Article and Photos by: Lisa Ballard
When I was asked to pick a motorcycle that reflects the So-Cal scene, I knew instantly what I wanted. Dean Micetich’s ‘57 HD Panhead reflects the “look” to a T. From the 6” over frontend, to the stunning Wassel tank, bitchin’ solo seat and one-off sissy bar, that’s only purpose is to hold his gear while riding with his best mate, Matt Davis. By now, the names might seem familiar to you as most of our readers enjoy Dice Magazine as much as we do. For the So- Cal scene, these guys have showcased the West Coast with all of the radness that it beholds and their release parties aren’t too shabby either!
Well let’s get back to the motorcycle. Dean found this little gem that possessed a sweet ‘80s paint job and knew with the help from his friends, he would be able to transform the motorcycle. He started by stripping down the bike to bare bone with Matt, acquired all of the new important components, made it a roller and handed it off to Scott “T-Bone” Jones to complete all of the modifications.
Scott began by creating the one-off handlebars and the mounting plate for the Wipac headlight. From there, he modified and mounted the Wassel tank and placed the original ‘57 engine back in its spot on the freshly painted frame. Dean is a huge fan of Primo Rivera parts and has their new carb, air cleaner and belt drive on board. Scott is considered a true master fabricator and his one-off exhaust pipes help bring attention to the motorcycle. He also created the foot pegs, sissy bar, chain guard and the license plate / taillight section. I almost left out modifying the rear fender; is there anything this guy can’t do?
Like I stated before, friends made this motorcycle turn out amazing. The stellar paint job was not done by one but three key players: Scott Craig, Sonny Boy and Keith Weesner. Scott also gave Dean the solo seat, which was the item on the bike that caught my attention. Dean said, “The seat was a gift from Scott. It is a vintage Tony Nancy solo seat, which he created right before he passed. I was amazed when Scott handed it to me for the build.
I would like to give BIG THANKS to: Mum, Dad, Maroz, my old lady, Matt Davis, Scott “T-Bone” Jones of NOISE, Scott Craig, Sonny Boy, Keith Weesner, Caleb, Kiyo, Koski, Ben Kudon at Primo Rivera and all my friends that I love so dearly.” state that some fine folks believe that the FXR is the motorcycle to choose for this feature. I am standing my ground by asking you to look around at any So- Cal bike show. Numerous motorcycles are in abundance that posses the same look that Dean’s bike does. The skinny tire up front to the sleek looking back end. It is the motorcycle built for the solo rider that rides many miles with his friends.
CaliforniCation teCh sheet
owner: Dean Micetich
City: Carshalton, Surrey England fabrication By: T-Bone Jones / Noise Year: 1957
Model: HD
time: Longer Than Expected
Value: $400?
Engine Year: 1957
Model: Panhead FL Builder: Unknown Ignition: Stock Displacement: 74” Pistons: Stock heads: Stock Cam(s): Stock
Carb: Primo Rivera SU
Air Cleaner: Primo Rivera exhaust: T-Bone Jones / Noise Primary: Primo Rivera 1 1/2”
Transmission Year: 1957
Make: H-D
Shifting: 4 Speed Ratchet Top
Frame Year: 1957 make: H-D rake: Stock
Front End Type: 33.4mm Builder: HD extension: 6” Over
triple trees: Early Superglide
Wheels
Front Wheel: WM0
size: 21”
tire: Avon Speedmaster Brakes: Sportster Drum rear Wheel: WM3 size: 18”
tire: Avon Mk II
Brakes: Mechanical Panhead from Scott Craig
Paint
Painter: Scott Craig, Sonny Boy & Keith Weesner
Color: Black type: Gloss graphics: Flames molding: No
Accessories
Bars: Way Too Narrow-T-Bone Jones/Noise
risers: No
hand Controls: Front Brake and Hand Clutch Handle Gas tank(s): ‘60s Wassel-Made In England front fender: Nope
rear fender: Bates- Made In England
seat: Tony Nancy Single Seat- Thanks Scott & Bruce foot Controls: Way Too High/T-Bone Jones Mirrors: Umm…They Fell Off Officer
oil tank: Stock ‘57 HD speedo: I Sold It taillight: ‘41 Checy Truck
headlight: Wipac- Made In England
Cycle Re-sources: Dice Magazine Dean Micetich