Off came the stock headlight, on came a shapely Arlen Ness billet lamp with some modification of the headlight bracket. Kuryakyn provided flat LED lights to mount under the fuel tank, but Shoultz used them inside the cat light instead. Kuryakyn also sent a module that allowed the rear turn signals to also work as brake lights.
The fender struts were used to mount the Kuryakyn bullet LED rear turn signals, with some drilling, tapping and the help of two hollow air cleaner breather bolts from a Harley. "I was able to run the wires inside the fender. A couple chrome windshield mount brackets from my collection worked to mount the bullet front turn signals to the clutch and brake mounts," said Shoultz.
The Dakota Digital bar mount "Information System" was next, but the builder said it took quite a bit of work to hook up, particularly since it was designed for Harleys. The result, however, was a slick and functional 2 x 4-inch unit with speed, tach, odometer, turn signal, high beam, and neutral indicator read outs. Cobra tossed in a couple of other shiny pieces, such as chromed vintage-look horn cover and chrome dipstick.
The Honda chrome driveshaft cover and chrome swingarm pivot cover were bolted on, as were an almost endless supply of Kuryakyn pretty stuff, including chrome front brake reservoir cover, Maltese Cross mirrors and air cleaner cover, footpeg adapter, chrome caliper covers, chrome switch housing covers, footpegs, brake and shift pedal covers which bolted on without grief.
The Sacred Steel gas tank, well done in caf racer cool, went on last with an assist from a Pingel fuel valve. Only problem was somebody didn't leave room inside the tank to pump in gas. There was only about a 1/4-inch clearance below the gas cap. Shoultz discovered, however, that it was only a splashguard and not an absurdly shallow tank. "A couple whacks with a sledge hammer and brass punch knocked it right down."
The quick and easy three-month project was finally complete after three maddening, painful years and the application of some very clever engineering work, and paint, metal and leather artistry. The smooth running, liquid-cooled, 745cc (45.5 cubic-inches) V-Twin was remade into a classic beauty.
The Cobra pipes gave Honda's potent motor that sweet beastie growl, the RiffRaff Leatherworks' sculpted seat dropped the riding height to near asphalt, and the eye-catching green/black and polished aluminum color scheme was set off by some outstanding tribal pinstripping work. Cast a crate of Kuryakyn chrome and some Ness light at the Sex Panther, and it became a shinning example of what can be done with a mild budget and a wild imagination.
Disclaimer: No lives were probably lost in the making of the Honda bobber, although some blood may be have been well shed.