This 1970 Triumph Bonneville Is Now A Chopper Called “Sid”

138 Cycle Fabrication transmogrifies a Triumph Bonneville into sleek sexiness

Sid’s just as gorgeous as any chopper you’d see based around a Harley-Davidson motor.Michael Lichter Photography

About the only parts left on this chopper, called "Sid," that are anywhere near stock are the 1970 Triumph Bonneville engine and transmission. Cole Rogers of 138 Cycle Fabrication took great pride in seeing to that. The more a builder creates for a bike, the better you can see his/her handiwork in action. In this case, most of the machine is pure Cole.

Ladies and gentlemen, 138 Cycle Fabrication’s Cole Rogers. Well done, Cole.Michael Lichter Photography

The bike is the property of Steve Schweickart, who not coincidentally restored said motor to working order. It’s also had some upgrades in the grunt department, namely Mikuni carburetors and some angry black pipes Cole made just for it. Steve also punched that motor up to 850cc.

That powerplant is a killer blend of shiny and flat finishes throughout.Michael Lichter Photography

But it’s Cole’s signature Triumph frame that cradles the motor. It’s a hardtail chassis kicked out to 35 degrees and stretched 2 inches out. Its 138 Cycle Fabrication ghost springer is 4 inches under stock length and the overall effect is a longer, thinner motorcycle that doesn’t necessarily handle like a longer bike. Spoke wheels at either end complete the finished roller.

Owner Steve Schweickart’s resto and refinish went so well the twin mill practically looks like it just came off the showroom floor.Michael Lichter Photography

Moving on to the controls, 138 Cycle Fabrication kept matters nice and clean. Aside from the clutch cable, there isn’t a single thing cluttering up the bars Cole’s shop created for this hardtail. Not even a little mirror on one side. This bike is just as sanitary at foot level, too, with the rear brake master cylinder relocated behind the primary drive.

Thin is in. Like on most motorcycles, the widest part of this bike is its handlebar (which ain’t exactly beach bar width to begin with).Michael Lichter Photography

Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway), Cole Rogers fabricated the tank and rear fender you’re seeing on Steve Schweickart’s Triumph hardtail. Why would he work so hard on everything else and not make the bodywork for this svelte sexy machine?

138 Cycle Fabrication upholstered a simple sprung saddle for Steve.Michael Lichter Photography
PPG gray paint laid down courtesy of Jason Ramey.Michael Lichter Photography
Here you see what we mean about that rear brake master cylinder.Michael Lichter Photography