Harley-Davidson Street Glide Tiki Torch
I better do a good job on this story because the last thing I need is another butt-kicking and the guy who owns this Street Glide could serve one up in about two seconds. He’s Neil Hardin and not only is this his bike, he’s also a kenpo karate champion.
Neil picked up a 2006 Harley and thought it’d be ideal as a mobile menu for Huntington Beach Hogs and Choppers HBHC’s work. However, it’s also his personal bike, so above all else, it had to be what he wanted and he focused the changes on the motor, bodywork, and wheels. He didn’t go crazy with the controls or lighting.
Having said that, the real star here is the paint. HBHC had Spade Brothers coat the frame and bodywork in a thick orange metalflake, then airbrushed tiki gods on the tank and fenders, and pinstriped it. If you look at the gods’ eyes, they seem to glow. We did a double take at first because when the bike’s parked, the eyes look like unlit LEDs until you get up close. That’s when you realize Spade Brothers shaded them in such a way as to give that effect.
Kiwi Terry airbrushed Hardin’s machine. He did a great job of using various types of orange to add depth to the overall scheme without changing to a different color. The only exceptions are the thin black lines and touches of black spray he used on the eyes. It really pulls you in and from 6 feet or more they look a lot like turned-off LEDs.
Billy Bartels
All that show doesn’t mean as much without any go; HBHC prides itself on building hot rods and, working in conjunction with T-Man Performance, the shop gave the motor the works. Of the original stock parts only the cases, valves, rocker assemblies, and intake remain. Everything else got tossed as HBHC upgraded Neil’s mill to a 124-incher that pumps a reported 141 hp.
I just hope Neil’s response to this story is positive. I’d hate to spend the next six weeks waiting for my kneecaps to grow back.
Take a good look at the motor and it says “stock” until you get to the Reinhart Eagle Beaks. They’re the only outward hint that this Twin Cam isn’t what it seems…
Billy Bartels
Ed Syer refers to the Spade Brothers artists as the “All-Star Paint Team” and for obvious reasons. Chris Guinn mixed and shot the paint (BASF-RM Carizzma with Lil’ Daddy Roth Metalflake), Bob Spina laid down the pinstriping, and Kiwi Terry airbrushed it.
Billy Bartels
Hawaii Five-Oh My! See what I did there?
Billy Bartels
The metalflake shines in this cockpit(esque) view of the Street Glide.
Billy Bartels
Diggin’ the detail on the custom gas cap.
Billy Bartels
Pinstripes, graphics, and metalflake making sweet love to the saddlebags.
Billy Bartels
The side panel flows liquid smooth from frame to bags.
Billy Bartels
If you don’t have access to Hawaii, you improvise with a place like Huntington Beach.
Billy Bartels
