When it comes to choppers, the Born-Free Motorcycle Show procures the best in the business. To be chosen as an Invited Builder is quite the honor. Most won’t receive. This past year, Brian Jessop got the call. And he delivered.

Jessop emerged as a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark with his latest creation. Jessop undertook the challenge with gusto, embarking on a journey to craft a bike that transcended the boundaries of any one particular genre.

Choosing a style reminiscent of the custom muscle bikes from the ’80s and early ’90s, Jessop set out with a singular goal—to push his limits, both in design and fabrication. Every inch of the bike tells a story of dedication and creativity, with nearly every part being custom-made, heavily modified, or exceptionally rare.

A centerpiece of this two-wheeled masterpiece is the iconic Storz/Ceriani 43mm fork, harkening back to a bygone era of ingenuity. The frame itself is a testament to bespoke craftsmanship, a one-off creation built to precise specifications by the skilled hands of Ben Jeffries. The seat, a luxurious piece adorned in supple leather, was meticulously covered by Jeff at BNC Cycles, featuring a custom pan seamlessly integrated with an LED taillight, a distinctive touch by Jessop Cycle.

The intricacies of this mechanical marvel extend to the Magneto drive Cam Cover, a collaborative design by ShintySix/Jessop and precision CNC-made by Chris Weiss/ShintySix. The rocker boxes bear the signature style of Martin at Snowflake Customs in Finland, displaying a Kennedy Style that elevates the Shovel’s aesthetic.

Yet, beneath the surface lies the challenge and reward of Jessop’s endeavor, like the internal linkage within the primary cover, the dual magneto cam cover setup, and the seamlessly integrated seatpan/LED taillight. All require a keen eye for both design and mechanics.

The true triumph, however, came in the form of personal accomplishment: Completing the bike in time for the show! Just being able to get his vision into a reality filled Jessop with a sense of pride, knowing he had exceeded his own expectations. The affirmation from family, friends, and peers further solidified the success, culminating in accolades from the Born-Free Show—Best Shovelhead and Harley-Davidson Design Team Awards.

Jessop injected a dose of drag bike influence into his creation. The goal was to forge a wild drivetrain, making the bike appear as if it were all engine hurtling down the road with a mere bike in tow. Functionality paralleled aesthetics as Jessop ensured the bike could stop as impressively as it could go, emphasizing big motors, big brakes, and a design built for the ride.

The flamed paint scheme, carefully chosen, blends technical prowess with the classic chopper aesthetic, a visual testament to Jessop’s vision. Influences from past Born-Free builders and contemporaries in the chopper scene propelled him forward, adding layers of inspiration to the already intricate narrative of his creation.

As the dust settles on the success of Brian’s build, Jessop takes a breath before diving into future endeavors. While catching up on neglected maintenance for his other bikes, he has plans for a tough 93ci Shovelhead build in the coming winter—a testament to an unyielding passion that continues to drive him forward.

Jessop extends appreciation to the collaborators and supporters who stood by him during the countless hours spent in the shop. Chris Weiss, Ben Jeffries, Cole Jabusch, Darren Wolfe, Jeff Bieberdorf, and family and friends all played pivotal roles in bringing this vision to life. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to Mike and Grant from Born-Free for extending the invitation that set this remarkable journey in motion. Brian Jessop’s legacy in the world of custom motorcycles stands tall, marked by innovation, craftsmanship, and an unquenchable passion for the open road. HB

PHOTOS: ALEX CHAPMAN