Tremendous B carbs.
The unique transmission was rebuilt with Andrews internals, with a 3” major getting the ability the place it must go. The entire powertrain is beautiful, complemented by exterior brass plumbing and a pair of thick, swooping exhausts.
What little bodywork the FLH wears was all handmade by Minoru. Twin gasoline tanks sit up high, joined by a custom-made middle strip with a tidy mesh ‘window’ including a contemporary twist to a basic fashion. The gunfighter-style tailpiece sports activities upholstery by Atelier Cherry and an built-in oil tank.
A set of seven/8” handlebars adorns the cockpit, fitted with a bunch of refurbished Nineteen Sixties controls and Tomaselli grips. A Smiths speedometer and a classic 4.5” headlight full the setup, with unique Aermacchi Harley-Davidson footpegs fitted decrease down. (If you happen to’re in search of the switches, they’re mounted on a small panel mounted beneath the seat.)
In true sizzling rod fashion, Fatech’s FLH was completed in crisp burgundy paint by Shakin’ Velocity Graphix, with a beneficiant serving to of chrome, gold logos, and simply the correct quantity of pin striping.
Compact and low-slung, the bike is nicknamed ‘Sol Invictus’ after the Roman solar god. It is one other knock-out construct from one of many Japanese {custom} scene’s shining stars—and it is extra proof that choppers and sizzling rods are reduce from the identical material.
Fatech | Instagram | Pictures by, and with our enduring due to, Kazuo Matsumoto
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