It's evident while gazing at the uncluttered lines and minimalist approach of the Copper Chopper that the owner of this sweet little ride likes things clean, real clean. This was the plan from the start which Fil discussed with builder Barry Ward from X-treme Custom Cycle. Apart from the needed accessories like a seat and handlebars, Fil mentioned to Barry he liked the no frills look of frame, engine and wheels.

Fil, owner of Filthy Fil's Detailing, was spending a fair bit of time at X-treme Cycle doing what he does best, detailing customer bikes as well as new ones while his bike was being built, which gave him the opportunity to see the whole progression as well as turning a few wrenches himself during the build. Fil chose the pleasing but uncommon colour by accident. He knew he didn't want the regular red or black paint that seems to be on a lot of today's bikes but the colour for his new two-wheeler was still up in the air. While waiting around a local shop while his car was being repaired, his eye caught a Ford Ranger entering the building and right away Fil knew this was the colour for his new scoot. A little investigation revealed that the colour was called Mandarin Orange. "The colour is different and that was important to me, it's something else to set it apart from the others" Fil says.

The Copper Chopper was built over the course of 6 weeks during the winter of 2003 and was finished just 24 hours before leaving for Bike Week in Daytona. "The bike has won numerous awards and wherever it goes it seems to be a crowd-pleaser and trophy winner" Fil says proudly. This beauty not only looks good but Fil rides it daily during the summer months.

"I'd like to thank the guys at X-treme Custom Cycle for having built yet another award winning bike. A lot of hard work and craftsmanship went into this bike and it is appreciated.ÊBarry, Rabbit, Adam and Slack Daddy,Êyou did a great job building my dream, one-off custom."

Owner: Fil Raso
Builder: X-treme Custom Cycle
Year/Model: 2003 Rolling Thunder
Time to Build: Six Weeks
Cost to Build: $50,000
Paint by: Hi-Tech Collision
Colour:ÊMandarin Orange

Engine
Make/Model: Rev Tech
Displacement: 100 cubic inch, 10 to 1 compression
Ignition: Dyna Single Fire
Exhaust: Paul Yaffe Crack Pipes
The motor produces roughly 105 horsepower at the rear wheel

Transmission
Clutch: CCI
Primary: CCI
Final Drive: HD Belt, Pulley - PM Hustler Series

Chassis
Frame/Swingarm: 2003 Rolling Thunder
Front End:ÊMid USA Dyna Wide Glide
Rear Shocks: Progressive Suspension
Front Wheel: PM Hustler Series 21" x 2.5"
Rear Wheel: PM Hustler Series 18" x 5.5" - 180mm
Tires: Metzler Matrix
Brakes: Thunder Heart
Rotors: PM Hustler Series

Accessories
Headlight: Headwins
Tail Light: Leo
Tank: Independent
Handlebars: Slack Daddy
Seat: Lepera
Foot Controls: Thunder Heart
Hand Controls: PM
Battery: Odyssey



Photos by Glenn Roberts

http://www.motorcyclemojo.com