For Pain Erickson, not just any chopper would do. Thinking others might feel the same, he decided to build a series of bikes that met his own exacting standards. One was this Candy Red Suicide Softail.
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As the name implies, Suicide Softail features a uniquely styled rear swingarm with adjustable air-spring suspension mounted behind the engine. And what an engine it is: 145 cubic inches of V-twin power, with custom-bent exhaust pipes wrapped in heat-shielding tape. A 6-speed Baker transmission with hand shifter feeds the ponies to a combination sprocket/rear brake affixed to a solid, chromed rear wheel.
Perhaps most distinctive, however, is the bodywork, all performed by Erickson himself. The frame was a joint effort between Thee Darkside of Daytona and Killer Choppers. Springer forks run at a steep rake of 68 degrees (most choppers are at 38-55 degrees), making for a huge turning radius. But then, it's doubtful Erickson ever intended this unique creation as an around-town grocery-getter.
Check out the next page for more photos and details of the Suicide Softail chopper.
For more information on custom choppers and motorcycles, see:
- Chopper Profiles
- How Choppers Work
- How Motorcycles Work
- Classic Motorcycle Profiles
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