Fire-Breathing Electra Glide: More Superbike than Bagger
Touring machine gets whittled down to its essentials by invited builder.
Deluxe Machine
Fans of the hard rock band Van Halen will instantly recognize the 'Frankenstrat' paint job on this stripped-down 2004 Electra Glide. Built by Bryan Schimke of TPJ Customs for the 2016 Hot Bike Tour, the Electra Glide has been whittled down to its essentials. Fitted with a fire-breathing 120R motor, this bagger is more superbike than deluxe touring machine.
Photos courtesy of Ed Subias.
Sound Look
Dubbed 'Panama,' the once clapped-out ride is a nod to Eddie Van Halen and his signature red, white and black guitar. Like the bike, Van Halen's 'axe' is a mash-up of parts, assembled to create a unique sound and ultimately iconic look. A copy of the 'Frankenstrat' guitar is housed at the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
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Song Chord
The paint job came about when Schimke approached Buck Wild Designs to recreate the infamous design. The request struck a chord with owner Michael Ramirez, as it was the very design that had drawn him to painting as a young boy. It was quickly agreed that the bike should also be called Panama, after the Van Halen song of the same name.
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Quickly Issued
The name Panama has nothing to do with the Central American country. The song is apparently about a race car called the 'Panama Express.' It came about after the band was called out by a reporter for only singing about women, partying, and fast cars. Realizing they had never written a song about a sports car, Van Halen quickly issued Panama in 1984.
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Numbers Qualification
Performance was the priority order for Schimke's stripped-down bagger. The 120 cubic-inch Twin Cam is a ready to drop-in crate motor from Harley-Davidson—designated 'R' for race. Schimke further opened the mill to 124 cubic inches and attached a bombproof six-speed transmission. With over 135 horsepower and similar torque numbers, the motor more than earns its 'fire-breathing' qualification.
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Final Drive
A Mikuni HSR carburetor and custom welded pipes finish off the performance engine components. Running an open primary, a BDL belt drive connects the big motor and the transmission. To handle the power, the final drive consists of a tough RK 530 Chain and Supersprox sprocket. Made in-house, TPJ Customs mid-controls were installed for a planted, superbike-like riding position.
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Bicycle Matrix
Schimke called on Lyndall Racing in San Marcos, Texas to mill up a set of distinct wheels. The historic design was originally produced by Dale Enterprises for bicycles as the Webco 'Tulip' MX-60 BMX mag wheel. The 21'' front and 18'' rear are wrapped in Avon rubber and have Lyndall’s Metal Matrix brake rotors bolted to them. Beringer Radial Calipers complete the braking system.
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Event Departure
Race Tech G3-S piggyback shocks and a set G6 custom-valved fully adjustable superbike fork legs round out the suspension requirements for Panama. The Hot Bike Tour was canceled after the 2018 iteration. Replaced by the Built to Ride Tour, the event is not quite the same. According to fans, neither was Van Halen after singer David Lee Roth's departure in 1985.
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