One of our favorite moments when searching for rad customs worthy of the pages before you, is when something from the other side of the world pops up. It’s easy to forget that there is a lot of talent across the globe when you’ve got your head down and you’re in your own little bubble. But it’s a pretty big planet. And there are a lot of rad things coming out of Indonesia, especially by Hery over at Mika Motorcycles.  

In fact, Hery has firmly established himself as a trailblazer, not just in Indonesia but internationally as well. Known for his bold designs and innovative approach, Hery’s latest, a Harley-Davidson Knucklehead chopper, is a testament to his creativity and passion for blending racing performance with the classic chopper aesthetic. 

This isn’t just another chopper; it’s a reflection of Hery’s vision to introduce Indonesia to a unique chopper racing style. With its meticulous craftsmanship and performance-oriented upgrades, the Knucklehead chopper is set to turn heads on the streets and, eventually, on the racing track. 

Hery has long been a proponent of the chopper racing style, using his personal collection of rare and iconic rims to push the boundaries of custom builds. His extensive collection includes treasures like Kim-Tab, Morris Mag Wheels, RC Components, Hendry Abe, and Performance Machine Excalibur wheels, making him one of Indonesia’s trendsetters in this niche. For this build, Hery aimed to create something groundbreaking for the Indonesian custom scene. “In Indonesia, there aren’t many choppers like this,” he explains. “I have a mission to introduce this style and take it to the racing track.” 

One of the most striking aspects of this Knucklehead chopper is its shark-inspired bodywork. Drawing inspiration from the shark fin visors of Tom Fork in Japan, Hery integrated ventilation details into the gas tank and rear fender, creating a seamless flow from the headlamp cap to the tail. The tank features a scooped design with functional vents that give the impression of air streaming through the bike—both a practical and aesthetic touch that underscores its racing DNA. 

“The bodywork was one of the most exciting parts for me,” Hery shares. “Aligning the lamp cap with the gas tank and rear fender, with those shark fin details, made this build truly special.” 

Building this chopper was no small feat. Hery crafted many of the components himself, including the single-downtube frame—a first for Mika Motorcycles. “I was really happy to create this frame model,” he says, emphasizing the satisfaction of turning his vision into reality. 

The exhaust system was another engineering triumph. Hery designed it to route the front pipe to the left before joining the rear pipe into a 2-into-1 configuration. Elevating the muffler slightly added a performance-oriented look while maintaining the bike’s sleek profile. 

The handlebars are equally innovative. Using Indian Larry Flanders risers as a foundation, Hery extended them to 6 inches with brass material, creating a commanding presence that perfectly complements the bike’s aggressive stance. 

Hery’s work is heavily influenced by master builders from around the world, such as Brandon Casquilho of Mullins Chain Drive, Oliver Jones of The Cutrate, and Dave Polgreen. “I feel like I’m on the same frequency as them,” he says, noting how their use of unique rims resonates with his own approach. 

This global perspective is evident in the parts he sourced during his travels. The Mooneyes oil tank, gas cap, and headlamp were handpicked from the iconic Mooneyes store in Japan. The shark fin visor came directly from Tom Fork at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, while the ISR master cylinder and clutch were sourced from the Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show. Even the VM Performance calipers, purchased by chance at Malaysia’s Art of Speed event, found a perfect place in this build. 

The Knucklehead chopper came to life almost serendipitously. After returning from the 2023 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, Hery received a call from his friend Hendra of Hthree Custom Garage about a potential client. That client, Syam Alif, reached out almost immediately, eager for a Mika Motorcycles build. Within an hour of their conversation, a deal was struck, and Hery wasted no time sourcing a KN74 engine and other essential parts. 

Syam, a seasoned rider who often takes long tours aboard his CVO Road Glide, wanted a chopper that embodied the essence of craftsmanship and performance Mika Motorcycles is known for. “Maybe the chopper’s aura was already calling him,” Hery jokes, reflecting on how quickly the project came together. 

This Knucklehead chopper is more than a motorcycle; it’s a statement. From its shark-inspired design to its performance-focused engineering, the bike is a shining example of how Hery is redefining the chopper scene in Indonesia. 

With mentors like Veroland of Kickass Choppers, Bimo Hendrawan of Bimo Custombike, Nyoman Gede Sentana of Kedux Garage, and Chandra from Pickers Store, Hery stands at the forefront of a growing movement. And with this Knucklehead chopper, he’s not just setting trends—he’s creating a legacy. 

As Hery takes this bike to the streets and eventually the racetrack, one thing is certain: the fusion of racing style and chopper culture in Indonesia has never looked—or performed—this good. HB

Photos: Courtesy of Mika Motorcycles