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The Baja Twins go Matchlight!

The Baja Twins go Matchlight!

If you look for long enough into the rearview mirrors of our Baja Twins, you’ll discover derelict barn finds, forks longer than timber trucks and upsweep pipes menacing international air travel. In short, our MexiCalifornian duo of Shovelheads is covered with the dust and the memories of last year’s Born Free Motorcycle Show.

Born Free is arguably the global centre of Wrenching Culture, drawing us in like moths to the light. So we thought, why not bring a couple of nice bikes of our own? We checked our warehouse for interesting parts and found enough sufficient for not one, but two Shovelheads. So we decided to build them both as identical twins, but still slightly different. With the same Baja California dust eating chopper road movie spirit, and a good gulp of tequila and beer thrown in.

Dances with wrenches

Mattias "LeBeef" Anderson is our man at the workbench, steel whisperer numero uno at W&W with the built in ability to create very slick, very cool Shovel choppers from our original concept idea.

Mattias worked his magic on the LED headlights he incorporated into a set of wicked hand-built nacelles to achieve that slick enduro look, or rather, Baja style. Also the custom built (ever tried to build two identical sets of pipes?) exhaust systems for the two Shovelheads. Did you notice the footrests? The foot controls? Better take a second or third look: all custom-built as custom-built can. This is all top drawer.

There were the usual "man, why isn’t this working", "right, I’ll undo everything and fiddle with it some more and do it again the RIGHT way and then we’ll know" or "tomorrow’s another day – oh nooo, IT IS tomorrow already" moments, but from the start it was a fun project, ’cos wrenching on two identical bikes simultaneously is a mental challenge of the first order.

Here’s the master’s words:"When you do the first part, it’s a lot of experimenting, trial and error and so on. Once you’re there, you almost start all over again, and are comparing the parts, so they are as close to the first part as possible. It would be easier to make 100, because then you would build tools and fixtures …"

After months of wrenching, welding, grinding, chroming, swearing, head shaking, more swearing and grinning the Baja Twins were ready to roll. With striking paint from Bob’s Custom Garage, Tidaholm, Sweden. The California Bear and the Mexican Eagle were hand painted by Annika Ljungberg of Duckstripe, Varberg, Sweden

Baja Twins are go!

Bikes need to taste the open road. Before Born Free we showed these two Shovels a little bit of their home continent, so Nobbi and Tommy took the finished Baja Twins for some serious testing kilometers on German Autobahns, mountain switchbacks and rustic single tracks to make sure that they would stand up to the MexiCalifornian back roads. After that, they went straight over the Big Pond to Born Free California. After the show they were flying their Mexican-Californian colors across America to Born Free Texas and the Paradise Road Show. Now they’re back on their home turf, with the Matchlight Show Eindhoven (at Radio Royaal) scheduled for another chance to check out their immaculate build …

Cannonball StealthStarter SSK-R Kick Drive Rigid Frame
Cannonball StealthStarter SSK-R Kick Drive Rigid Frame
The Cannonball StealthStarter system converts your classic kickstart-only motorcycle to electric start. After installation you just push the button or turn the key to fire up your classic Big Twin.
The Cannonball SSK electric start system bolts between kicker cover and transmission case. The stock kick starter can be retained. Due to the system’s low profile, only ¾” (19 mm) wide construction the overall appearance of your motorcycle will remain virtually unchanged. Primary drive, primary housing and oil tank will stay untouched.
Installation is fairly easy and straightforward. The kit includes everything needed for the conversion except for the extended throwout bearing, battery, wires and starter button/switch.
If the bike is still equipped with an early stock 6 V electrical system, you will have to convert this to 12 V. Depending on the configuration some other options are available separately.
Since the kicker cover moves 19 mm to the right the following modifications may be necessary:
A stock 2-1 exhaust system will have to be routed slightly outward to compensate for the offset of the kicker cover. , A longer clutch release lever will be necessary on rod actuated configurations like Moustraps or Footclutch. A longer lever can be ordered seperately if needed., A extended throwout bearing must be ordered seperately for your type of clutch pushrod since the stock pushrod will be 19 mm too short.,
A longer brake crossover shaft will be necessary on all bikes using the original mechanical rear brake in conjunction with the original 2-1 or similar exhaust. A longer crossover shaft can be ordered separately if needed. , Original rear fenders need to be slightly dented for starter motor clearance. Alternatively, an aluminum “Dent” can be ordered separately. In this case the fender needs to be cut out to allow the “dent” to be mounted with the original lower fender mount bolt and the two oil tank/battery tray bolts.,
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MAG-12 Rear Wheels 1973-07 Type
MAG-12 Rear Wheels 1973-07 Type
If you’re serious about wrenching your Harley, you’ll always be looking for that special part that makes all the difference. Introducing the legendary Mag Wheel.
When in the 60s car drag racing started to move from being a pastime of a few aficionados to serious motor sport, equipment got ever more important. Among other things lightweight and truly round wheels capable of taking hard loads got popular. And there it was, the magical wheel, the dragster front wheel, cast from magnesium alloy. It was called mag wheel. Not long, and the first chopper jocks tried to bolt these wheels to their rides. A favorite ever since: the 12 spoke variety.
The mag wheels of yore with their respective sizes of 15” and 18” are extremely rare by now and about as easy to find as an Ironhead Sportster that starts on the first kick. Even if one of those beauties can be unearthed, it should be clear that time has never stopped nibbling away at the metal — and the task of making them compatible with Harley brakes and axles is another story.
That’s why W&W had the Cannonball MAG-12 wheels cast using the latest technology and state-of-the-art aluminum alloys which guarantee long-term trouble-free service. The hub design was changed, too, in that it accepts special adapters which allow for the installation of common H-D drum and disc brake systems.
The Cannonball MAG-12 takes its styling cues from the originals, but is certified to take loads of 350 kg per wheel, and engineered to be compatible with a variety of Harley brake and sprocket setups. The available sizes of 16” and 19” give a wide scope of application for that next custom project.
Choose from wheels with a barrel polished or MAG finish. For the latter the barrel polished wheels are finely bead-blasted to achieve a dull magnesium-like appearance.
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Bates Tires Baja 100
Bates Tires Baja 100
Gravel, rocks and roadkill – here’s an awesome tire knowing no fear. Whistle into town, come back home across the fields Steve McQueen style. Do some hooligan racing among friends on the neighborhood dirt track. Or what about that camping trip to that place where the road ends you’ve been postponing all those years? The Bates Baja tires can handle it.
Here’s a family of scrambler tires right on the tracks of the legendary Goodyear Grasshopper, capable of doing it all: ample grip on the road with a tread pattern that will get you out of the deepest ruts off the road.
The Bates tires Baja are the product of Bates’ long experience on diverse gravel, dirt and mud pistas, highways and Autobahns on several continents. For continuous quality control we use them on our daily riders.
We’re having this classic square section tire produced to the highest technical standards. The design matches perfectly most vintage, bobber and chopper style bikes. The available wheel sizes can be freely combined. Your next vintage scrambler project should be awesome.
It’ll give that extra twist to that off-the-wall vintage rigid project of yours, or use it to give a whole new attitude to your custom bobber or 70th style swingarm.
The tires are certified for speeds up to 190 kph.
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W&W Narrow Glide Forks for 4-Speed Big Twin
W&W Narrow Glide Forks for 4-Speed Big Twin
Narrow Glide fork with 39 mm tubes in a classic Big Twin frame? We thought that could be interesting and therefore W&W offers these forks for all 4-Speed Big Twin frames from 1936-1986. Bearings, clamp bolts, steering head bearing adjustment bolt, axle nut and washer are included. If you have a frame prior to 1949, you will need to convert to tapered bearings (WW 15-115). The fork tubes are already filled with oil, which means that the forks are delivered completely ready for installation. Only bearing cups with integrated steering stop have to be mounted (sold separately). Fairly simple to mount and therefore not that much of a big deal. Except the result.
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Bates Baja 13 Handlebars
Bates Baja 13 Handlebars
No matter if you race at the Baja California 1000 or if you’re on a short trip to the nearby stone quarry, your Bates Baja bars will be ready for it. And on asphalt, too, they cut a fine figure, respectively the rider, as the Bates Baja bars provide a relaxed and upright seating postion. As you would expect from offroad handlebars they feature a cross bar which does not only give additional strength but also comes in handy to mount a GPS system, map holder, accessory bag, etc.
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Prism Supply Quarter Turn Throttle Grips
Prism Supply Quarter Turn Throttle Grips
A clean and and unobtrusive appearance are the decisive design features of this throttle grip by Prism Supply. The ingenious pulling mechanism consisting of a chain and carriage, allow for precise linear pulling actuation. Just a 90° twist will fully open your throttle (27 mm cable pull at the carb end). The clamp, polished to a high gloss, as well as the gas handle sleeve are made of aluminium. Suitable for all handlebars with 1" Ø and designed for all gas cables with snap ring (Ø 5/16”, 1996→). Throttle lock screw and grips must be ordered separately.
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Kustom Tech Grimeca Style Handlebar Controls
Kustom Tech Grimeca Style Handlebar Controls
Handlebar controls with a low-key, classic design. With their to the point design and retro style they are a perfect match for serious Fahrmaschinen.
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motogadget mo.view classic Mirrors
motogadget mo.view classic Mirrors
The special feature of these mirrors is the patented mirror surface, which is worked directly into the metal of the mirror head. The aluminium itself is the mirror surface! This creates a weightless design without edge or frame and the mirror body becomes very thin and light. A shattered or fallen out glass is simply not possible. The convex mirror surface is produced in a flycutting process by means of diamond tools on ultra-precision machines. It is then made resistant to oxidation, corrosion and scratches by a complex plasma coating process in a vacuum.
The mo.view classic features a regular stem and sports a small diameter, timeless design, which will look right at home on most motorcycles.
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Stock Replacement Gas Tanks
Stock Replacement Gas Tanks
Accurate reproductions of Sportster gas tanks to replace your leaking or dented original part.
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Cycle Electric Generators with End Bell Regulator
Cycle Electric Generators with End Bell Regulator "LeBeeF Edition"
Reproductions of stock H-D generators 1958→ with matchless build quality. The connections between armature winding and commutator are spot-welded instead of being soldered, for a more positive and longer lasting bond. The insulating material of the armature is genuine maple hardwood, instead of the usual paper insulation. These generators are 100% reliable wherever the road leads you.
Our custom generator has an integrated regulator which makes a separate external regulator, regulator mounting bracket, and the associated wiring obsolete. This helps to clean up the bike considerably.
The generator cases have 4 instead of the regular 2 mounting holes for the end bell bearing support plate/brush cover assembly, so the regulator's cooling fins can be aligned either horizontally or parallel to the cylinder fins.
This special edition brings a stock-like vintage look to your generator. Cycle Electric is now producing Mattias "Le Beef" Andersson's hand polished cast prototype in a limited run. State of the art technology meets Le Beef's inimitable style.
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Bates Kill Bill Battery Switch Brackets for Kicker Cover
Bates Kill Bill Battery Switch Brackets for Kicker Cover
Use these brackets to mount your Kill Bill Battery Switch to any 4-speed kickstart cover.
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Bates Kill Bill Battery Switches
Bates Kill Bill Battery Switches
Terminal and thumb screw assembly which can be mounted on any suitable place on the motorcycle. It connects the battery’s ground (negative) terminal and cable with the frame.
After installation you have two options:
use your Kill Bill Switch like an ignition switch. Half a turn out and the current is interrupted., use your Kill Bill Switch as protection from manipulation and theft. When you leave your bike remove the thumb screw and thus disconnect the battery from the electrical system.,
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Morris Magneto MM74E for OHV Big Twins 1936-1969
Morris Magneto MM74E for OHV Big Twins 1936-1969
These genuine Morris classics are for purists and feature a simple built-in auto advance and manual retard to prevent nasty kick-backs. Easy installation without fin grinding or smashing in pushrod covers. An O-ring on the drive shaft tube prevents oil leaks.
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Keihin CV Carburetor 49 State
Keihin CV Carburetor 49 State
Stock Keihin CV carburetors which can replace your worn factory equipment or be used for custom projects. They are known for their trouble-free performance and low fuel consumption. Ready to be installed. Will work with most 1200 and 1340 cc Harleys.
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Fork Crown Covers for CV-Carburetors
Fork Crown Covers for CV-Carburetors
Distinctive aluminum top cover for your CV carb. Sports a finned streamline design and can be mounted in minutes.
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Bates Choke Cable Relocation Bracket
Bates Choke Cable Relocation Bracket
A stainless steel bracket which allows you to relocate your CV-Carburetor choke cable - without disassembly - to the right side of your Sportster, FXR, Dyna or Softail. Mounts switches or the like, too, of course.
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Bates Stock Aircleaner Eliminator Kit
Bates Stock Aircleaner Eliminator Kit
The installation of a a CV carburetor with Custom air cleaner on a Panhead, Shovelhead or Ironhead Sportster involves two problems:
the protruding upper carb end interferes with the commonly flat backing plates of accessory air cleaners, omission of the stock CV air cleaner results in an unsupported carburetor,
This smart kit inludes a 3 mm spacer plate, which resolves the first problem and a flange adapter with two spiral springs to connect spacer and plate and thus safely hold the carburetor in its rubber flange = resolution of the second problem.
Will fit all motors with 2-bolt Tillotson, Bendix or Keihin (butterfly) manifolds. Installation also requires a 2-bolt flange adapter and a carburetor support bracket, which both need to be purchased separately.
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PM Vintage 4 Piston Caliper 125X4R
PM Vintage 4 Piston Caliper 125X4R
With this caliper Performance Machine has brought modern braking technology to one of their original calipers that put PM on the map for American made HD braking systems back in the seventies. The Vintage caliper gets its braking power from PM‘s proven 4-piston internals, but features styling cues from the original Dual Action Cast caliper. The reminiscent, CNC-machined fins give it a classic style while keeping the caliper cool and providing optimal braking power with no flex.
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The GasBox Mufflers K-Model and Early Sportster
The GasBox Mufflers K-Model and Early Sportster
Reproductions of the original mufflers for K-Models and Early Sportster 1952-1964. The longer version was used on 2-1 exhaust systems, the short mufflers were used on 2-2 systems. Of course, they can also be used in universial applications on Custom bikes.
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PM Lightweight Brake Rotors
PM Lightweight Brake Rotors
Brake discs for Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the leading manufacturer of brake systems in the USA. The 5 spokes feature cut-outs, which saves even more weight. All PM Discs are CNC machined to meet the required tolerances and perforated for weight reduction and improved performance under wet conditions.
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Oil Tanks for Big Twin 1936-1939
Oil Tanks for Big Twin 1936-1939
Accurate reproductions of the distinctive horseshoe-style oil tanks as used on Knuckleheads and Big Twin Flatheads 1936-1939. All stampings and fittings precisely match the original counterparts. You will need the exact oil lines for installation. Although these tanks are correct only for one or two model years, they will fit all Big Twin frames 1936-1964 for custom applications.
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The GasBox Fenders
The GasBox Fenders
These fenders are individually hand made and are a perfect fit for vintage and classic style tires like the Avon MKII or Coker Classic as well as other similar vintage-style tires. They hug the tire close but with adequate clearance and follow the profile exactly. They have a bit more sidewall than many fenders which is nice when attaching your fender struts or sissy bar.
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