2003 Discovery Bike - Fifty Percent

Billy Lane and his Melbourne, Florida-based, Choppers Inc. shop have been pretty well-known in the custom world for years now. But, thanks to the Discovery Channel and the Biker Build-Off series, Billy is selling T-shirts to many people who would never have heard of him before: the non-riding, television-watching public.

Last year, Billy was asked to do a show that pit him against one of the oldest names in custom bikes - Dave Perewitz - not too long after his initial build against Roger Bourget. Billy knew from his last go-round the pressure is on when you can only work on a bike when the camera is rolling, and you have a 30-day window to complete the project. He knew it would be close, and this bike would only incorporate 50 percent of the ideas he had because there was not time to pull off any more.

When the flag dropped and Billy got the go-ahead to start building, he turned to his righthand man, Nick, for constant assistance. They started with a Choppers Inc. Down and Dirty rigid frame that was built to radical proportions, 50 degrees of rake and 6 inches of upward stretch. They called on a Denver's 10-inch-over Springer to level the chassis out, then slid some Extreme Machine wheels in place. Up front, a 21-incher carries an 80/90 Avon, and out back, the 18x8.5-incher is wrapped up with 250mm of Avon.

By the time they had the front Performance Machine caliper connected to the Extreme rotor, it was time to figure out the spacing for a drive-side rear using both companys' wares as well. The clock was ticking pretty loudly, but Billy felt it was a good time to add a set of custom-built Choppers Inc. bars to the chassis to make moving it around the shop easier.

It was time to power the chassis up, and they decided to go all-out with a Mid-USA Powerhouse 114. The side-by-side rod configuration of the Powerhouse lets it spin to much higher rpm levels, which makes a ride much more entertaining. The motor was polished to look its best and mated up to a Baker six-speed transmission, with a radical-looking Hi-Tech open beltdrive.

Turning to the sheetmetal, Billy had a brainstorm that Nick declared to be exactly that, a storm. Billy had decided that since they always build their own pipes, and they almost always modify, if not create their own fender, he could combine the two. So, the pipes for the Discovery bike ran through the extensively modified WCC rear fender, and if you saw the program, you know how hot it was! Next, they turned attention to a gas tank that is, well curvaceous, and clearly hints to a style made popular by Aaron Greene at Paramount Custom Cycles. Finally, a Moon Eyes oil tank was mounted behind the transmission, and Billy and Nick had a chance to breathe while everything went to chrome or paint. Not breathing was handled by Joe Richardson, who had the incredible task of painting the beautiful orange tones, in about three days.

Billy and Nick got some help for the final assembly when Aaron Greene, of Paramount Custom Cycles, showed up to help. Nick and Aaron took on installing all the remaining components, while Billy finished fabricating the Devil Tail forward controls for his 30-day wonder. The final element necessary on the bike was a Paul Cox seat to separate Billy from the exhaust/fender.

Barely under the deadline, the Choppers Inc. creation rolled onto the Discovery Channel trailer for a ride to Texas to compete against Mr. Perewitz. The hard work paid off as the crowd chose Billy's bike as the winner in a very close contest. If this is a 50 percent bike, imagine what Billy can do with an extra two weeks.

Specifications
General
Owner: Billy Lane
Year/Make: '03/Discovery Bike
Fabrication: Billy and Nick
Assembly: Billy, Nick, and Aaron
Build Time: 30 days

Engine
Size/Type: 114 Powerhouse
Cases: Mid-USA
Flywheels: Mid-USA
Rods: Mid-USA
Pistons: Mid-USA
Cylinders: Mid-USA
Heads: Mid-USA
Cam: Mid-USA
Carb: Mikuni
Ignition: Mid-USA
Pipes: Choppers Inc.

Transmission
Year/Type: '03/Baker
Case: Baker
Gears: Six-speed
Clutch: HI-Tech
Primary Drive: HI-Tech

Frame/Suspension
Year/Type: '03/Choppers Inc.
Rake: 50 degrees
Stretch: 6 inches
Swingarm: Rigid
Rear Suspension: Nope
Forks: Denver's springer
Extension: 10 inches
Triple Trees: Denver's