Chris Flechtner is a builder, has been for quite some time, starting out with RC model cars, then hand built bicycle frames and then a custom from a Honda CB350. He kept building while earning his MFA in design and metal arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Then he apprenticed under one of Japan’s most accomplished sword polishers and restorers, Tatsuhiko Konno, where he is still involved in the restoration of priceless samurai swords and armor. It's not the usual path to custom motorcycle building but it lays a great foundation.
Chris just completed Speed Shop Special #6 and he entered the recent FastDates LA Calendar Show, his first big show, where it won 1st place in the Pro Builder category. When he showed me the photos, lots of things caught my eye, like the front suspension, a completely hand fabricated unit from laser cut sheet steel and chunks of stainless steel, but the more you look, the more you see.
The seat is hammered out of a single sheet of 16 gauge stainless steel on a shot bag then worked over dollies with plannishing hammers. The drilled arms pivot on the top tube which allows the old Girvin shock to work. The shock is down low and out of sight and has been extended by a stainless rod basically turning it into a strut which attaches and pivots under the rider. Kinda neat.
The engine is from a 1978 Sportster, the air cleaner from a 1936 Ford horn scoop, the rear fender a modified 1936 Ford spare tire cover, the tank is a heavily modified Yamaha RD200 unit. Build time was 3 years! Chris doesn't like to rush.
The whole bike was built without any complex jigs, just drawings and ideas, precise miters, very careful alignment checks, meticulous welding and it slowly evolved into the finished machine you see here.
It's nice to know you can still build a high quality custom without having to use every type of high end machine shop equipment in the process, just lots of careful thought and meticulous work. No, this isn't a racer or corner carving machine, but it's a great example of high skill and a good eye applied to metal. Nice work, Chris!
Link: Speed Shop Design
Photo credits: Jim Gianatsis
mark says
The whole custom scene does very little for me, in general,
though this is a very special motorcycle that I really like.
The fine detail is superb, with just enough reference to
the 1940s to make it seem “old”, yet also contemporary,
with added steam-punk. Brilliant!
GenWaylaid says
The leading link front suspension and the forks look just like a beefed-up front end from a 1960’s Honda Cub. That’s a design inspiration you don’t often see on choppers!
kneeslider says
GenWaylaid, good eye, according to Chris, the Honda Dream was his inspiration for that fork.
HowardsCustoms says
RC enthusiasts and modelers in general have great patience and exceptional eye for details- this is certainly no exception. The front and rear suspension are great!
Woolyhead says
I remember my Dream 305….it rode like…….well…….a dream ! A fork that didn’t leak !
scritch says
Saw this bike (or it’s doppelganger) at the Backfire 10 meet in Ballard (Seattle). Sharp, sharp, sharp! Everyone who walked by tended to do a double-take, then double-back for a second stare.
Walt says
I saw it in Ballard too — grabbed some photos but couldn’t identify the owner. Glad you got it, Paul. It’s as immaculate in person as it looks in photos.
Mateo says
hah, I saw it at Backfire last week too. It was nice, nothing too over the top. Well done without alot of flare. I remember the guy riding off on it looked like a bicycle messenger…
hoyt says
looks like Backfire Moto participants are avid ‘Slider fans. I also saw it this month.
Backfire in Ballard….cool deal.
Chris says
Hello All,
Thank you so much for the comments… and yes, no doppelganger, it was I, Chris at Backfire last week. I have to say that was one of the best turn outs I have seen there in a long time. I always love meeting new people, seeing the regulars, and talking shop.
It’s so great that there is a big Seattle presence here on Kneeslider, I love this site!
aaron welton III says
It’s a work of art!
Steve says
These style of bikes are always interesting. Works of art and never meant to be really practical. It’s not a chopper because a chopper needs to be created from a motorcycle and then be chopped. Not a true Bobber either in the true sence but created to showcase ones talent and dreams to replicate a certian style. Beautiful.
Billy B. Tso says
Chris, love your work!! very nice machine!!! and hope you get your speed shop website happening soon!
FREEMAN says
Very nice work and excellent craftsmanship.
bott says
Amazing work of art…
Paulinator says
Thanks Chris. I’d climb over a Vincent to get a closer look at your handi-work. And I love to hear that you don’t trailer it around.
Azzy says
Looks awesome.. and practical at the same time. A custom that wouldnt kill you to ride. (Although my tastes would have the pegs a bit back, but thats personal preference).
Very nicely done.
Coca says
I like the paint! don’t need to tell you yet again on the excellent work Chris.