Unexpected South Korean S&S Shovelhead Chopper

Custom Effects

The chopper-bug knows no boundaries and respects no borders. While its global spread can be traced back to Easy Rider, a more contemporary source is the 2002 Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off. As testament to the chopper-bug's far reach, this jewel-like S&S-powered ride comes all the way from South Korea — where the custom bike scene is almost non-existent.

Photos courtesy of Bike EXIF.

Seoul Craft

Owner, Tae Hyeong Ha explained in a recent Bike EXIF interview that modifying motorcycles is heavily restricted in South Korea. Through a translator he stated, “Frame mods are totally out, and it’s not even possible to register a new bike with a carburetor.” Undaunted, Tae explained that he left his design job fifteen years ago to start Winterless Craft, located on the outskirts of Seoul, Korea.

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First Display

Almost a decade and a half after that career-changing move, Winterless Craft was invited to the 2019 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. Better known as 'Mooneyes,' after the Santa Fe Springs, California company, the international show brings the best hotrods and custom bikes together every December in Japan. It was the first time a Korean custom motorcycle had been entered in the show.

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Rideable Philosophy

To circumvent the strict Korean vehicle laws, Tae tracked down a registered donor. Starting with an early-1950s Big Twin rigid 'wishbone' frame, he fitted a 93 cubic-inch S&S SH-series 'Shovelhead' engine. While Tae admits that the ice-blue chopper was “built for shows,” it is still road legal and completely rideable. It is an approach that is in keeping with the shop's business philosophy.

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Smooth Advance

With the ride in mind, the SH93 motor was backed by a new transmission. Tae elaborated, “We thought the four-speed tranny was not good for a smooth-riding feel, so we decided to use a new five-speed from Baker Drivetrain.” With no Korean suppliers and long shipping times, even from Japan, it meant that the chopper-build had to be planned well in advance.

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Snowflake Shape

With an eye for quality, Tae stated, “we use reliable parts from well-known manufacturers.” He expanded on his choice of rims. “The wheels are Roland Sands Design Hutch Wheels because the spoke shape is similar to a snowflake, which is the symbol of Winterless Craft.” The brake calipers and master cylinders, grips and hand controls are all from Performance Machine.

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Narrow Brake

With the major components sourced, the split tanks, fuel cap, handlebars, and foot controls were all handcrafted. The springer forks are from Led Sled Customs in Dayton, Ohio. Daegun Jung, Winterless Crafts business manager explained. “We were trying to find a springer fork that had a narrow width. If it was any narrower, we wouldn’t have been able to install a front brake!”

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Bigger Show

Ever the perfectionist, Tae still wanted to work on the bike as they left for Yokohama. The head and tail lights were lathed in house. Hidden wiring and Kuryakyn by Kellermann Atto signal lights help keep everything tidy. Winterless Craft is planning another build for the 2022 Mooneyes show. They hope the South Korean custom bike scene will get a bit bigger.

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