El Ray Bobber

February 10, 2022

Article By: Matt Reel

Photos By: B-Anthony Photography

Originally Published In The March 2020 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine

It is not uncommon for a motorcycle project to be built around a single part. Whether it be a gas tank that’s been hanging on the wall forever or a seat an old friend gave you, these parts have been the start of many a great bike. That’s how this Softail, El Rey, got its start. When Lane Weir and Kirk Marshall, known as Red Neck Mafia, came across this rough and worn but well priced Twin Cam, they had a set of tires they wanted to build around. That’s right, a set of tires. Coker 6.00×16 bias ply tires to be exact.

When the Red Neck Mafia took possession of this Softail, it was in rough cosmetic shape. The bike was stripped down and the frame was freshened up. While apart, the frame lost its rear fender struts and received a thorough smoothing. Speed holes were drilled above and below the swingarm pivot mount for a light race look. Moving on the drivetrain was bead blasted and coated to give it a cast look. Brass accents were added to offset the engine and a set of bolt heads were machined up for the rocker boxes to give a little throwback to the Shovelhead styling.

With the two major parts ready, it was time to join them and get this project looking like a motorcycle again. The frame was first coated with a shiny Mica Sunset paint and the cast look drivetrain was installed. A set of 2 inch under forks were mounted up front with aluminum trees and a set of shaved lowers flaunting the same Mica Sunset finish as the frame. With things taking shape, it was time to address some sheet metal. Up front, a Royal Enfield headlight with switches and amp meter was mounted. A Red Neck Mafia fender was mounted up tight to the rear fender and a suede-covered solo seat was mounted to hug the fender. The original Horseshoe oil tank was replaced with a round tank/battery box combo. A dresser gas tank was sectioned and sight glass and relocated petcock bung were added for fuel supply duties. All of these pieces were coated in that beautiful Mica Sunset and the accent panel is bare metal clear coated.

Next up the Mafia fabbed up a set of stainless one-piece handlebars. To keep things clean, internal throttle and internal clutch set ups were used with cork and brass grips. The decision was made to not run a front brake thus keeping the handlebars and front wheel clean. With the bike taking shape, it was time for the finishing bits. An aluminum belly pan was fabbed up and mounted underneath to protect things. Motocross pegs were added to the forward controls to keep the race feel going. Then a brass crown gas cap was shipped from a supplier in Italy to truly give the crowning touch.

Now it was time. Time to mount those tires that started the whole thing. The original spoke wheels were given a brushed finish and the 6.00×16 Cokers were mounted up. The look was exactly what they were aiming for, kind of Board Tracker meets Steam Roller. The look caught the eye of many, including Coker Tire. El Rey’s debut ended up being in the Coker Tire booth at SEMA. So, remember, never count out those parts hanging on the wall collecting dust. One of the lonely pieces may just be the start of your next great project. So, get out and build something.