Mike D’s roots are in motocross, and his taste in choppers shows that influence. Not one to settle for second best, Mike poured way more time and money into this project than he originally planned, but the lessons he learned along the way are priceless. Lots of help from friends and family resulted in a bike he can have a blast riding, and one he can be proud to own.

Owner: Mike D. Ellis

Location: Temecula, CA 

Bike name: Sex Panther 

Engine year and make, model, modifications: 2003 Sportster donor, now a 2010 Special Construction 

Frame: Spartan Frameworks one-off

Fork: Stock H-D Narrow Glide. shaved legs, massaged and plugged trees, lowered approximately 2.5 inches. Powder coated black

Engine mods: 1250cc Rev Performance big-bore kit w/ high compressions pistons, Anderson N2 Cams, Dyna 2000i ignition, Benchmark air cleaner and breather bolts, cam and sprocket cover cut down; painted the motor black w/ POR-15 and powder coated the rocker boxes

Tire/wheel size and style: Front: Stock 19” w/ 100/90-19 Dunlop; Rear: Stock 16” w/ 130/90-16 Dunlop. Both rims were stripped down, powder coated black, hubs were polished and re-laced w/ stainless steel spokes

Tins: Modified Lowbrow Sporty tank; modified Front Street Cycle rear fender; paint and body work by Got Flake and Blue Moon Kustoms

Controls: Joker Machine clutch and brake; Biltwell Whiskey throttle, Biltwell prototype Hi-Drags; Goodridge brake lines

Favorite thing about this bike: Riding it. I can be in a really bad mood, sick, or hungover. Once I get rolling on this thing all my worries go away and I feel better. It’s a blast to ride and the stance and seating position are perfect for me. The only thing I wish I could change would be to add an inch or so of ground clearance, but that might make things too easy

Next modification will be: If I do anything, I might get some work done to the cylinder heads. It’s definitely faster than a regular Sporty, but popping wheelies sounds like fun

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Duane Ballard “Sex Panther” seat. Duane knocked this one out of the park. Acme Oil Bag and Battery Box. Jay at Acme and I worked together via e-mail to get this one-off oil bag made and I truly don’t know how he did such a good job without the frame present. Pull start and breather routing by Wompy at Still Kicking. The concept for this thing was great, but executing took much longer than expected. Thanks for sticking in there Juan P. Custom made pipes using the Biltwell Pipe Kit, Acme heatshield and a CNC’d pipe clamp that Wompy made. Flyrite Sprotor chain conversion with a specially machined countershaft sprocket for clearance. Joker Machine Pegs and shift lever. other custom bits include the skid plate, sissy bar, pipe hanger and coil mount

Any building or riding story or info you’d like to include: The year-and-a-half it took to finish this bike was an ass kicker. My inexperience coupled with my OCD nature made this thing drag on and on to a point where I didn’t know if it would be done in theee years. I would not change it for the world, though. Everything happened for a reason and the slow pace of the build allowed me to absorb a ton of knowledge from those who pitched in

Thanks to: Bill and McGoo: You guys gave me loads of great ideas, steered me straight when I thought about doing something lame, taught me the basics of choppin’ and bobbin’, and didn’t let me fuck it up. John Ellis: My dad has been building motors, riding motorcycles, and driving dune buggies his whole life. He had never touched a Harley before we cracked open my motor, but he basically built my motor while I assisted where I could. It runs perfect and I don’t know anyone who could have done a better job. Dad, you are truly inspirational and I love you. George & Wendy at Spartan Frameworks: Thanks for cooking me up a one-off frame. It’s incredible to ride and has bailed me out of a few sticky situations with Mexican potholes. Tyler and Kyle at Lowbrow: Two guys I try hard to outdo, and they don’t make it easy. XOXO. Rob Rouser: My go-to guy whenever I was in a pinch and had a tech question or needed to discuss the wonders of Mochi. Wompy @ Still Kicking: Skilled machinist and chopper parts inventor. Duane Ballard: Master of one of the coolest crafts I’ve ever seen. Erik “The Welder” Seaba: Took care of all the finish welding on the many bungs, bits, and pieces. Wayne and Jay at Acme Choppers: Truly quality parts and good guys to work with. Bryan at Joker Machine; Bro’s that inspired me: Kim Boyle, Andy Carter, and Caleb Owens