I saw Tobin post up some photos of his recently built chopper & i had to take some photos of it. i messaged him on friday evening, he was going to be disassembling his bike for prep & paint on sunday, so we setup a time and i went for a drive out to his shop top ten hotrods on saturday morning.
"I built the first piece of the frame at the beginning of November so I’m only into it for 2 1/2 months, lots of late nights haha. I’ve always loved the look of simpler choppers as I find a lot of bikes are a little too over the top. Less is more and that’s kind of what I was going for.
You have to look close to see all the details. As far as my favourite parts of the bike it would have to be either the copper oil lines running down the backbone or the way I did the seat." - tobin fitzl
You have to look close to see all the details. As far as my favourite parts of the bike it would have to be either the copper oil lines running down the backbone or the way I did the seat." - tobin fitzl
The details are endless on this bike and thats what drew me into it. custom frame, hand formed tank, fender, bars, oil system & Radiused exhaust. if you ever get the chance to see it in person be sure to spend a minute to really take it in.
Enjoy these photos of his work in the raw.
The engine is a 1977 Harley Ironhead, 37 degree neck angle on the frame.
the sheet metal is 18GA and has been hand made using various techniques like shrinking, stretching & bead rolling. the custom frame, tank, fender and this Rad air cleaner flow nicely & complete the look.
Tobin decided to integrate the oil tank in the frame. adding the copper lines as a function & visual esthetic.
The bottom of the frame was boxed in to be used as an oil bag, between that and the down tube he has enough oil capacity for the engine, eliminating the need for a separate oil bag.
The bottom of the frame was boxed in to be used as an oil bag, between that and the down tube he has enough oil capacity for the engine, eliminating the need for a separate oil bag.
You can see under the seat pan below ( sort of ), tobin used a leaf spring as a support and re shaped it giving the bike a clean look while still getting some suspension qualities.
there is a line between practicality and well, a bike like this. Sure the tank isn't that big but thats not the point. this bike is art, functional art and honestly offers a pretty comfortable riding position with those wicked cruiser bars ( also handmade )
Tobin's skills are expansive from mechanical to metalwork, finishing prep and paint he does it all, in house
at his shop top 10 hotrods. as for this bike there is still finishing, the next time you see it will be after paint and chrome.
at his shop top 10 hotrods. as for this bike there is still finishing, the next time you see it will be after paint and chrome.
Make it Rad
Chalkboard layout of the frame dimensions.