My name is Chris Gibbany and my husband and I built my 1981 Harley Ironhead. My goal was simple: I wanted a really cool looking bike, something you didn't see every day. I also wanted something that didn't scream to the world "I am owned and ridden by a woman."
So I came up with the design for what I call a "Billy Bike". I had an idea in my head but had never seen a bike in any magazine or in person of exactly what I wanted.
In the end, I ended up with the bike I'd dreamed of. I love the bike's appearance most of all. I love the way it looks from all angles. I just love how my ideas all came together, and that is really what building a nice-looking bike is all about — making it flow and all work together. I travel everywhere on it when the weather's nice. I'll take it to town with a backpack on and get a few groceries. For some reason no one expects me to get on the bike and ride off.
My Billy Bike has gotten good reaction from judges, too. At the first show in which it debuted, it won Best of Show. In 2010 it took Best of Show/ People's Choice awards at five of six shows.
We have been married for nine years and have been building bikes together for almost six. Eventually we'd like to do this as full time business.
We are currently building my '56 Panhead in our living room and I also just got another "secret" project I am working on. My husband just got a 1949 Panhead built that he is riding. He is currently working on 2 other Harleys- a 1918 T and a 1935 VD.
I breed hedgehogs for a living and my website is: www.gothedgehogsbreedingandrescue.bravehost.com.
TECH SHEET
Owner- Chris Gibbany
Year- 1981 Harley Ironhead
Assembly- Boneyard Choppers- Gabe and Chris Gibbany
Build time- 6 months
Engine- 1200 Ironhead
Cases- Stock
Rods- Stock
Pistons- 8:1 Big Bore
Cylinders- Axtell Big Bore
Heads- Stock
Cam- Harley Performance
Ignition- Dyna Dual Fire
Carb- S&S Super E
Pipes- Drag
Air Cleaner- Velocity Stack
Trans- Stock
Primary- Stock
Clutch- Kevlar
Frame- Modified stock
Rake- 32 degrees
Stretch- 4 inches in backbone
Forks- Shovelhead Wide Glide
Fork Length- Stock
Additional rake in trees- 5 degrees
Front wheel- 1998 Fat boy
Rear wheel- 1998 fat boy
Front tire- M90/16 Dunlop
Back tire- 150/16 Dunlop
Front brake- OEM dual disc
Rear brake- Aftermarket disc
Fuel tank- OEM Superglide
Oil tank- Handmade
Fenders- Steel trailer fender on rear
Handlebars- Broomstick
Risers- stock
Sissy bar- Fender strut
Headlight- 5 1/4 Bates style
Taillight- 1930's Ford
Hand controls- Stock
Grips- E-Grips
Foot Controls- Forward
Pegs- O-ring
Electrical- Minimal
Color- Silver and black
Graphics- Flames
Seat- Baas Metal Craft pan/leatherwork- Chris Gibbany-Boneyard Choppers
