It debuted on the 1948 Harley-Davidson Mannequin S, discovered its means onto the spine of the Sportster within the 50s, and have become a staple of each The Motor Co.’s manufacturing facility choices and {custom} choppers. The phrase ‘iconic’ is bandied about a lot nowadays—however the humble peanut tank deserves it.
Final yr’s Yokohama Sizzling Rod Customized Present celebrated the peanut tank’s fame with a curated exhibition of bikes geared up with peanut tanks, referred to as the Peanut Tank Extravaganza. However one machine specifically stood out—a Harley Shovelhead that took the task actually.
The concept to construct a chopper with a bona fide peanut-shaped tank was hatched, as most are, over shared libations. Kozo Tateoka, the founding father of Solar Bikes in Hiroshima, was consuming with Heiwa MC’s Kengo Kimura, Wedge Motorcycle’s Takashi Nihira, and the person behind A Beard, Fumihiko Ueda. When the subject of the Peanut Tank Extravaganza got here up, Kimura-san pitched the thought of constructing a “actual peanut,” and issues snowballed.
Very quickly, Tateoka-san dragged the whole crew to OA 100 Challenge—an organization specializing in vehicle bodywork and speedy prototyping. There, they 3D-scanned a Planters Mr. Peanut figurine that Kozo had purchased within the US a while in the past. Mr. Peanut’s physique was sized up, adjusted, and used to create a 1:1 buck.
Kengo stepped as much as the plate subsequent, hammering out the metal gas tank over the peanut-shaped buck. Between him and Kozo, the distinctive design was fitted with mounting tabs, a tunnel, and a pop-up filler cap, turning it right into a fully-functioning gas tank.
As soon as that was completed, the peanut went to Wedge Motorbike’s workshop, the place Nihira-san was tasked with including a layer of realism to the sleek, gourd-like tank. Utilizing putty and varied paint textures and strategies, he introduced the crew’s wacky concept to life in vivid element. A twirling copper gas line plumbs the tank into the system, mimicking a peanut stem.
Equal elements unhinged and spectacular, the “actual peanut” tank solely tells a part of the story. That is as a result of the bike it is perched atop is a legitimately cool chopper. “Everybody labored collectively to make the tank, so I assumed I would get in bother if I lower corners on the remainder of the bike,” Kozo quips.
The donor bike was a 1972-model Harley-Davidson FLH 1200. Kozo tore it right down to its nuts and bolts, transformed it to a hardtail, and put in a 1974 springer entrance finish. 19F/16R wheels full the rolling chassis, fitted with Firestone tires, Kustom Tech brakes, and Mooneyes rear wheel discs that match the sample of the entrance hub.
The classic Shovelhead motor was rebuilt with Mahle pistons, assisted by an area tuning store, 45 Levels. Different upgrades embody an S&S Cycle Tremendous E carb and a Dynatek Dyna S ignition. The motor exhales by way of a pair of handmade trumpet exhausts, with refined indents within the cans including an fascinating element.
The Harley’s head- and taillights are from Prism Provide Co. within the USA, whereas its handlebars are one-offs. A foot clutch and custom-made hand shifter assist preserve the cockpit tremendous sano, with an aftermarket speedo mounted to the left of the gas tank.
The Shovel’s supporting bodywork was saved easy and classy, to raised emphasize the peanut tank. The seat was impressed by traditional lowrider bicycles; one other whimsical element. A elegant oil tank was put in under it, with an abbreviated fender and sissy bar finishing the tail finish of the bike.
Lastly, N2 Auto bought the construct over the end line with a tasteful teal paint job on the body and fender.
Comical by nature, however skilled in its execution, Solar and co.’s Actual Peanut Shovelhead is a breath of contemporary air. In any case, how typically do you come throughout a machine that may poke enjoyable on the institution with this a lot panache?
Sun Motorcycles | Heiwa MC | Wedge Motorcycle | Photos by, and with many because of, Kazuo Matsumoto
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