Evolution Is the Solution

Words: Josh Gilbow
Photos: Geoff Kowalchuk & Sheldon Ivester

I’ve owned a few custom bikes over the years, and they’ve all had their pros and cons. After a handful of chopper trips with friends—where I was consistently the mechanically weakest link—I finally decided enough was enough. Around that time, my friend Otto had just finished building a solid Evo. Watching him fire that bike up sealed the deal for me. It looked right, sounded right, and most importantly, it was reliable.I started hatching a plan to build something fun, dependable, and uniquely mine. The idea was simple: begin with a stock Harley Evo Softail. I found a good deal on a ’98 that was ugly in all the right ways. The motor had a fresh rebuild, which made it a strong starting point.

The motor was freshened up by Rico at Hibond Modified, Seat was done by Duane Ballard. Sissy bar was cut by Send Cut Send and finished by Jacob Conard, Tank modified by Jacob Conard and painted by “Hot Dog” Pete Finlan. Modified Biltwell Thunder risers by Jacob Conard.

Next, I enlisted my good buddy Jacob Conard to build a frame and modify the gas tank. He designed the frame with the best proportions I’ve ever experienced—this bike is incredibly well balanced. Once the frame was finished, we began assembling the rest. I radiused an Ironhead reproduction fender to use as a mold for a full carbon-fiber version made by Black Widow Creations. They also produced a matching carbon-fiber Sportster headlight eyebrow. At that point, the bike really started to take shape.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to run mag wheels. I connected with Jade Affiliated and picked up a set of their Moto Mags in a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear combo. Around then, we realized the stock oil tank was too wide for the new frame, and a reproduction horseshoe tank was too tall to clear the starter. Once again, Jacob stepped in and fabricated a custom oil tank to solve the problem.Jacob lives in Texas and I’m in California, so we came up with a plan for him to fly out and help with final fabrication and mock-up. In that one week, we made massive progress. Spending that much focused time building with a good friend was easily one of the highlights of the project.

After fabrication was complete, everything was disassembled and sent out for paint and polishing. The motor went to Rico at Hi-Bond Modified, where it was freshened up and fitted with new S&S cylinders and heads, topped with Race Dyne valve covers. The stock Harley-Davidson five-speed transmission was upgraded with a Baker Drivetrain hydraulic cover, giving it a more modern feel.

I’m not a builder by any stretch–just a glorified project manager. My friends were pivotal an helping put all the pieces in line for this bike to become a reality.

We installed big brakes from Tokico and Galfer front and rear, actuated by Beringer master cylinders. Custom Biltwell touches include extended Thunder risers, seat hinges converted into the top motor mount, and trimmed-down Mushman pegs for the brake and shifter. The seat was built by Duane Ballard. The paint concept came from Ryan “Roadkill,” with “Hot Dog” Pete Finlan adding his own spin to bring it to life.

This bike wouldn’t exist without my friends. I had the idea—but they brought the talent. For that, I’m forever grateful.