If you thought baggers were only for old geezers, think again! Al Jessop's 2000 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic (FLHTCI) is lightning-fast, bedazzled in chrome and customized from stem to stern; definitely not for the faint-hearted or the 'out for a leisurely Sunday ride' bunch. Streamlined, sans beerbox, with an ultra-cool, low-profile windshield atop the gleaming red, color-matched inner and outer faring, this motorcycle looks fast while standing still. It also may be the only Electra Glide Classic in Canada to sport Vance and Hines Big Radius exhaust, their inimitable throaty rumble is music to a Harley lover's ears. To say these sculptured, polished chrome V & H beauties look amazing on the big bike is an understatement. To those who only know the iconic Electra Glide Classic dressed in duals, the curvy Big Radius exhaust seems an unusual choice; that is until you actually see and hear it. A match made in heaven, the pipes transform the traditional Electra Glide Classic into a radical and exciting force to be reckoned with, enhancing and redefining its beefy profile into a rolling work of art.
The sleepy little town of Beaverton, Ontario, nestled along the shoreline of Lake Simcoe, is home to Al and his elegant ride. This show-quality Harley is the most immaculate motorcycle this writer has ever encountered. Writing about motorcycles and photographing several over the years, none has shone like this one.You literally could eat off the sparkling-clean engine. And, it's no wonder. Al has worked as a professional motorcycle detailer for Eagle Eye Custom Cycles, the shop that has collaborated with him on design, and executed the many modifications on his Electra Glide Classic. Eagle Eye owner, Bob Hewitt, and mechanics, Ian Stewart and Bill Stewart, worked their magic to help Al realize his dreams for this, his favourite bike of all 26 he has owned since he was 16 years old. He loves the Classic's versatility, the way it can morph in minutes into the quintessential tourer with the two-up seat and beerbox, and he's on his way to the Maritimes. He bought the bike in the Fall of 2003 and has never looked back.
Starting out as a youngster on 650cc Triumph Bonnevilles, Al has owned a 1967, 1969, 1971 and 1972. Next came Harleys, and he's stuck with them ever since. He has owned Sportsters, FXR's and others. A true-blue Harley aficionado, Al is a colorful man with the gift of gab and miles of road under his belt. He easily could have originated the popular “Live to Ride ~ Ride to Live” tagline found on accessories on his bike and countless others over the world. This resounding phrase truly does denote a way of life, a passion for riding the open road that connects those of us who love the freedom and excitement of riding motorcycles.
Another thing about Al is his penchant for going fast, riding hard. He's not easy on his bikes and pushes them and himself to the limit. Clearly, three sets of broken rear spoke wheels and countless wasted rear tires speak to his need for speed. He goes through two to three sets of tires every season along with 20 to 30,000 kms of riding from April to November. It's hard to believe this beautiful machine has seen 160,000 klicks in its lifetime so far. She is a seasoned veteran of the road yet looks brand-spanking-new. Al has been to Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia and Port Dover many times and regularly rides his bike just tootin' around town.
Not content with the stock Harley, Al has modified his Electra Glide Classic extensively since purchasing it; most recently the Winter of 2010, all work done at Eagle Eye Custom Cycles. From its 1450cc origins to 1550cc, to the Race Tuner ignition and Harley-Davidson fuel management system pumping out more than 100 horsepower, to the dramatic physical makeover, this awesome machine is a world away from its stock roots. Most days you'll find Al on his bike, making his rounds in town, heading out for a rip in the country or kicking back relaxing at home with his beloved hound dog, Charley. Check out the Tech Sheet below for full details.
TECH SHEET
Owner: Al Jessop
Modifications by: Eagle Eye Custom Cycles
Year/Model: 2000 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic
Cost to Modify: Many thousands of dollars
Paint: Luxury Rich Red Pearl (Stock Harley-Davdson)
Painter: Wizzard Custom Paint (Inner and Outer Faring)
Engine/Transmission
Engine, Year and Model: 2000, 1450cc bored out to 1550cc, then to Race Tuner Ignition and Harley-Davidson Fuel Management System
Original Displacement: 88 cubic inch
Horsepower: Originally 59, now over 100hp
Hypercharger: Kuryakin
Flywheels: Stock HD
Cylinders: Stock HD
Pistons: Stock HD
Heads: Stock HD
Cams: Stock HD
Valves: Stock HD
Rockers: Stock HD
Lifters: Stock HD
EFI: Stock HD
Air Cleaner: Stock HD
Exhaust: Vance and Hines Big Radius
Ignition: Race Tuner
Wires: Stock HD
Charging System: Stock HD
Primary Cover: Inner and Outer Chrome Stock HD
Transmission: Stock HD
Shifter Linkage: "Retro" HD
Gears: Stock HD
Clutch: Screamin' Eagle
Primary Drive: Stock HD
Final Drive: Screamin' Eagle
Chassis
Frame: Harley-Davison full, all-chrome front end
Front Fork: HD Chrome
Front & Rear Wheels: 9-Spoke Harley Mag Wheels ground and chromed
Tires: Metzler
Accessories/More Customer Features
Stereo: Stock HD
Theme: Tribal Flames, HD on tank panel
Mirrors: Arlen Ness
Windshields: 5 Detachable Windshields: Memphis Shades in different colors
Hard Bag Protector: Chrome
Licence Plate Mount: Chrome layback
Mag Covers: Chrome "Rare Earth" mag covers for quick-detach kit-beerbox
Seats: Badlander extra seat, two-up HD seat, Corbin solo seat
Fender rails, upper and lower
Rotors: Chrome HD
Calipers: Chrome Kuryakin
Front End: Chrome HD
Axle Covers: Chrome HD
Wind Deflectors: Chrome HD
Tappet Covers: Chrome HD
Tranny Covers: Chrome HD
Starter: Chrome HD
Floorboards: HD "Retro"
Dash panel: Stock HD
Engine Guard: Kuryakin fold-out
Inner Faring: Painted to match ~ Luxury Rich Red Pearl
Guage Treatment: All-chrome
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