Harley-Davidson Chopper is Prom-Ready Pink Evo

Reliability Result

It is hard to shake the Pretty in Pink reference, but as with the 1980s cult-classic movie, standing out in a crowd was the objective. That was Prism Supply's motivation when they built this customer's Evo-powered hardtail. The result is a cool machine that sits somewhere between a traditional chopper and contemporary reliability—despite the prom night-ready paint job.

Photos courtesy of Prism Supply

Trip Style

Matt Best of Prism Supply elaborated on the build. “Our basic goal with the bike was to combine a newer power plant with a bike that looked like it was built in the 1960s.” He continued, “It had to have a strong and reliable powertrain with classic chopper style—something you wouldn’t hesitate to take on a long trip.”

Engine Choice

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based shop selected a 1995 Evolution Big Twin as the project's starting point. Lifted from a 1995 Softail, the 1,340cc or 82 cubic-inch motor is not usually the go-to choice for nostalgia builds, but it is arguably the engine that propelled Harley-Davidson into an era of modern bike building, not to mention financial solvency.

Timeless Quality

Completed a few years ago, the pink chopper resurfaced recently for maintenance, replete with ample road wear—a testament to the original build motivation. It is also a showcase of early Prism Supply prototype parts. Now, well established as an aftermarket parts manufacturer, the company prides itself on American-made goods. As they state on their website, “quality parts for timeless, quality machines.”

Rigid Vintage

Situating the Evo motor was the next order of business. Prism Supply opted for a rigid Paughco Straight Leg frame. No modifications were made because the aftermarket chassis closely follows the specifications of Harley-Davidson's late 1930s EL model. A four-inch-over chrome Springer frontend from V-Twin Manufacturing was then bolted to the front to complete the vintage look.

Comfort Version

The handlebar and top clamp were fabricated with the same 'traditional meets contemporary' thinking as the rest of the build. The risers were welded to the top clamp as a one-piece unit, and the Flanders-style handlebar clamps are rubber-mounted for a little bit of comfort on the rigid ride. The handlebar is an early version of Prism Supply's Hurricane Handlebars.

Drum Deterrent

Custom white acrylic grips were machined to match the shifter knob. A stock foot-shift assembly was modified to a foot clutch unit. As a deterrent to novice riders, the front brake lever was relocated to the left side of the bars—connected to a front drum mounted to a star hub that rides in a 21'' rim, clad with a vintage-style Avon tire.

Pink Requirement

A Wassell-style peanut tank feeds the Big Twin Evo through a proprietary, barrel-like, fuel tap. An early version of Prism Supply's ‘Quick Stick' lever was mounted to the starter, just below a trimmed-down oil tank. The Bates Cobra seat was upholstered by Counter Balance Cycles. The pink paint with subtle flames was done in-house. It more than satisfies the 'standout' requirement.

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