There are many motorcycles that exist only in stories and legends that cruise the highways for years evading the public eye but exist as one of a kind bikes that survive simply because they are just too wild to die. These kinds of "one off" survivors are usually reserved for custom choppers but what about a custom hybrid Harley Honda full dresser? A Honda Davidson or quite possibly a "Harlonda?" Well, we met a gentleman, Paul Atkins, one year at AMA vintage days who owns not only one, but three of these incredible machines and he brought his 1966 Harley Davidson with an SOHC CB750 motor powering it to our Old Bike Barn crossroads bike show and the rest is history and an interesting one at that. We sat down with Paul this year to pick his brain about the origins of his blue beauty which he affectionately refers to as "Psychobilly" and also get some info on the other 2 of these wild hybrid machines he has chosen to own over the years.
Harley-Davidson Panheads rolled onto the motorcycle scene in 1948, just after the end of World War Two. The label refers to the distinctive new V-twin engine design that these bikes had in which Harley-Davidson introduced new rocker covers that looked like roasting pans that had been turned upside down. The illustrious Panhead was born.
The year was 1970. Motorcycle culture was exploding all over the country, the muscle car era was in full swing, and American’s were more interested in racing than ever before. Intrepid rider Dick Mann, and the reluctantly constructed, factory-backed Honda team stood on the precipice of racing glory, but a tough 200 miles stood between the team and the big “W” that would legitimize Honda as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorcycle road racing.
We often attend many motorcycle events and truth be told, seek out any custom builds or survivors projects that have vintage Japanese motors but we dont often see 550 motors in choppers. So when a good one comes along we take notice. The company "Amen" made plunger style chopper frames for many different inline four motors back in the 70's including the Honda CB750 and CB550 but the 550 frames were much more short lived and rare than the 750 ones. So when we met Steven Rodriguez at the Cooks Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon before last years Born Free show we took notice of this awesome Amen chopper he had built and been riding for some time. The bike was obviously a "daily rider" with tons of style and some really cool functionality. So we took a chance to snap some pics and talk with Steven about this neat piece of 70s chopper history.
It is challenging to comprehend that battles were fought primarily on horseback just over a century ago when troops went to war.Today, countries could battle their enemies half a world away virtually with the press of a button, thanks to advances in technology.
Before World War I, technological advancements brought the motorcycle into military service, and it continues to serve in various capacities today.Though it could be argued that battles, if not entire wars, were won on the back of a bike, the motorcycle does not receive the credit it deserves for its loyal military service.
