Unchained

[John B.]

Hi,All;  This one started out as a Revell Torch custom chopper kit. Frame shortened, de-raked and modified into single sided rigid configuration, front "downtubes" fashioned from chain from an old toilet tank flapper (hence, the bike's name), scratchbuilt motor mounts and airbrushed with Testors Metalizer Burnt Iron. Front suspension, including handlebars is made from kit triple trees, lower legs and K&S aluminum tubing. Engine is stock bottom end with modified Imex Harley cylinder heads and intake with scratchbuilt pushrods and cylinder sleeves from K&S aluminum. Exhaust is fashioned from Oatey plumbing solder and K&S aluminum. Seat is kit unit that has been narrowed and covered in doeskin leather. Paint is Testors Purple Sunrise over black with Mr. Super Clear.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that my favorite Van Halen song is "Unchained." It was a lot of fun to build. Thanks for looking and comments always welcome.

[Model Guy]

Looks like something jesse james would build! Looks cool

[John B.]

  On 6/11/2025 at 1:03 AM, Model Guy said:

Looks like something jesse james would build! Looks cool

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Thanks - I certainly appreciate it!

[Dragline]

A great VH song and a great frame.

The two combined is fantastic.

[John B.]

  On 6/11/2025 at 4:59 AM, Dragline said:

A great VH song and a great frame.

The two combined is fantastic.

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Thanks - your bikes are pretty cool, also!

[ChrisR]

Very nice.

[John B.]

  On 6/11/2025 at 12:41 PM, ChrisR said:

Very nice.

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Thanks!

[PappyD340]

Looks fantastic!

[John B.]

  On 6/14/2025 at 11:19 AM, PappyD340 said:

Looks fantastic!

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Thank you!

[iBorg]

I've always felt that motor in the Revell kits was such a let down. Yours is a GREAT improvement. Not wanting to kill a complete kit for just a few engine parts, I need to find the files or the engine in as 3D print.

[slusher]

Great looking bike!

[John B.]

  On 6/15/2025 at 3:22 AM, iBorg said:

I've always felt that motor in the Revell kits was such a let down. Yours is a GREAT improvement. Not wanting to kill a complete kit for just a few engine parts, I need to find the files or the engine in as 3D print.

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Thank you very much! I shop on Ebay for anyone selling parts of an Imex Harley kit and I've gotten lucky a few times.

[John B.]

  On 6/15/2025 at 3:43 AM, slusher said:

Great looking bike!

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Thanks - I appreciate it!

[Shark]

Reminds me somewhat of Indian Larry's "Chain of Fools" bike.

[John B.]

  On 6/18/2025 at 11:31 PM, Shark said:

Reminds me somewhat of Indian Larry's "Chain of Fools" bike.

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Many thanks - Indian Larry is one of my favorite builders. His "Chain of Mystery" bike was his final build.

Edited June 19 by John B.