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Chrome Rush
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A Bold Trio of Baggers
Jeff Buchanan
04/01/2007
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Photography By Don Williams
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Out here a person realizes his true dimension in the world. That is my
overriding thought accompanying the soothing sound of the V-twins, as they
rumble along the narrow strip of cracked asphalt guiding us through Death
Valley. This place echoes with a tortured history of hardship and misfortune for
the pioneers who dared cross the vast expanse with horse-drawn wagons, chasing
the promise of gold in the rush to California in the mid-1800s. By contrast
we’re fortunate enough to be making the crossing in comparative luxury, aboard
modern iron horses.
The hypnotic thumping of V-twins—muted against the
desert’s silence—emanates from three distinct examples of the growing custom
bagger craze. Our mounts are the Frontier from Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles,
the Star Stratoliner from Palhegyi Design, and the V-Rod from Klock Werks Kustom
Cycles. Each represents a rolling custom tribute to the freedom of
motorcycling.
 From left: Palhegyi Design Star Statoliner, Klock Werks V-Rod, Thunder
Mountain Frontier. (Click image to enlarge)
The machines are products of a steady evolution within the
cruiser genre and combine stout individualism with functionality; flaunting
audacious curb appeal when parked, yet clearly purpose-built for the open road.
Like the packhorses of early pioneers, they are all equipped with saddlebags,
hence the term “bagger”. What better arena than Death Valley National Park, with
its three million acres of desert wilderness, to stretch the legs of the bold
trio?
We had taken the expedient and comfortable approach to reaching our
staging post, trailering the bikes behind a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic for
the initial 270 miles from Los Angeles. The 1500HD LT 4x4, emboldened by a
Vortec Max 6.0L V8, handled our full load easily, as it delivered the comfort
and ride of a full-sized luxury car. The accompanying Kendon Dual trailer
carried two bikes without any of that unnerving side-to-side weaving at speed
that can come with lesser designed and made trailers. By traversing the
monotonous interstate miles by truck, we saved ourselves—and the motorcycles—for
the more enjoyable roads within Death Valley.
Thunder Mountain
Custom Cycles is an independently owned and operated company that manufactures
chassis to its own specifications and utilizes Harley-Davidson engines, wiring,
switches, and harnesses. The Frontier is its offering in the bagger category.
Powered by an H-D Screamin’ Eagle twin cam, 103 cu in, air-cooled V-Twin (a 120
cu in version is also available), the Frontier possesses the essential Harley
thump that accompanies a welcome and instant snap of response when the throttle
is twisted.
 The Panamint Mountain Range fades in the distance as the bagger brigade drops
below sea level. (Click image to enlarge)
The Frontier’s low-slung frame gives a seat height of just 25
inches, allowing the rider to feel as though he is sitting in the machine, as
opposed to on it. The bulk of its 630 lbs is carried low, giving the bike a
light-but-solid feel. How-ever, the low profile does sacrifice some ground
clearance and you will find the floorboards touching down early in tight
corners.
Contributing to the Frontier’s straight-line good manners is the
upright stability provided by the massive footprint of the 280mm rear tire. The
trade-out for the pleasant straight line demeanor is less than ideal turn-in at
speed, but ultimately it’s not a bad cornering machine—and the fat tire looks
really cool. In order to accommodate the rear tire size and prevent the belt
drive from hanging too far out to the left, a Jims right side final drive
6-speed transmission is standard on the Frontier and creates an aesthetic and
mechanical balance on the opposite side to the primary. Top gear is a
long-legged overdrive that allows the Frontier to lope along in an appropriately
relaxed fashion; perfect for taking in scenery.
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