Classic Lines

Richard Schwartz had seen Chica Custom Cycles' bikes being built over the last few years and finally scrounged up enough money to have the Huntington Beach, California, shop build a chopper for him. He loved Chica's no-billet look -- just the way choppers used to be built back when there weren't a thousand parts catalogs to piece a bike together from. He wanted a bike that was a true custom, meaning it was the only one of its kind and he knew the guys at Chica could do it.

The build started out with a signature gooseneck Chica frame, but this one had a few inches added to the downtubes and the backbone to get the neck up in the air a little higher. We'd tell you exactly how many inches were added, but the shop is pretty tight-lipped about frame dimensions, and we don't know the rake of the bike either. While the frame was on the lift, the Chica crew added a Fred's Frames Springer frontend and a pair of American Wire Wheels -- a 21-inch in the front and an 18 in the back. Chica rotors were bolted to both sets of wheel hubs, with PM calipers providing the stopping power.

The Chica crew is a big fan of Shovelheads and knew that an S&S Shovel would look great between the framerails. Instead of a stock-sized 74ci, an all-S&S 93-inch was installed with a Mallory ignition, a velocity stack intake, and a set of custom bent Chica pipes. You'd never guess just by looking at it, but the transmission is a Baker six-speed with a kick-starter. Transferring power between the motor and trans is a Primo clutch and open beltdrive.

Known for their sheetmetal work, Chica's crew created pieces for this bike worthy of that reputation. A flowing custom gas tank was mounted high on the backbone whose lines continue into the seat area and C.C.I. oil bag and right into the Chica rear fender. Holding the only fender on the bike in place is a custom sissybar with a three-pronged shape just inches above the steel fender. Up front, Chica put together a set of handlebars that were made to ride on the top section of the springer. While the welder was out, a small diamond was welded between the downtubes for a little extra flash. Once all the welds were ground down and the parts were fit to the frame, it was time for a glossy coat of black applied by Rick Walker at Westcoast Colorworks followed by subtle green pinstriping by Bob Iverson.

Final assembly saw the addition of a C.C.I. mirror, head and taillight/license mount, PM hand controls, Chica pegs and foot controls, and finally a dark leather seat constructed by Paul Cox.

Richard wasn't surprised when he saw his bike for the first time. He knew the bike would be cool and it wouldn't look like any other at the next bar he rode to. He wasn't disappointed.