Hammer Down for Custom CFL 'Ironworker' Build

Logical Standards

When West Coast Choppers introduced the CFL frame in 1997 it was a total game-changer. Credited by eBay Motors as “the frame that built an empire,” it's finely crafted and TIG welded construction defied manufacturing standards of the day. For Martin Becker of MB Cycles, it was the only logical starting point for his latest build named 'Eisenhauer'—German for an ironworker.

Photos courtesy of Riders Eye.

Speedy Outsider

Located in Heidelberg, Germany, MB Cycles has been building exceptional customs since 2001. In a recent Hot Bike profile, Becker philosophized on his approach, “I just do what I do. I never tried to follow any styles. I just wanted to have a sporty, speedy, full-throttle chopper.” Hot Bike concurred, describing his work as “puristic, radical and clean,” directed at “individualists and outsiders.”

Backyard Combination

Becker blended the best of all possible worlds for his 'Eisenhauer' build. Dating back to 2007, the frame is a first-generation CFL. Part of its winning formula was that despite its stretched proportions, it had a fairly modest rake angle. The combination provided good handling characteristics while satisfying chopper-hungry enthusiasts. Critically, the CFL frame 'kit' put style within reach of backyard builders.

Directional Segment

Far from an all-in-one approach, Becker selected only the best parts for the CFL build. Hanging out at the front end is an Italian-made Vity's Design riser bolted to a set of Pro-One Performance triple trees. Capping off the directional input segment is an ABM aluminum handlebar, a quick throttle, along with brake and clutch levers from Beringer.

Integrated Line

Stopping duties are executed by a set of Performance Machine calipers wrapped around dual Beringer discs in front and a single unit in the rear. All the wiring for the CFL chopper is internal, while the electronics are controlled by a Motogadget m-unit. Notably, the front brake line and the front axle are an integrated assembly.

Retro Setup

Driving the 'modern' chopper aesthetic home is a Milwaukee-Eight engine—the latest powerplant from Harley-Davidson. MB Cycles did not divulge the displacement, but evident is a trick magneto setup that squarely puts the combination into the 'retro' performance category. A two-into-one exhaust from the Dutch company, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, is hooked to a set of custom stainless steel headers from BSL in Leonding, Austria.

Genuine Placement

The 'Eisenhauer' chopper gets its cool-guy stance from a set of spindly-looking custom wheels from Lyndall Brakes located in San Marcos, Texas. Sporting classic chopper dimensions, the skinny front comes in at 21'' and the rear at 18''. Foot placement is taken care of by a pair of Famous Fabricator mid controls, while the minimal seat pan is a genuine CFL item.

Mantra Design

Unusual but effective, the front end sports an 'Enduro Face Plane' fairing from Japanese artisan Tom Fork. Painted and polished, the modified fairing serves to reinforce Becker's unique and independent approach to design. CFL is thought to stand for 'Chopper for Life.' It is a mantra that Becker appears to embody and can be easily applied to this different, but 'ironclad' build.

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