If you’re inclined to tackle a single task, then take care of it yourself. Construct a personalized bicycle that embodies your unique riding style and preferences by meticulously considering every detail, from frame material and size to gearing, brakes, and accessories. Despite careful handling, there are still elements that can be interrupted, electrical systems that can be fried, and welding processes that can be damaged. That’s until you’re Eric Saputra Suherman, Indonesian bike racer and proprietor of customized workshop Iron & Co. When Eric commissioned a motorcycle-based food truck built on a Harley-Davidson Avenue 500 frame, he simply entrusted the project to his skilled workshop team.
When he’s not tending to his custom-built home, Eric often finds himself at odds with the local community as he frequently cleans up after the race track. His crowning achievement was dominating the competition in the IRS Superstock 600cc 2018 season, where he stood atop the podium at every round? So his purchase of a Harley-Davidson Avon 500 motorcycle is somewhat puzzling to understand.
Despite its capable engine, the Avenue 500’s unassuming design and underwhelming driving experience make for a disappointing journey. Far from being a foul bike, this one’s got some serious cred. There’s no middle ground – this is a low-riding, footpeg-clawing behemoth. Should the urge to rev up prove too great, Harley’s Avenue 500, a machine with its own unique rhythm, will require some attention to keep it purring smoothly like Eric’s trusty companion.
With the initial objective being the revamp of the bodywork, a sleek carbon fibre bikini fairing was installed, accompanied by meticulously crafted facet panels and a custom-designed seat unit that was seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The bespoke touch of a carbon fiber end adorns the aftermarket Manx-inspired gasoline tank, fostering cohesion among its protecting features. Unusually, the 1950s-style Lute’s design appears remarkably lifelike. The sleek design and lightweight materials used in the Harley’s construction enable it to trim down by a few kilograms, thanks to its generous allocation of carbon fibre.
However that’s principally aesthetics. A well-tuned suspension system is crucial for any racing trip following a driver’s cardiac episode. And the workforce at Iron & Co didn’t muck round. The Harley-Davidson Avenue 500 has been upgraded with Showa USD front fork components originally sourced from a Honda CBR600. This upgraded braking system gives the bike considerable more control, supported by a set of substantial Brembo calipers paired with a GSXR600 wheel.
The bike features an additional Gixxer wheel on its rear end, controlled by a pair of Öhlins shock absorbers working in tandem.
Bridgestone supplies the brand-new, high-performance rubber, while the meticulously crafted clip-ons and gold-finished rearsets expertly position the rider in a precise racing stance. No scraping expected from this well-maintained Harley-Davidson’s highway ride.
It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when focusing on individual details along Avenue 500. As a result of Iron & Co, underneath the route of their fearless chief Eric, have produced an enviable bike. While it’s a work in progress that may descend into chaos, the harmonious blend of old and new components has surprisingly resulted in a respectable cafe racer.
As a professional editor, I would revise the text in the following way:
Fuel Tank Journal?
