Jim Brown is one brotha who's done his share of things in lowriding. Jim's bike "Laura" is a culmination of all of Jim's association with lowriding from bicycles and models to cars. Jim's inspiration for building this bike was his love of lowrider bicycles, which he built when he was younger. Jim wanted to build a motorcycle with a bicycle feel, and after seven months of cutting, welding and drilling, we think that he hit the nail on the head. Twenty years of building paid off in a major way and Jim says that building the motorcycle was easier and a lot cheaper.
Jim purchased a rolling chassis at the Long Beach, California, bike show for $3,800. Add to that an "Ultima El Bruto" 100-c.i.d. motor and he was off to a fine start with power to spare. Parts collecting and chasing went into full swing and Jim started with a Samson "Rip-Tie" exhaust to flow the burnt gasses. An open-belt drive by BDL gets the power to an 18-inch rear wheel. The front wheel is an OG 21-incher and both are cross-laced.
One Luv Motoring of North Las Vegas, Nevada, molded and angled front and rear fenders for Laura. A teardrop tank holds the fuel stylishly and received a House of Kolor "burple" paint job laid down by Jose at Affordable Customs in Las Vegas. Jim's great grandmother, Laura, who was always stylishly dressed in purple, inspired the color. Adolfo of Backyard Boogie in Las Vegas put down the violet and light blue pinstriping. Rick at Exotic Leather in Las Vegas stitched up the turquoise lamb-skin seat. Chroming on the bike was done by Kyle at A.P.S. in Las Vegas.
At the moment, Jim's happy with the bike, but can see a few changes of one sort or another on the horizon. All of this for just another one of the "loves" in his life. Special thanks have to go to his car club One Luv C.C.
Check out bikes like the Harley-Davidson(r) Fat Boy(r) at www.harley-davidson.com.