When Eddie Trotta got the heads-up that he'd be competing against Kendall Johnson for an upcoming Biker Build-Off episode on The Discovery Channel (which first aired on March 15th), he decided to take a few chances and build a bike that was unlike his normal creations.
As Eddie puts it, most of his bikes are bright-colored with flashy, blazing paintjobs, not anything like the dark, sinister look of the bike you see here. The Metzeler 280 rear tire coupled to his single-sided swingarm was another chance-he hadn't messed with this combination before. But something was driving him on to do something completely different.
Eddie mentions that it may not have been the best time to build a bike to win a show that was largely different from his usual style. But, as we all know from experience, these are usually the times that produce innovation and the best results. And besides, bike building is an evolutionary thing, even in Biker Build-Off competitions.
Eddie's first BBO bike was a rigid, sleek and gorgeous. But, seeing that the other builders were all stepping things up to more elaborate styles, Eddie came through and raised the bar for everyone with this bike.
Although the frame used was a new Thunder Cycle drop-seat job, Eddie took the torch to it and dropped the seat even lower. It's almost like you become part of the bike just sitting on (or in) it.
You might notice that the front end on this sled is not one of Eddie's usual 63mm jobs, but is actually a Goldhammer piece. The front end was rushed through production and anodized black all in time to meet the crucial 10-day BBO deadline. The bars were made special for this front end and add a nice touch. Additionally, the grips are a new part as is the fuel tank, both of which can now be purchased through Eddie Trotta's Thunder Cycle Designs.
While the Discovery Channel's wild TV series, which pits today's coolest custom bike builders against each other, has acted as a customizing caldron for many bike builder's talents, Eddie has used the series to showcase his latest and greatest parts and products for all to see and drool over. It's no wonder why Thunder Cycle Design continues to be South Florida's hottest custom motorcycle shop.
Specifications:
Owner: Eddie Trotta City: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida General Year/make: 2005 TCD Model: Drop Dead Assembly: TCD Engine Year: 2005 S&S Cycle Builder: H&L Displacement: 131 cubic inches Pipes: TCD D-2 Painting Painter: Cris "Bones" Tolson/Sonny DePalma Color: black Type: House of Kolor Frame Type: 2005 drop-seat hidden shock Builder: TCD Rake: 45 degrees Accessories Handlebars: Performance Machine Fenders: TCD Headlight: Headwinds Taillight: TCD Gas tank: TCD Oil tank: TCD Seat: Phipps Grips: TCD, new product Front end Type: inverted Builder: Goldhammer Wheels Make: Weld Racing Size: 21-inch front, 18-inch rear Tires: Metzeler Brakes: Performance Machine Photographer: Don Rogers
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When Eddie Trotta got the heads-up that he'd be competing against Kendall Johnson for an upcoming Biker Build-Off episode on The Discovery Channel (which first aired on March 15th), he decided to take a few chances and build a bike that was unlike his normal creations.
As Eddie puts it, most of his bikes are bright-colored with flashy, blazing paintjobs, not anything like the dark, sinister look of the bike you see here. The Metzeler 280 rear tire coupled to his single-sided swingarm was another chance-he hadn't messed with this combination before. But something was driving him on to do something completely different.
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