Skinny and Clean Spanish Evo Chopper

Clock Set

Custom bike styles can be divided into two schools, old and new, or somewhere down the middle. When Marcos Vazquez of Free Kustom Cycles in Barcelona, Spain built his 1990 Evo-based chopper he went in both directions, and then some. He turned the clock back with a set of girder forks, and then upside down, by welding-up the Softail rear.

Photos courtesy of Japo Santos.

Reliable Moves

Different was always on the agenda for Vazquez. He wanted a 1960s styled chopper, but with a contemporary twist. Despite its mismatched configuration, the bike has all the right moves. It is skinny and clean. It is also dead reliable, with its 80 cubic-inch Evolution engine, fitted with a Crane Cam and a S&S Super E Shorty carburetor for extra motivation.

Style Mind

Vazquez originally purchased the Softail in 2002, when it still had functional suspension, a fat rear tire and a flame paint job—a typical look back in the day. He explained in a 2018 Chop Cult feature, “It had already been customized to the Arlen Ness style, but it was not my style, but I already had in mind what to change on it.”

Busy Life

The 1990 Softail was a good runner in its original 'Ness' configuration. Vazquez explained, “After riding with my wife for several years, where we traveled almost all of Spain and part of Europe, I left it parked in my workshop waiting to start working on it.” As it often happens, life took over and things got busy.

Expanded Shop

In 2004, Vazquez opened Free Kustom Cycles—an aftermarket parts and clothing store. He then became an official distributor for Mooneyes, the famed American hot rod brand. Five years later in 2009, with the help of his wife, he expanded the business and added a small shop dedicated to customizing Harley-Davidsons and select Japanese makes.

Business Dedication

Vazquez elaborated on his humble shop. “It is not a very big workshop and we only have basic tools like they did back in the day, without big machines.” He reflected on his sense of dedication and workmanship associated with all his projects—something that resonates with his customers. He stated, “I am one of the longest-lived businesses of this type in Spain.”

Common Setup

It was an invite to the 2017 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan that got the project going again. Initially, Vazquez had settled on a Springer frontend, but a nagging tug to do something different led him to a set of girder forks. The early setup predates the Springer and has more in common with bicycles than it does motor bikes.

Cool Worth

To get the right stance, Vazquez cut and bent the neck to a 42 degree rake. Rounding out the classic posture is a set of spoke wheels, 16'' in the rear and 21'' out front. A custom made ripple exhaust, brings home the 1960s cool factor. This is one different, but skinny flyer, that was well worth the decade-long build wait.

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