Every act of imagination of a custom builder makes the motorcycle world a more interesting place. All projects from Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles are captivating because inspired by the past but never dictated by any rules expect the respect he has for the most venerable Harley engines, from Flathead to Knucklehead to Panhead and Shovelhead.
The result is always custom builds with a retro vibe all over his own unique and timeless body style. Nothing more exciting for the observer and journalist than a new offbeat design.
This “Ice Cream” 1956 custom Panhead built for client Daniel Stringer is another demonstration of his craftsmanship abilities, of his eye for beautiful proportions, of his obsession with clean lines, visual simplicity and intricate details. A tight machine created to perform under today’s standards although equipped with a motor more than 1/2 century old.
When Bill Dodge kicked this new project, he asked friend Dan “Bacon” Carr, whose superb reputation for rebuilding fine classic engines is well known among the best custom builders, to rejuvenate and embellish the 74” 4-speed 1956 Panhead motor and tranny. Bill cradled them in a Will Ramsey classic straight legs stainless rigid frame, then began his magic at re-imagining and fabricating what is for him today’s perfect riding Pan.
Regarding geometry, “Ice Cream” gets its stance from 21 x 1.70”front wheel whose grooved aluminum hub was machined by Bill himself, and from a 18 x 2.50 rear Sportster wheel fitted with the 56 hub. Fork legs are reworked K model. For bodywork, Bill hand made the cast aluminum gas tank, the nicely profiled oil tank and the rear fender with a mini sissy bar/rods strengthening it.
Then, there is a long list (this one partial) of all the hand-made aluminum parts born inside the walls of Bling’s Cycles: the stainless controls (pegs by Anderson) the aluminum seat pan, the risers, Dodge’s trademark grooved exhaust, the shifter (kicker pedal from Chicago MC) etc. Bill also made the motor mount, modified bars from Pro Taper and installed a taillight from F.N.A. Customs.
For adding some life to the Pan and reinforcing the bike own personality, Chad Chambers sprayed aqua paint on the gas tank, primary and headlight. For many, the Panhead engine has never been bettered. This new Panhead chop will influence many regarding the direction to take to build a beautiful resto-mod with such an iconic powertrain. “Ice Cream” is very fine nostalgic work from a builder currently at the top of his game.
Bling’s Cycles. (photography @ Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Another very great Job from one of the best and creative Builders!!!
Much respect, Brother!
SUPERB.
Great write-up about an awesome chop by a great builder.
Yes, very sweet.
Clean & Sweet!
Is that a drum brake on the rear wheel?
Otherwise, how does it stop? Flintstone style?
Sweet Ride!!
Pretty and skinny, the way I like bikes and ladies.
Great aluminum job.
Old school with a lot of class.
The merit of B. Dodge is to have his own unique chop style.
Great build I put that at one of the top pans that Bill does
Gorgeous bike. I love the tank. The writeup says he made the cast aluminum tank, does that mean he made the pattern or cast it himself?
That is about as sweet as sweet can be !!
Great Job !!!!!
No problems selling that baby !!!!
A piece of steel for a seat???
Who would ride it ? Really pretenders
Thank you all for the kind words… I made patterns to do the casting work…then finished by hand.. the seat pan is aluminum and we’re just not decided what what to cover it with yet but yes we ride the piss out of it. As is..Like all of the blings bikes…
@highrider….r u kidding me.? We ride thousand of miles on seats.just Iike them
Very comfortable
Nice.stuff.Mr.Dodge …great job!
Nice Work But then again that is what you do.
Art piece you can ride.
all these stainless frame castings are available at http://www.hardtailchoppers.com
Very clean build.
bill d – Thanks for clearing that up! Your work is impressive and that is hands down the nicest tank I’ve ever seen. If you ever decide to sell them, sign me up for one of the first batch.
What guys in the 60’s rode….. yes, for many miles.
Probably because we were young …. and weren’t pussies.
-nicker-
Nice. ..Z
@ nicker …yep
Nicker X2. peace
that’s my boy, it’s so beautiful son, i’m so proud of you
High rider, I rode many miles (a couple of years) with a piece of cardboard held down with a bungy on a rigid. Like Nicker said,” because we were young”. If I have to explain ……..
P.S. Nice job Bill
Want one like that but don’t have (yet) the money to pay Dodge.