In the heart of St. Louis, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, a motorcycle junkie named Nick Rutherford is leaving his mark with a passion for two wheels and a talent for crafting custom two-wheeled creations. Nick’s journey into the world of motorcycles may have started later than some, but his love for the open road and his innate knack for fabrication have propelled him into building some pretty unique custom bikes, like this turbocharged Shovelhead chopper.

Nick’s fascination with motorcycles began when he was just 16, starting with street bikes rather than the dirt bikes many riders grew up with. His early experiences involved tinkering with these machines, especially his second bike, a fixer-upper that demanded a lot of his attention. Nick dove headfirst into motorcycle customization, fabricating brackets, crafting handlebars, and even building a cage for his bike. It was in these moments that he discovered his passion for metal fabrication.

The turning point came in 2016 when Nick purchased his first Harley and decided to have a set of custom handlebars made by a local builder named Fish. Fish’s backlog was extensive, and Nick’s impatience led him to attempt making the bars himself. Armed with little more than a piece of welding wire and sheer determination, Nick succeeded in crafting the bars he envisioned. This achievement ignited a fire within him, and soon, he was crafting more than just handlebars. He designed and built a complete Evo chopper, constructing the frame, gas tank, fender, handlebars, and the sissy bar.

In 2019, Nick took a significant step forward by acquiring a CNC plasma table, marking the birth of Nightfall Customs. This venture initially involved creating signs and cutting brackets for lowrider trucks and motorcycles, but it was a bold vision that would truly set Nick’s work apart. Nick’s vision for his Shovelhead chopper was to create a bike that blended form and function seamlessly. He sought to install a turbocharger in a unique location, positioning it in the neck of the frame to avoid obstructing the motor’s view. Additionally, he designed a split gas and oil tank, with the oil residing in the top left section, allowing for ample storage capacity. The single down tube frame design added an element of cleanliness and simplicity to the overall aesthetic.

The result of Nick’s hard work and creativity was nothing short of spectacular. The Shovelhead chopper boasted a Garrett GBC 17 turbo, producing six to seven pounds of boost. Nick knew that the turbo would undoubtedly garner a lot of attention at events. Nick worked tirelessly to finish the bike in time for the Cycle Showcase St. Louis, a labor of love that paid off when he unveiled his creation at the show.

The response was overwhelming. People flocked to Nick’s turbocharged Shovelhead, captivated by its unique design and the sheer audacity of a turbocharger nestled in the neck of the frame. Nick’s creation was a testament to his dedication to the craft and his commitment to pushing boundaries. He even designed a custom points cover featuring the STL (St. Louis) logo, showcasing his attention to detail.

While Nick’s bike received numerous accolades at the Cycle Showcase, it was also a reminder of the risks associated with riding such a high- performance machine. Nick recounted a butt-puckering incident when his brake line came loose, leaving him without brakes at high-speed. The quick thinking and maneuvering that saved him from disaster highlighted the challenges of piloting a powerful custom creation like his.

Nick’s aspirations for Nightfall Customs extend beyond his own creations. He dreams of building bikes for others, envisioning a future where he can continue bringing his unique visions to life for other enthusiasts of something out of the box. His dedication to the craft is evident in his desire to keep the art of custom motorcycle building alive in an age of mass-produced machines.

As for the future, Nick is open to the possibility of creating custom parts, but he remains focused on one-off custom fabrication, ensuring that each creation is a unique masterpiece. His work has already garnered attention at bike nights and beyond, drawing crowds of enthusiasts eager to see something truly special.

Nick Rutherford and Nightfall Customs are proof that passion, dedication, and a fearless commitment to innovation can produce remarkable results. In the world of custom motorcycles, Nick’s turbocharged Shovelhead chopper stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when creativity knows no bounds. As Nick continues to push the limits, we’re eager to see what else rolls out of Nick’s St. Louis shop next. HB

Words: Jordan Mastagni
Photos: Ben Nichols