1958 Panhead Chopper is Simple Perfection

Chopper Recipe

Jon Brewer's 1958 Panhead is a textbook exercise in chopper building. There are as many ways to build a chopper as there are choppers but the recipe for success is a simple one. To get a minimal look requires maximum effort, steeped in the attention to detail. Brewer's chopper gets the recipe right with a mix of polished chrome and stainless steel wrapped in a custom flame paint job

All photos courtesy of Chop Cult

Killer Stance

Achieving the right stance is one of the most important aspects of any build. Brewer sets a good foundation with an early, 1948 and up, Panhead wishbone frame. Starting in late 1954, 'straight leg' Panhead frames replaced the earlier wishbone frames. Named after the chicken bone, wishbone frames are easily identifiable by the characteristic bends just below the steering neck.

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Oiled and Cammed

Carefully selected parts, mixed with exquisitely crafted components makes for the perfect chopper. The 1958 Panhead engine is fitted with a set of aftermarket outside oiler heads and features a Sifton Lightning cam. A common Panhead modification, routing the oil lines externally drops the oil temperature. The Lightning cam gets its name from holes drilled in the cam to reduce weight — hence the name 'Light(e)ning.'

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Rolling Reputation

A set of smooth stainless steel up-sweeps vent the spent gasses. Tucked into the rear of the narrow frame is an 18" chrome wheel with stainless steel spokes built by the renown Buchanan's Spoke & Rim in Azusa, California. Wrapping up the shiny rear wheel is an Avon MK2. Rolling out front on an Avon Speed Master is a 21" spoke wheel laced to a Mullins Spool Hub.

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Detail Work

There is an endless parade of polished custom made stainless steel parts. The foot controls, oil lines, and oil plug are just the start of the handmade bits. The one-off shifter is yet another elegant example of the 'less is more' philosophy. Surfboard-shaped Throwback Cycles foot pegs with diamond grip pattern helps to keep Brewer's boots planted.

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Burple Paint

Brewer's favorite thing about the chopper is the paint. Not blue, not red, House of Color Burple injected with a touch of flake coats the frame and tank. Riding on the sparkly Burple-base are red and gold-leaf flames highlighted with blue pinstriping. Keeping things on the uncluttered side, there are no gauges — choppers and speed are a relative equation.

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Vintage Forks

Out front is the crowning jewel of Brewer's chopper. The frontend is a chromed mid-1930s VL Springer. The vintage Springer features handmade stainless steel axles, spacers, and stainless hardware. A set of Noise Cycles handlebars on risers facilitates directional input. Keen eyes will spot a Gremlin bell suspended from the forks ensuring a hassle-free ride on this dialed machine.

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Attention Required

Working in harmony with the stacked springs, a pair of Speed Dealer LED headlights illuminates the way. Brewer's outstanding build is a testament to keeping things simple. The overall minimal look makes the build seem effortless yet betrays the level of attention and commitment to detail required to make something that is simply perfect.

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