Palace Cycles in Phoenix Arizona

	Palace Cycles
A quick look into one of the Valleys Custom Bike Builders. Andy Brown has like most bike builders grown up riding motorcycles. Unlike most builders he started out in England and his focus at that time was engineering and development of rally cars for large manufactures. He has built and still does build rally cars for the US circuit. Andy moved to the valley about 4 years ago and now has a very successful race team, Techsport Racing here in Phoenix, AZ. You can view his website at www.techsportracing.com. Although still very active with WRC events, this interest for motorcycles never left him. In 2006 Andy opened up Palace cycles here in the valley and has been working on a few custom motorcycles. His latest custom build is pictured here. The idea behind this build was to keep it classic black to showcase his fabricating skills, as well as attention to detail on the fit and finish. According to Andy and I must agree that this is something that gets overlooked sometimes and can really make or break a bike. He started with a WCC CFL 2 up frame, ordered during the famous sale. It has an EVO motor and tranny from a previous bike, but everything else is new. The gas tank is a modified Sporty, with hidden mounts up through the frame tubes, and flat bottom. Looks like it is just resting there. Brian at Parks Custom Springer in Phoenix supplied the Springer front end, which was cut to length to get the frame sitting level with the ground. Duane Ballard made the cover for the seat and he also made a custom cover for the battery, which has a tribute to Indian Larry with his ? Logo on the end. More of Larry’s influences can be seen in the remote oil filter and also the petcock at the rear of the gas tank. Some hot rod inspiration steered him towards the suicide shifter with a Hurst handle, and K&N mini filter for the head breather. A Moon oil pressure gauge was plumbed in and is the only gauge on the bike. All of the electrics including the coil are in a box below the transmission, and 2 aircraft circuit breakers act as switches also. Exile’s rear sprotor is used, and a PM single piston caliper up front. He used Exiles forward controls as they have an excellent foot clutch set up. Pm also supplied the Vader wheels which give a classic styling and fit the bike design. The amazingly deep HOK black was applied by Brian Waller at Custom Autoworks in Mesa, and Kerr West chromed the front legs. If you have a minute are want some new and inspirational ideas or have an interest in this ride call Andy. He is a great guy to work with and talk to. Visit his web site at www.palacecycles.com or give him a call at 602 431-1480. Ride Safe Kirk Johnson Phoenixbikers.com