Art Comes in All Forms - Custom Meets Tattoo
After more than 15 years, dynamic former Indian Larry duo Paul Cox and Keino Sasaki reunited recently to design and develop a one-of-a-kind 2022 Indian Chief for renowned tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado (Black Anchor Tattoo).
"Hurtado is a pioneer in the world of tattooing for his use of color and hyper-realism, creating a unique, loud persona, making him the perfect owner for this masterpiece."
The bike made its debut as one of the 30 custom motorcycles on display at Michael Lichter's custom motorcycle gallery at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2021.
A stock 2022 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse, featuring the Thunderstroke 116, the engine, drivetrain and ignition switch box remained stock, with Paul and Keino focusing on their respective custom specialties.
Cox contributed the handmade girder front end and 21-inch spoke front wheel with Avon tires.
Keino did the spoke lacing on the front wheel and the custom-built gas tank - designed with the fuel pump and front mounting points in mind. Keino shaped it in such a way to have the 4-inch round touchscreen display with RideCommand recessed slightly into the top/front of the tank.
Keino also contributed the custom exhaust system, with Paul coming up with the custom rear end set-up. He eliminated the stock set-up with a larger fender and internal strut and went with a shorter/bobbed rear fender and more traditional external struts that mount at the swingarm to get the fender to ride close to the tire - while still allowing space for travel between the fender and seat.
He also mounted a traditional Indian Motorcycle headdress taillight onto the rear fender and made a custom leather seat with the Indian Motorcycle script logo etched into the leather.
Paul modified the clutch to a hand shift/foot clutch (jockey shift) set-up, added an old school head lamp, custom risers and bars, and did a custom paint job using his own "Soylent Green" paint with metal flake and light green/teal pinstriping throughout.