Stopping power

Now in the final stages and never was W&Ws "A Biker's Work is Never Done" more true. There's lots I'd still like to do (upswept pipes, custom leather saddle, pukka So Cal paint job, Baker Frankentranny or Muller kick start) but the pennies are low and with custom bike insurance still a big unknown, it's time to stick to the knitting & get the Freaker out of the workshop and onto the road.

Just about the only thing sticking out like a sore thumb was the Springer front brake set up. The Fleabay take-off front end from the States included the stock brake piston & caliper. 

While it worked, it was pug ugly and...er...just too black when set against the chromed front end & 21inch.

The replacement Performance Machine stopper is shiney in all the right parts and has a multi piston set up - knowing I can stop on a sixpence is comforting, particularly as I'm certain the Springer ride will be a tad different to  the Fat Boy front end I'd got so used to.

Sharp end finished

Running a 'naked' front end may look cool - but it can get awful wet in the average UK summer so a quick-detach front muddy was called for.

The aftermarket, none-eBay Sportster lookalike part was surprisingly cheap and with fettling and paint by Carl, looks neat on the bike.

The entire springer assembly was lashed down to replicate the heaviest braking before the fender was positioned - leaving ample leeway for a heavy stop but keeping the muddy as close to the tyre as possible.

I was a little concerned that, while necessary for safety, the full-brake position would leave the front end resembling a cross-country scrambler when the springs were relaxed - but not so, it sits very pleasingly and doesn't spoil the overall lines of the bike.

Sorted then. A bit of good-looking front end cover for the worst a British summer can offer, a pocket-sized Easyriders fabric guard for 'naked' days when showers hit - and an easy-off muddy to make the most of sunshine when it comes...