Vintage Machines

by Ken Handman

A "Blues" Harley

1989 Harley Davidson custom Springer Soft Tail

The last time I stopped by Motorcycle Michael's shop to talk about the Project Touch/Easy Reader Car Show, I fell in love. No, no, not that kind of love, I'm talking about Harley Love and the object of my pounding heart is Eric Clapton's fully customized 1989 Springer Soft Tail.

The machine was built in 1989, when there were few, if any, catalogues from which to choose high quality custom parts. So it is all the more interesting because it looks as fresh as any newly created custom Harley. This bike is a class act, with many perfect little touches, such as rolled edges on the tank and fender and custom-fit metal. The paintwork, by Scott Brien, is flawless with the neatest blue color I've seen on a bike. Does the color have any relationship to the cool Blues played by the bike's owner? Speaking of color, the inside of the headlight glass was sand blasted to create a very unusual yellow cast to the light at night.

The motor cases were polished until they gleam like chrome. Then a Screaming Eagle cam and carb were installed to complete the power package. A 3-degree rake was added to the frame as well as a custom leather seat. Next came a whole bunch of chrome in just the right places to produce the unique custom look seen here.

After a lot of years of observing custom machines many of them begin to lookalike. This one, however, is different, because it is understated, nearly artistic. It's fun to just stand near it and try to identify all the subtle touches.

Standing near and admiring a bunch of beautiful Harleys will be easy at the Project Touch/Easy Reader Car Show October 22 at Clark Field in Hermosa Beach. For the first time, at this annual event, we will have a proper Harley section and Michael Paul Morgan (Motorcycle Michael) will be leading the judging of the bikes.

Morgan is also the leader of the Rogues Rock 'n' Blues Band, which will be featured at the Show. The Rogues play at the Hermosa Steak-Out, at Aviation and Prospect, the last Sunday of each month, so after you see them at the Show, you can catch them again at the Steak-Out. They are definitely worth hearing more than once. Motorcycle Michael's Harley custom shop is in Torrance, phone (310) 328-3377

As the show draws near, we are still short a few judges, so if you have a good eye for cars, we could use your help. You can judge in the area that you know the best. The Show is divided first into domestic or foreign, then open or closed top, with three age categories plus a special section for hot rods. And if you have had considerable judging experience, you will probably be coerced into accepting the role of a lead judge. Contact me for more information about judging.

Another new item this year is the full color program that will feature all the cars entered in the Show. Thanks to our primary sponsor, Easy Reader, the program with all the sponsor ads and car photos will appear as an insert in the newspaper the week before the Show. To get your car into the program, you must have your entry in by Oct. 9. Send a photo and a 25-word description of the car along with your entry form. For those who have already sent in the entry (thank you), just send the photo and description to Project Touch at 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach 90254. To receive an entry form, call our hot line at (323)290-3639. You can reach me at khandman@gte.net or (310)379-6319