Those who dislike theme bikes will not be too happy to see a Harley Flathead Model U being reborn under the colors of Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow, known by most under the first names Bonnie & Clyde. Yes, the 2 criminals who traveled the central United States during the Great Depression, robbing and killing people. The 1967 movie featuring Faye Dunaway as Bonnie and Warren Beatty as Clyde, “romanticized” somewhat the couple’s run from the laws. Doesn’t matter that this custom project seems to give them the status of heroic legends. At least, under the effort of a shop called Ironborne Motorcycles, this 4-speed late 1948 model Flathead (side valve 74 cubic inch, 1200 cc) is back on the road.
So, for some among you who would prefer a plain restoration, go beyond the paint job although it has merit because it is faithful to the photos that Bonnie Parkers took herself before abandoning her camera when with Clyde she was obliged to run from police in the Spring of 1933… There is also a lot of merit in correctly rebuilding a H-D Flathead model U (the WW2 military version was model UA, with the A added for Army), a civilian motorcycle produced in limited numbers immediately after World War II and considered relatively rare. Motor is now fitted with a Dell‘Orto carburator.
Frame and Springer front end are non- altered 1948 H-D OEM. Regarding custom features, the shop created their own enclosure-protected belt drive primary system with BDL clutch and of course an updated chain final drive . An antique headlight with modern internals was bolted atop the original Springer front end. For exhaust, the choice was to built fat custom-made exhaust pipes ending in a squared-up trumpet muffler. The intention was to somewhat be reminiscent of the early thirties V-8 cars the duo Bonnie & Clyde relied on to escape police after robberies and murders.
Today, with a little bit of TLC, the reborn “U” still provides an enjoyable ride for the one seeking a relaxed pace in life … although you could push it hard to 95 mph in case of absolute necessity, for example fleeing the ghosts of Bonnie & Clyde.
I hear that Ironborne Motorcycles will attend the Verona Italy Motor Expo (MBE) this Jan. 22-24 with what is announced to be new very wild creations. I am watching (photos @ H. Roesler for C. Huze)
I wouldn’t say I “dislike” theme bikes; I guess I just do not “get it” OCC anyone?
Would like it with a solid paint job.
I think it’s pretty good.
Paint job is distracting. But the bike is cool.
Hate this seat!
Too many decorations. It’s unfortunate.
That’s a negative Ghost Rider. This looks like a lot of really neat custom touches put on a crappy bike. I like old stuff either restored or preserved, maybe ridden occasionally for nostalgia’s sake. As for building cool customs, this builder has the skills, I like the workmanship, but do this to a 2016 Fat Bob with a powerful motor, full suspension, decent brakes, etc. Just one man’s opinion anyway.
Take a nice 45 and fuck it up.
Think if fenders matched tank color it would have worked better.
Um, I like the oil bag.
Wow. A bike commemorating murderers. What’s next the Hitler Sportser? Maybe the Jeffery Dahmer Ultra Classic.
Damn I thought all the wannabe 1 % Harley riders would be waving flags for the bad guy immage.
Minus the Bonnie & Clyde stuff and it’s a neat little Flat Head.
Pretty sure Dahmer would’ve gone for a Servi-Car, but the point is well-taken. I guess these bikes are the true legacy of the OCC show, and it ain’t pretty.
RE:
“…true legacy of the OCC show, and it ain’t pretty…”
GeeZuz… Will that embarrassment ever go away…… ???
-nicker-
Why? Why would you do this to a perfectly good, and very rare, Big Twin Flathead? It’s just covered in gimmicky geegaws and useless weight. Keep the engine/tranny, the frame, the springer and the bars then ditch everything else and start over. Just boo.
Im a big fan of the U. The bike is Beautiful if you get rid of the stupid gas tank emblems.the back wheel. Sorry just my thoughts. I love Custom Ul. An recently an old friend had a garage sale for bike parts. An he showed me A Bike his friend had build an wanted him to have. An it was the Nicest Motorcycle I have Ever seen. It was a Ul in a Vl frame with a Vl Front End. An Sculpted.an painted beautifully. You see his friend was dieing an Knew how much he would value that Machine. Im sure if you check the Horse Mag it will be in there one day. Be safe
Except for the paint job + emblems, the weird belt guards, the worthless seat and the afterthought exhaust, it could be OK. It’s not too late to start all over.
Tough crowd here. I like a lot of it. I to wish the tank matched the fenders.
I love old iron but not a fan of this bike. To each us own.
Hi Phil ☺ Sure you don’t like the bike DESPITE what they did, rather than because? It’s like throwing mud on a supermodel, you knows she’s still beautiful 😉
Ditch the TV crap. Guy try reading the article before revealing your stupidity.
@ HJ, perhaps read the comments again and you’ll understand the “tv crap” rationale and wonder where there’s any stupidity. It was OCC that really lived large taking decent bikes and tacking on a rummage sale until it was a “theme bike”. I think this bike is a result of that mindset, and one that is best not continued. And you thought…?
Classic bike with a not so classic look . Do not like that tank .
good day to all.
I’m the owner of the bike. just let all you know that i have more than 20 bike harley and indian in original condition like xrtt750 knucklehead 1946 some HD made from HIDE and Hank Young and so on…..
I MADE THIS BIKE FOR FUNNY FOR ME SOON 9 YEARS OLD ,AND I LIKE SO MUCH ,SO FOR ME IS ALL I WANT…SEE My SOON HAPPY FOR IS FATHERS….
this bike is publish in a Germany magazine “dream machine” in complete 5 pages.
-just some point of bike.
1-designe made by artis paint whit oil by Anna Canepari
2-logo in gas tank is made by hands sculptors (Claudio Melotti) whit iron ,fire,hammer
3-exaust is coming from F1 Ferrari
4-rear light from 1932 Ford
5-fromt i don’t know but i like
6-fina oil found in a cantina
7-plate was really shooting whit gun fro our friend
we see the bike at last day wend all peoples send is good for assemble it.and this is the result…like or not is depend from the loin of view.
tanks a lot for your comment.
Loris
Well it’s a great looking machine….Now I’d like to ride it!
How hard it is to keep every one happy.
How hard it is to keep every one happy. Just enjoy your bike loris.
Good work any way.
I like the primary chain guard, original, and the tubing finish carried to the fender struts. Would have preferred a different color or finish or anodize color matching one of the other colors.