Croc Chopper' Custom. May 2006

Undoubtedly one of the wildest motorcycles seen in Australia, Phil Harwood of King Pin Choppers, who designed the Croc Chopper, believes it's equal or better than many examples from the home of the Chopper, the USA.

Around 3.5 metres long and weighing almost half a tonne, the Croc Chopper is finished in gleaming chrome and alloy with green and yellow "crocodile-skin" paint work - refer to the advert on page 83 of this issue to see the 'reptilian' paint in colour.Work started on the Croc Chopper four weeks prior to the show, assembly taking place over the seven days of the show by Phil and the team of Rusty Guy and Andrew Erwin.

The engine - which is a feast of chrome in itself - is a 120 cube Ultima unit (with 130lb/ft of torque and 135hp at the rear wheel) driving a Road Max 6 speed gearbox, running to a 6" Hi Tech belt drive primary. The polished Weld Racing wheels (23" front and 14" x 18" rear) are a good match to the overall style of the bike, while the 360 rear tyre is one of the widest we've seen!

One of the most impressive touches, however, is the crocodile head shaped headlamp (see closeup at right).

Crikey! It's a Croc Chopper

Two "eyes" provide low beam, while the jaws hinge open to provide high beam. A closer look reveals a host of similar 'croc' themed detailing on the tank and front & rear guards, all of which are hand made in steel (as is the croc headlight). Controls for the custom handlebars are Performance Machine. The custom frame (12" over front end with a 12" stretch in the rear) and handlebars have also received the full custom croc-skin paint treatment which was airbrushed by 'Little Mick' at the Show.

The bike was finished on the Saturday night of the Brisbane Motor Show and put up for auction at the event, but was passed in at $75,000.

The Croc Chopper is now available for sale by private negotiation - with a $75,000 minimum (including GST). Past choppers by Phil Harwood and the King Pin crew have reportedly fetched six figure sums. Both King Pin and current vendors, the Motor Trades Association of Queensland believing the Croc Chopper definitely capable of reaching a similar figure.

Whilst the chopper is currently in show/display spec only, if the purchaser wishes, King Pin can make the necessary modifications to bring it up to registerable roadworthy spec for a minor additional fee.

There's no doubt that if you did want to take this baby on the road, you'd turn heads and get a few smiles wider that a crocodile's too, we're tipping!!

If you think this truly unique Chopper would put a smile on your dial, too, get in touch with Michelle on the number below.