Those with strong-willed, determined women in their lives know the "I'm tired of riding on the back of your bike. I want my own bike!" Now for those of us that don't own our own motorcycle shop, this issue is slightly easier to deal with. But for guys like Seth Ruhe, co-owner of The Motorcycle Shop/Third Coast Kustoms, in San Benito, which is down in south Texas, this issue cannot be sidestepped as easily. I guess you can always try the "But baby, when will I have time to build it? I'm already at the shop 16 hours a day, when would I spend time with you my sweet?" Trouble being that if you don't build it, you probably won't enjoy her company as much as you used to anyway, and, therefore will end up sleeping at the shop.
When Seth's girlfriend, Dyan Honc, wondered into the shop with her statement of independence, he knew he could not say no. After all, both his mom, and dad, Wayne Ruhe, co-owner with Seth, ride their own bikes. So he had no choice but to start getting a feel for what Dyan wanted in her own ride. Helping out around the shop and seeing the bike styles that came through the door, Dyan knew exactly what she wanted. It had to be a rigid frame and kick-start, as well as lightweight, compact, and narrow, with no long front ends or wide tires for this lady. Oh yeah, and the two most important things, it had to have cherries and horseshoes on it - that was non-negotiable!
So Seth set about gathering parts. He located an engine and frame, and while it's difficult to see in these images, this bike began life as a Triumph. Although Seth has nothing against Triumphs, he just didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling with the British powerplant, so it was back to square one. Fate has a funny way of letting you know when you've made the wrong decision, but it sometimes lets you know when you have made the right one too.
As he pondered his options, a customer stopped by the shop looking to sell an '81 FX Shovelhead at a very reasonable price. Seth now had the correct motor, but nothing else. Next he ordered the frame, which was a Paughco wishbone rigid with 35 degrees rake and 2.25 inches of stretch. Then the motor and transmission were tore down and completely rebuilt, and various parts were powdercoated. While Seth was handling the motor rebuild, the rocker boxes were sent to Dennis Reeves at NXS 4x4 & Auto in Harlingen, Texas, who handled the separation duties. Once returned, the smoothing and polishing were completed by The Motorcycle Shop/Third Coast Kustoms.
Next something was needed to hold up the front end of the frame. With Seth not really wanting to use a springer front end but wanting to keep with the slim design, a narrow glide front end was stuck up front. The factory unit just didn't go with the theme of this bike, but what to do? Once again fate stepped in when a friend casually mentioned having an old '60s girder front end, and while it wasn't in the best of shape by any means, Seth and Wayne tore into it. They performed some major surgery and reconditioned it, then sent it out for chroming to return it to its '60s glory. A mini drum brake was mated up to the 21-inch chrome rim and Seth added a custom touch to the anchor bar.
Now with the bike up on its own two feet, it was time to consider how to dress the lady.The front end was easy - she'd go topless. Seth took a Sport Bob tank which he promptly placed on a diet, and took 4 inches out of the center to enhance this lady's curves. Next in line was the oil bag and having nothing around the shop that seemed appropriate, Seth decided to build his own. He used a piece of 5-inch electrical conduit to get the custom fit and look he desired. Now it was time for the rear fender and since no stock piece had the right lines, one was handbuilt along with the custom made struts. Not having a ring roller to assist with achieving the precise radius needed for the struts, the next best tool was used; the power pole outside the shop helped complete the task.
The recently fabricated pieces were sent to J2's Body and Glass in Hampton, Nebraska, for paint. Seth and family are originally from Nebraska, but like many others, choose to relocate to Texas for the warmer climate and year-round riding. Even though they have moved, they continue the working relationship established with J2's, having complete faith in the shop's quality of work.
While the parts were on their way to Nebraska, and the frame paint and molding were handled in-house, it was time to begin putting the bike together. The engine and transmission were connected with a 2-inch BDL open beltdrive, and the custom made battery box was installed under the transmission to keep the bike clean. An Exile Sprotor was used to keep from over accessorizing the 16-inch rear wheel.
Seth custom made the forward controls assemblies, as well as the footpegs. He then got hold of the Flanders Z-bars, which were narrowed 3 inches. The custom seat pan was sent to George's Upholstery in Harlingen, Texas, where it was covered in classy white tuck and roll. A Choppers Inc. taillight/license plate assembly was attached to a custom mounting plate on the transmission.
Upon the return of the multi-state paint, parts and having had just enough time to get them installed, the bike was fired off for a few moments. Then it was loaded into the shop trailer for a journey to Dallas to compete in a bike show where it caught the attention of not only the folks that made their way through the doors, but the judges as well. It brought home a Second Place trophy in the Antique Judged Class-not bad for its first night on the town.
So either fate took a liking to this young man, or maybe Lady Luck was on his side. After all, the bike was built for a lady. Not only does Dyan have her own ride now, but a show winner as well. She occasionally will still get on the back of Seth's bike - after all, a lady doesn't do wheelies!