Skin-Deep Attraction for a Shovelhead Hardtail Bobber
European custom shop displays decades of passion and dedication to Harley-Davidson.
Premier Builder
Martin Becker's love affair with motorcycles is more than superficial. An apprentice motorbike mechanic at sixteen, he later found his true calling on a trip to Southeast Asia while riding a rented Royal Enfield Bullet. In 2001, Becker opened MB Cycles in Heidelberg, Germany, and quickly grew to be a premier builder of custom Harley-Davidsons.
Custom Publications
MB Cycles only builds custom bikes — personalized for each customer. Becker emphatically states on the company's website that MB Cycles is “not a repair workshop and not a bolt-on boutique.” His handiwork has been featured numerous times in the German magazine Custombike and in American publications such as Easyriders and American Iron, along with a litany of other magazines over the years.
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Creative Liberty
As of late, Becker focuses on older V-Twins with stock, rigid frames. Part of the rationale of working with vintage iron comes from the restrictions imposed by the TÜV, the German vehicular inspection association. The titled Harley-Davidson frames or quality aftermarket units such as Santee or Paughco, provide more leverage and allow for creative liberty when approaching custom projects.
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Contemporary Mill
The attraction to Becker's latest build is literally skin-deep, but we all know 'it's what's inside that counts.' Dubbed 'Dr. Skin,' and built for a dermatologist client, this 'straight leg' 1955 FL is powered by an S&S SH93. Equipped with a Super E carburetor and pumping out 75 horsepower, the SH-series is a contemporary mill, based on Harley-Davidson's iconic Shovelhead engine.
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Massaged Primary
The running gear is a bit of custom wizardry that looks really good — of course. The gearbox is an S&S 4 to 5-Speed Transmission Case, assembled with Andrews gears and a hydraulic clutch. Although only compatible with a chain drive, Becker managed to massage a two-inch 'Shorty’ open belt drive primary from BDL, with an electric start powered by a neatly-fitted lithium battery.
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Solid Engineering
Spent gasses are vented through custom header pipes that feed into SC-Project mufflers. The dead-level stance is achieved by a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear rim. Solid braking is courtesy of a four-piston Performance Machine brake out front and a two-piston unit at the back. The classic-looking rubber is from Heidenau Tire — a German-based firm known for its meticulous engineering.
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Connected Controls
The ultra-clean build has interesting European touches. The gas tank is from a vintage NSU — a German manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and pedal cycles, founded in 1873. The frontend was sourced from a Sportster and dropped two inches to complement the stance. The stock tracker-style bars are connected via Biltwell risers, and the hand controls are courtesy of the Italian firm, KustomTech.
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Dedicated Job
Other quirky items include a small hard bag. Far from what the doctor ordered, the Moto Guzzi police case was fitted to carry “life's essentials... whiskey and cigars.” More than a customer, Becker became friends with Dr. Skin's owner. He reflected, “It was a very cool job and it also ended up in friendship.” He also reported that he now has fewer birthmarks — now, that is dedication!
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For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here on HDForums.
