Custom Harley Uses Parts From Musical Instruments, Other Random Places

Standing Out

We've certainly seen our fair share of unique custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles over the years, which only makes things harder on builders who want to stand out - after all, it's hard to do so when just about anything that can be done to these motorcycles has already been done. However, the folks at Madhouse Motors managed to pull off this daunting feat by creating one of the most unique Harleys we've ever laid eyes on, and it's currently on display at the H-D Museum, too. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

In the Spotlight

This particular build was completed some time ago, but was recently thrust back into the spotlight thanks to a feature from The Autopian. It started life as a 1972 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi SS350 "Sprint" that has been customized to the max, using various parts and pieces that were lying around the shop. It all came together thanks to the genius of J. Shia, who runs the Boston-based Madhouse Motors herself. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

Like Father, Like Daughter

As Shia explained in this video from the YouTube channel Prism Supply, she comes from a long line of metal workers and fabricators, and in fact, she still uses a host of vintage tools that have been passed down through those generations. Her father, specifically, loved to work on old motorcycles, and that's precisely what inspired her to do the same exact thing - and create Madhouse Motors back in 2009. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

Unconventional Builds

One of four builds that stem from a single series, this unique Harley was originally created for a very special reason. "These ‘72 Harley Davidson Aermacchi 350s are known as 'The Optical Conclusions,' were debuted on the stage of The Boston Symphony Orchestra stage to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Op. 20 Act II," Shia said. "'The Pareidolia Series' comprises four motorcycles in total, all of which function unconventionally and are constructed in a nontraditional way."

Photos: Madhouse Motors

Unique Parts

Aside from its turbocharged and nitrous-injected powerplant, this unique Harley is chock full of cool and interesting parts, starting up front with a headlight made from a microscope projector, a microscope stand out back that serves as an oil tank for the turbo, and a tail portion that doubles as the exhaust. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

Double Duty

As for the brake light, it's a pencil sharpener that's been fitted with LEDs, while a grapefruit juicer serves as the air intake, stove handles are now pegs, and a microscope project's magnification tool is used to switch between low and high beams. Interestingly, the bike can even function as a lamp, thanks to its custom electrical system. There's even a modified soprano saxophone that helps the bike belt out its exhaust note, too. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

Art Piece

Even better, this isn't just some unique art piece - this Harley is fully functional and capable of tooling down the highway just fine, in spite of its many wild parts and pieces. However, to us, it serves a better purpose sitting in the H-D Museum, where the public can see its clever use of parts up close and in person. 

Photos: Madhouse Motors

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