As seen on TV: An S&S-powered panhead by MB Cycles

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There’s not a lot actuality in actuality TV nowadays. However there are nonetheless reveals on the market which can be extra fascinated about their supply materials than they’re in hype. The German program, Handwerkskunst!, is a first-rate instance.

Handwerkskunst! (which interprets to ‘craftsmanship’) is devoted to craftspeople of various vocations and backgrounds. Every episode focuses on an object, whether or not or not it’s a cupboard or a carnival float, and the method of constructing it from starting to finish. There’s no fancy title sequence and even background music—simply selective narration, and the rustling of the instruments and machines used within the course of.

In the event you tune in to the present a month from now, you’ll get to see how Martin Becker at MB Cycles constructed this shimmering Harley-Davidson panhead. The mission itself was commissioned by a pal and common shopper (that is his fifth MB Cycles customized), but it surely supplied the right alternative to go behind the scenes. So Handwerkskunst! filmed the entire course of—from uncooked body to ultimate take a look at journey.

As we’ve come to count on from MB Cycles, this panhead is an intoxicating mixture of classic, copy and customized elements, all masterfully blended collectively. Like a very good chef, Martin is aware of easy methods to choose the appropriate components—and easy methods to flip them right into a 5 star dish.

Calling it a Harley-Davidson is just a little misleading, as a result of little or no right here truly comes from The Motor Co., save for the bike’s body. Martin began with a 1946 H-D ‘Wishbone’ unit, then matched it to a copy Springer front-end from W&W Cycles.

The wheels are a combined set, and each sport drum brakes. A 21” Kustom Tech merchandise sits up entrance, with an aftermarket a part of undisclosed origin on the again. Each are wrapped in sawtooth treads from Firestone.

The engine is simply as tasty. It’s a 93 ci panhead motor from S&S Cycle, hooked as much as an S&S Tremendous E carb, and aftermarket exhaust headers with MB Cycles mufflers. The ignition, coils and oil pump are from S&S too, whereas the charging system and regulator are Accel elements.

Different modifications embody a six-into-four transmission conversion, an FXR clutch cowl, and a BDL Shorty open belt major with an Antigravity battery wedged ‘into’ it. Martin transformed the panhead to an electrical starter too; you’ll spot the beginning lever tucked away underneath the oil tank.

With a foot-operated clutch and a hand-shifter, the panhead’s cockpit is delightfully sparse. Martin began with a set of his personal ‘Snake Low’ handlebars with built-in risers, fitted with a single Kustom Tech lever and an inner throttle. A teeny tiny Motogadget speedo sits slightly below the bars, with two LED warning lights mounted to the highest yoke (the bike does have switches, however you need to know the place to look).

Rounding off the entrance finish are a single rear-view mirror and a tiny headlight. Each are neatly mounted to the springer forks.

Additional again you’ll discover the repurposed tank from a Harley-Davidson Sportster. A slim seat sits simply behind it, with a cutout that provides entry to the oil dipstick. Rounding out the bodywork are a customized oil tank, and a rear fender from Cooper Smithing Co. that Martin tweaked just a little.

Mounted to the left of the body are a MB Cycles license plate bracket, and a single-sided fender strut that additionally holds mini taillight from FNA Customized Cycles.

These type of trick particulars are lurking in every single place on this classic dreamboat. The small brace that secures the again finish of the gas tank is ridiculously elegant for such a small half. And the gasoline cap and Prism Provide Co. foot controls are all adorned with engraving work, masterfully executed by Carsten Estermann.

The paint job is simply as beautiful. Carried out by frequent MB Cycles collaborator, Chiko’s Pinstriping, it contains a deep yellow steel flake base, punctuated by silver leaf striping. The panhead’s completed off with powder-coating work by Steel Pores and skin Works, and chroming and sprucing by Polierservice Zwickau.

Martin’s Handwerkskunst! episode airs on German tv (and on YouTube) on the twenty fourth of March. You possibly can guess we’ll be tuning in—we’ve admired his work from afar for the longest time, and the possibility to see his course of up shut is just too good to go up.