This Ferrari Red Iceman Cometh for Championship Tribute
Lifelong commitment to racing was encapsulated in a one-of-a-kind ride.
Popular Reality
Fans of the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off might remember Marcus Walz as one of the only non-American contenders to win the custom showdown. Or not, the series first aired almost twenty years ago. Walz made his mark in 2006, competing against Michael Prugh. Like many of the builders on the popular reality show, Walz' shop began to attract celebrity clients.
Photos courtesy of Walz Cycles.
Distinctive Spotlight
While in operation, Walz Hardcore Cycles catered to top Hollywood names and the racing world elite. Among them is Kimi Räikkönen, aka the 'Iceman,' a Finnish driver who entered the media spotlight after winning the 2007 Formula One World Championship, while driving for Scuderia Ferrari. To commemorate the win, he commissioned a distinctive Walz Hardcore Cycles original.
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Eclectic Variety
The Ferrari red, with matching badges, bike is otherwise known as 'Iceman II.' A gearhead at heart, Räikkönen has an eclectic collection of vehicles, like actress Sharon Stone's Stingray Corvette that he purchased at a charity event. Among the two-wheeled variety is another Walz Hardcore Cycles bike, this time in black, also with 'Iceman' emblazoned on the tank.
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Involved Design
Known for his disdain of the media, Räikkönen did share a few thoughts about his new bike with Red Bulletin, a lifestyle magazine published by Red Bull Media House. When asked about the design, he casually replied, “I was quite involved with the first one, the black one. The new one looks similar—I just told them to paint it red and put some Ferrari logos on it.”
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Qualified Riding
Reflecting on his bikes, Räikkönen candidly stated he “loved them to bits,” and added, “otherwise I wouldn’t have bought them.” It is debatable how user-friendly the Ferrari red Iceman bike actually is, given the under-seat exhaust location. Yet, Räikkönen qualified that his bikes were not just for display, “They’ve been exhibited at a few shows, but they’re for riding.”
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Application Claim
Powering the Iceman is a 120 horsepower Harley-Davidson Twin Cam motor. Specifics on the engines used by Walz Hardcore Cycles are scant, but the big output engine does feature a set of John Reed designed rocker boxes, available through Custom Chrome Europe, and laser-etched with the German shop's WHC initials with a claim to its application.
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Heavily Modified
If the hefty motor is not impressive enough, the walloping rear tire most certainly makes an impact. The Metzeler 280/40 R18 is one of the widest street tires out there, although cross sections of up to 360 mm are now available. The Iceman's frame is based on a Harley-Davidson V-Rod chassis, a perennial European favorite, that has been heavily modified to accommodate a single-sided swingarm.
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Different Dedication
Iceman 'II' might seem like a bit of an ostentatious dream bike, but it rightly marks a significant achievement in motor sports. Räikkönen's lifelong commitment to racing is encapsulated in the flashy ride that bears his nickname. Walz Hardcore Cycles folded in 2015, but it too was the product of pure dedication. Walz has since reopened his custom motorcycle endeavor with a slightly different direction.
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For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here on HDForums.