When talking shop amongst the bros and the words "top dead center" are spoken, one tends to think of that certain point of perfect balance within your motor of choice where all adjustments derive from. Well, Top Dead Center Motorcycles of Oxnard, CA, is just that. It's your local bike shop-deeply rooted in the heart of Ventura County-that builds extraordinary custom motorcycles with a perfect balance between new and old school.
In business since 1977, Top Dead Center was founded by owner and operator Andy Iannacone. Over the last 30 years, Andy has created a family-owned and operated business specializing in the customization of Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles.
Throughout the last three decades, Andy has turned out hundreds of custom motorcycles, passing on his master bike-building abilities and work ethic to his stepson Seth "The Kid" Slagiel. You see, Seth grew up around the shop, absorbing all of the necessary skills to build one-off motorcycles "Piece by piece, not bolt by bolt." Seth created the bike here by staying true to that motto.
Seth started the bike off by getting his hands on a V-Twin rigid frame with a standard stretch and a 30-degree rake at the neck. Continuing with the mock-up process and staying true to the shop's traditional style of bike, Seth opted to go with an 88ci S&S Panhead motor with a 4-1/2-inch stroke. A BDL 3-inch open primary and six-speed transmission were added to complete the drivetrain. Seth contributed some accent to the motor and transmission by going with a combination of polished cases and black wrinkle finish coating.
Adding to the mix, a blacked-out Springer frontend was mounted into place, with a 60-spoke, 21-inch front wheel. To match, a 60-spoke, 18-inch rear wheel was added to hold up the rear.