Bare Knuckle Paul is a big guy. And by that I mean he’s fucking huge. If you’re under 6-feet-tall, you’ll feel like a twerp standing next to him. It’s intimidating at first. But after you get to know him, the gentle giant couldn’t be nicer. He’s just a large human. And because of that, he needs a large bike. Case in point for the backbone and downtube stretch accompanied by the long fork tubes on this custom FXR.   

In the inaugural FXR Tour, Bare Knuckle Performance (BKP) took the opportunity to showcase their distinct style and craftsmanship, building a bike that pays homage to past influences while highlighting their wide-ranging capabilities and given its stature, it needed to be a purpose-built and functional machine. Their goal was clear: to demonstrate the full spectrum of BKP’s expertise, from design and fabrication to machining and engine work. 

First and foremost, the Magnacharger supercharger was a must-have to showcase the commitment to this bike’s performance and originality. Many of the Magnacharger components were fabricated in-house, tailored specifically to optimize the blower’s fit and function. Given the complexity of integrating the Magnacharger into a motorcycle setup, sourcing the necessary parts presented one of the project’s biggest challenges. In fact, the team even had to acquire a second blower to salvage essential components for this project.   

BKP had been eager to implement a monoshock setup for some time, and it finally became a reality with this FXR. The configuration allowed the team to better showcase a custom wheel design, which also enhances the stance as well as the bike’s visual appeal. To further refine the rear end’s look, the team opted for a Sprotor system on the left side, integrating the sprocket and rotor into one clean component. This definitely adds to the bike’s streamlined and polished appearance. 

 One of the most impressive feats of engineering in this build is the swingarm, which was machined from a single piece of aluminum. This meticulous fabrication process not only added a unique aesthetic but also provided significant structural strength, demonstrating the shop’s high level of craftsmanship. 

The design and spirit of the bike draw heavily from the builder’s years of experiences and inspirations gathered from old motorcycle magazines and countless hours spent at drag strips. The roaring engines of classic door slammers racing down the strip left a lasting impression, which is evident in the build’s aggressive stance and powerful performance setup. Additionally, the taillight and sissy bar combination takes a cue from the iconic designs of Crazy Frank, a nod to the golden era of custom chopper culture. 

 This project was a collaborative effort, bringing together a talented team to bring the vision to life. Key contributors included Big Mike Olley of 9 Finger Fabrication, whose fabrication skills were instrumental in shaping the bike. Nic Grodski, who works with Paul, was a driving force behind the project by helping to keep the vision aligned with the shop’s brand and style. And Paul’s son, Sam, was essential in maintaining momentum, managing the shop’s day-to-day operations while the core team focused on the intricate build process. 

The flawless paintwork was done by the legendary Dave Perewitz, whose years of expertise and influence in the custom motorcycle scene added a special touch to the project. The seat and sissy bar pad were masterfully crafted by Jordan Dickinson of Union Speed and Style, adding both comfort and a vintage-inspired aesthetic to the bike. Additional thanks go to Justin Page and John the Painter for their contributions to the machining work. Their assistance was invaluable, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the custom motorcycle community. 

One of the most significant challenges faced during this build was meeting the tight deadlines. The complexity of integrating a supercharger, along with the custom machining and fabricating, required meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills. The pressure of delivering such a high-caliber project on time was immense, pushing the team to their limits. Reflecting on the process, the builders vowed never to take on another build of this magnitude with a similarly constrained timeline. 

Despite the hurdles, the moment the bike was completed and the engine roared to life made all the hard work worthwhile. The distinct whine of the Magnacharger was a rewarding payoff, embodying the essence of the builder’s vision and hard work. 

The shop is already deep into a variety of new builds, including Panhead choppers, M8 FXR conversions, a Twevo FXR, and a Shovelhead chopper. The team remains committed to pushing the boundaries of motorcycle customization, consistently drawing from their rich history of influences while looking ahead to new challenges and innovations. HB

Words: Jordan Mastagni Photos: Nic Grodski