This all started with the help from a phone call from a local builder Jason Wilson of Sacred Steed, telling us that he was asked to build a bike for the Artistry in Iron show in Las Vegas and had a few ideas that he would like to try. From the start, Jason knew that he was going to use a Panhead motor, build the frame from scratch, and use a leaf spring frontend. The only question was whether he could get the one he needed in time. He knew just where to go to get this done on time and just the way he wanted it-Kiwi Motorcycle Company. After he told us that owner Mike Tomas was going to build one the size he needed to meet the measurement of the frame he built, we headed out to Riverside, California, to follow along and see how it's done.
The Kiwi Motorcycle Company has developed a new leaf spring fork for stock Harleys, as well as the Indian frames. Kiwi Indian has been manufacturing old school parts and replacement parts for Indian motorcycles for over 17 years. Forks are made from 1020 DOM steel and fit 16-21-inch wheels and can be made to fit custom builds. Almost everything is done in-house except the chrome.
Sources
Kiwi Indian
Mike Tomas
(800) 601-KIWI
www.kiwi-indian.com