Most of the modifications to Eleganza -- lengthening the tank, bolting on long straight pipes, extending the rear fender while keeping the now dwarfed-looking stock fender rail, and attaching the rear fender to the swingarm -- were directed at enhancing the already long, low lines of the Royal Star. Copying a trick used by hot rodders, Berg "slammed" Eleganza two inches closer to the ground through the use of Cobra's fork lowering kit and his own rear linkage. Other clever tricks, like altering the radius of the rear portion of the front fender, fool the eye into thinking the bike is even longer and lower. Similarly, to give the appearance of lowering the frame even more, the stock cast wheels (16x3.5-inch front and 15x4.0-inch rear) were replaced with Hallcraft's 80-spoke wheels. The large 17x3.5-inch front and 17x5-inch rear wheels, when combined with Dunlop's low-profile 160/60-17 tires, help make the frame seem to hang lower. Hallcraft's wheels add more than good looks. The special vacuum silicone sealing allows tubeless tires to be used with the wire-spoke rims, and the wheels' self-balance themselves, utilizing an endless rubber tube partially filled with mercury. As the tire rotates, the mercury constantly adjusts itself to achieve a perfect balance
While other builders might be willing to reassemble their custom after completing the above work, Berg went one step further. In his own words, "I hate seeing customs with their wires and cables hanging out everywhere. That drives me nuts!" Every wire, hose, and cable was meticulously hidden. The wiring harness runs up the left side of the frame, and most electrical components were relocated under the tank. All stock handlebar switches were bypassed save the horn and starter buttons whose wires were routed through Berg's scratch built handlebar from their clever handgrip end location. Only the throttle cable and hydraulic lines are visible without up close inspection, and those slip neatly through the steering stem. The only part of the bike that Berg couldn't dress up was the battery which he tucked tastefully under the seat. A smattering of Cobra bolt on parts (bolt covers and pegs) completed Eleganza.
Now that he's closed his business and moved away from the megalopolis, Berg can look comfortably back on this project. When asked what he'd change on Eleganza if he could, Berg responded, "It would be parked in my garage, not someone else's." Then becoming serious, he said, "Building is a journey, not the end product. The destination is not important." With such a passion for creating motorcycles, we can't help but wonder how long Berg will be able to keep his hands off the tools.
Editor's Note: This piece was written when Denny Berg believed he was probably retiring for good. As it turned out, he returned to bike building on a limited scale a few years later.
Evans Brasfield, former staff editor for Motorcycle Cruiser and Sport Rider magazines, may be reached through his website: EvansBrasfield.com.