This bike is called BTR #3 because it started when three other bike builders and myself decided to have a fun competition/challenge between ourselves. As it turned out (at least up until now) the others still have not built theirs. Having had more than my fill of fat-tire bikes, this was an enticing project. It pays homage to the riders and board track racers of the 1910 to 1930s. The origins of motorcycle racing happened in this fascinating era.
The concept was a modern version of an old race bike. Racing came about sometime around 1905 – 1910 when bicycle racing was a huge spectator sport. Motorcycles were used as the pacers. Back in 1912 during the bore track era, motorcycles were reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour; no brakes, no working throttle. Riders wore leather caps and oil would spray onto the tracks. This also lead to the demise of motorcycle racing popularity. It was a fascinating era. BTR3 captures the look with the angular seat, bycicle style “V” tube frame and skinny tires with a large diameter.
- 1st Place Artistry in Iron Las Vegas Bikefest/Hot Rod Bikes 2004
- 1st Place AMD World Championship 2004
IN DETAIL
This bike is called BTR #3 because it started when three other bike builders and myself decided to have a fun competition/challenge between ourselves. As it turned out (at least up until now) the others still have not built theirs. Having had more than my fill of fat-tire bikes, this was an enticing project. It pays homage to the riders and board track racers of the 1910 to 1930s. The origins of motorcycle racing happened in this fascinating era.
I wanted to capture the basic elements of the board track racers, the distinctive loop of the frame, the bicycle style seat and rear section, exposed top frame rail, turn down bars, large diameter wheels and tires, etc. I was important to have these features incorporated into modern, contemporary design and engineering.
The frame was built using heavy wall DOM tubing. 4 Litres of oil are contained in the frame itself and a reservoir between the gas tank halves. The swing arm pivot point is in front of and below the transmission. At the top of the swing arm is a linkage, support shaft and adjustable shock-also concealed underneath the gas tank. A belt tensioner maintains constant final drive belt tension.
The engine is an evolution based bottom end, billet twin cam top end that is machined to look like a shovelhead. The displacement is 100 c.i. and has a 9.6 to 1 compression ratio. The transmission is a six speed unit with fully back cut gears and case modified to delete starter.
The primary drive started out as a Primo/Rivera enclosed system. Under the cover is the voltage regulator, oil filter and shifter components.
The tires are the Vee Rubber 23” Monsters which are just coming available. The rims were specially made for this project in the UK.
For brakes-the handle bars have an internal master cylinder and throttle assembly. The rear master cylinder is borrowed from a Honda dirt bike and is mounted to the left side of the transmission. The hardened and ground stainless rotors are 20.5” in diameter.
The springer front started out as a W & W VL reproduction. A 5 degree and .75” offset top and bottom tree set was built to correct steering geometry.
For lighting – we used some very new, incredible bright, LEDs . The housings, (2 for low beam, 1 for high) also serve as heat sinks for the lights. For the rear, flush mounted brake lights, running lights and turn signals are set into the back edge of the seat.
This bike also won the “Artistry in Iron” Invitational Show at the 2004 Las Vegas Bike Fest.