Most custom building creations are deviant works violating the social norms of what are formally-enacted rules of the way a motorcycle should look and work. You all know that Mike Tomas specializes in building new Indian motorcycles, mixing heritage with reliable modern engineering. It doesn’t exclude his admiration for the early 20’s board track racer bikes. So, how do you pay tribute to Harley-Davidson without betraying your unconditional love for everything Indian? By being “deviant”, creating from the ground up a bike whose “Hendee Deviant” name is making reference to Indian co-founder George Mallory Hendee and using on purpose the H&D initials. of Harley-Davidson.
Of course, Mike Tomas didn’t use any Harley parts, old or new. Mostly the new re-engineered Indian proprietary components that he creates at his Kiwi Indian shop in California and that he uses on all his custom projects. It starts with a single loop frame with a 28-degree rake. Powerplant is his own proprietary 84″ Flathead Kiwi Engine (42 deg, with 3 1/4 stroke 5″ bore) using a CV carburetor and connected to his 4-speed overdrive and synchromesh transmission Foot clutch and hand shift were a must have. “Hendee Deviant” rolls on a pair of 21″ Spoke wheels from Ride Wright fitted with Kiwi narrow hubs, 10″ discs and JayBrake calipers. Front suspension is provided by a Kiwi HD type front end (tubes are modified for a classic look.)
Other Kiwi parts include old racer type 3″ dropped down handlebars with internal controls, a spring solo seat Of course, gas tank shape and mount is typical of the 20’s era. Notice the oil tank built into the front of the rear fender (as marketed by Fat Katz), Last August In Sturgis, this modern race board track racer ranked third in the Production Manufacturer Class of the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Kiwi Indian ( (photography copyright Onno Wieringa for AMD Championship Of Bike Building)
Great bike Mike! Kiwi Indian rocks!
Two thumbs up to Mike! Great craftmanship and engineering! Roll on Kiwi!
Mike is the man! Polaris should consult with him before they become another failed Indian reviver!
Very attractive Indian from Kiwi Mike.
SWEET RIDE !!! MAKES YOU WANT TO HOP ON AND RIDE THE BOARDS AS FAST AS SHE WILL TAKE YOU.. GREAT JOB MIKE..
Another beautiful creation from Mike. Good job mate.
The detail that Mike puts into his bikes is amazing.
Just a shame he’s a bloody Kiwi haha….
Good on you Mike you have done it again.
Thank you, Mike Tomas.
Mike
+1 on Rodent’s comments.
Way 2 go !!!
One beautiful machine & it runs too !!!!
Seen this is in Person .. beautiful piece of machinery ! Products Mike puts out are definitely first class!!!
Kiwimpeccable! Beautiful work!
All the above comments are better than I can come up with! Excellent work. peace
Cyril, Another great bike feature. You must bring gold to all these builders you feature.
Does anyone know how much one should spend to have one of these? Or Indian the one from Gasbox, thanks so much.
very nice, so would that be a “fentank” holding the oil?
This bike is so well done. Like the modern componants with the vintage style. Keep it up Mike!
Mike is simply one of the best engineer/builders in the business, period! His love of the Indian brand has helped to keep the marque alive for all of us. And anyone who is aquainted with him knows what a great guy he is. He and his wonderful wife Carolyn have made the name Kiwi legendary. Having a Kiwi Indian is on everyone’s wish list! The Deviant is one cleverlly beautiful machine!
I got to see this first hand in Sturgis several times… I think I may have even voted on it! lol ..it won!
Great work as always Kiwi’s! Because we all know behind every great man is even a greater woman! wink, wink!
Nicely done, as usual !!!