This all started with the help from a phone call from a local builder Jason Wilson of Sacred Steed, telling us that he was asked to build a bike for the Artistry in Iron show in Las Vegas and had a few ideas that he would like to try. From the start, Jason knew that he was going to use a Panhead motor, build the frame from scratch, and use a leaf spring frontend. The only question was whether he could get the one he needed in time. He knew just where to go to get this done on time and just the way he wanted it-Kiwi Motorcycle Company. After he told us that owner Mike Tomas was going to build one the size he needed to meet the measurement of the frame he built, we headed out to Riverside, California, to follow along and see how it's done.
The Kiwi Motorcycle Company has developed a new leaf spring fork for stock Harleys, as well as the Indian frames. Kiwi Indian has been manufacturing old school parts and replacement parts for Indian motorcycles for over 17 years. Forks are made from 1020 DOM steel and fit 16-21-inch wheels and can be made to fit custom builds. Almost everything is done in-house except the chrome.
1. Kiwi Classic Leaf Spring...
1. Kiwi Classic Leaf Spring Forks.
2. To get started, pieces...
2. To get started, pieces of raw stock steel tubes were cut to size, then placed in the roll bender. The bend and just how much was a secret.
3. To get started, the crew...
3. To get started, the crew needed to find out what size to build, so the frame was put on the lift. They then used a lift jack to get the frame to sit level. After the rear wheel was put into place on the frame the guys took measurements to find the height to keep the frame level. A four-over stock length was needed.
4. Lucky for us, almost all...
4. Lucky for us, almost all the other pieces needed to build this frontend were already cut and bent. The leaf clamps, axle mounts, and the rockers were all pre-machined; it was just the length of tube (arrow) that needed to get fitted.
5. To start, the axle mounts...
5. To start, the axle mounts were placed in the jig and TIG-welded to the front leg.
6. Then the neck stem was...
6. Then the neck stem was jigged for the leaf spring plate. We can't show the whole jig; Mike has a patent and did not want to show everything.
7. Once the main support...
7. Once the main support frame was welded together, it was placed on the frame to make sure it was the right size and would house the tire. The top neck clamp was placed on the frame to hold the frontend in place
8. Then the six-piece leaf...
8. Then the six-piece leaf springs and lower spring plate was bolted to the frontend with the spring support rods (arrow).
9. Next the front wheel was...
9. Next the front wheel was slid into place to check spacing and clearance. At this time the crew could make a few adjustments to the height. If needed, the rocker could be flipped and lower the bike an inch or so. Kiwi offers a few different sizes of rocker to help with perfect fitment.
10. The rocker was tightened...
10. The rocker was tightened down and the wheel was placed in the frontend.
11. This is where we left...
11. This is where we left off-with one cool ass roller. We can't wait to see how it turns out.
12. Mike Tomas of Kiwi offers...
12. Mike Tomas of Kiwi offers a lot of different sizes; however, he does not recommend them if they are too long-it takes away from what makes the leaf springs work.
13. Here is one of the bikes...
13. Here is one of the bikes he rode across Death Valley and then some