Ryan Bequette originally wanted to install a wide-tire kit on his Softail, 28 months later he had built a rigid. It all started in a bar, naturally. Somehow Ryan’s dad convinced him that instead of customizing his existing bike, he should just build one from the ground up. Luckily, Ryan and his dad both remembered the plan the following day. Ryan’s dad, Kevin, helped every stretch of the way. Ryan even credits him for being his wiring guru. Ryan wasn’t in a hurry, which is a good thing. He did his research, and as he found pieces he liked, he would buy them.
The first part that Ryan picked up was a rigid frame from DNA. It features a stretch of six inches up and four inches out, and massive two-inch tubing. Next, Ryan went to some guys who know a thing or two about Choppers, Big Bear Choppers. They supplied him with their Merc Springer front end. Once the front end was installed, Ryan felt like he had found the bike’s theme. Next up were the handlebars, Ryan picked up a set of 17” Strip Bars from Todd’s Cycle.
For wheels, Ryan went with a pair of DNA 60-spoke units, he now had a roller. Ryan chose a 21” for the front and an 18 x 8” for the rear. Both wheels are equipped with Avon tires. With all of the motor choices available, an S&S 113” V-Series was chosen, thankfully the added weight of that 250mm rear tire keeps Ryan from going sideways. An S&S Direct Drive six-speed was chosen to keep the rpm low at highway speeds. Connecting the motor to the transmission is a Tech Cycle open-belt drive. Ryan chose to go with a foot clutch and hand shift setup. The shift knob is a rock that he found in a creek behind his parents’ house.
The rear fender was a 250 blank from BBC that Ryan cut up himself. The gas tank came from the Biker’s Choice catalog; the solo seat is from Bar Enterprises. To give the bike its unique sound and let everybody know that El Monstruo Azul is packing a big motor, Ryan chose Paul Yaffe Crack Pipes for his exhaust. Kurt Naeger was the painter of choice; he sprayed the Chevrolet Indigo Blue while Dennis McMillen performed the pinstriping that Ryan designed himself.
After 28 months of labor, you would think that Ryan would want to take a break. However, he has informed us that his next challenge will be a custom Panhead build. Hopefully we won’t have to wait two-and-a-half years to see it!
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