Ever since I was a kid, I've been into just about anything old motorcycles. I started with a transmission, traded that into a pile of parts, and quickly built that into my first vintage motorcycle -- a hot-rod Harley-Davidson 45" three-wheel chopper.
Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to have the encouragement and support of my father, Bernie, in fulfilling my dreams. This is something that, unfortunately, doesn't happen as much as it should. Since I was young, my father gave me the freedom to pursue my own goals. He put his trust in me that I knew the life I wanted and gave me the confidence and self-belief I needed to reach my goals. Through good times and bad, he was always there with positive reassurance, and kindly helped me find my way if I had gotten lost. There cannot be enough said for people like this, and I hope that I can be the same person for my son, Matt, as my father has been for me. Everyone should be fortunate enough to have someone like this in their life.
A few years back, I decided to do something for my dad to show him my respect and admiration. The project at hand -- a one-off custom H-D to be built in his honor. It all started about two years ago, when I found a pile of rare custom-modified parts at the Davenport Swapmeet. After getting back to the museum and quickly "mocking up" the bike, I knew it would take quite a bit of inspiration to get this one finished. And who better to dedicate it to than the man that inspired me.
Consisting of an early 1930s Harley-Davidson VL frame and the infamous 1936 Knucklehead engine, this machine would be a far cry from your average knucklehead or flathead. Countless friends chipped in on the project, from fabricating tanks and fenders to the finish-up pinstriping. Heck...we had two Brians, two Johns, a Myron, a Matt, a Jason, and a Dale...just in making the tanks!!!
Over the next year and a half, the bike would progress slowly, as I waited for that final burst of inspiration to get the project finished. When it came, the at one time near stagnant project came together as if it had been waiting to be fired up for the first time. Matt, Moe, and I completed the final steps of assembly, and my friend Mark Peters' steady hand made the machine glow with his pinstriping.
As we rolled the machine off the lift and out the garage door, we all knew that the moment had arrived. It was time to crank it up. A couple kicks to prime, and one to go. It started on the first kick. And man does it roar.
We documented the build of this machine on the Wheels Through Time video website and also have released a full length DVD on the VEL and its story. Over 15 shows were produced on everything from finding the parts to fabricating sheet-metal to its first run down the road. Its one of my favorite series that we've produced and it'd make a great gift idea for your friends and family. So be sure to order one from our Online Gift Shop today. I know you won't be dissappointed.
Without the help and support from my family and friends, this machine would not have turned out like it did, if at all. I'm grateful to have so many people in my life that have stood behind me in what I do and have helped me become the person I am today. I never could have done it by myself!
Until Next Time.........
--Dale
