| Near Sturgis, South Dakota, is the scenic
town of Spearfish, and even with its geographic location
well above the Mason-Dixon line, if you listen close you
can hear a song of the Old South in the wind. Get ready for
the Rebel Yell!
Last summer, Brian and the crew had a chance to visit one
of the hottest custom chopper shops around as they spoke
with Ryan Hill, the owner and designer of Rebel Yell Motorcycles.
First, Brian asked Ryan about the name of the company itself.
Ryan told him that he once was a dealer for Confederate motorcycles,
and since he continued to customize them, the name of Rebel
Yell was based on that association. Ryan also stated that
there was the fact that he had always liked the song "Rebel
Yell" by Billy Idol, so the name of the business was born.
Ryan said that his main objective was to work out some of
the problems that were found in the original Confederate
motorcycles, and that he also wanted to make them more radical
with bigger engines. At that point, Ryan talked a bit about
the bikes themselves as he took Brian on a tour of one of
the finished bikes. Powered by an S & S engine that makes
130 horsepower, these bikes have a distinctive look that
is carried over from the Confederate motorcycles themselves.
The unique backbone frame helps with strength and cuts down
on vibration as well, but there are some interesting original
designs here that are worth noting. First of all, the tranny
is mounted upside down and backwards! Next, Ryan told Brian
that Toby Harley, Head Fabricator for the company, constructed
a custom rear brake-and-chain assembly that features a four
piston system and includes the license plate holder all in
one piece of metal. Another unique feature is the rear tire
itself! Here, the rubber meets the road in the form of a
280 series tire mounted on a hollowed rear hub. Additionally,
the custom wheels feature the Biohazard symbol, a theme also
displayed on the air cleaner as well. Weighing approximately
500 pounds wet and pumping out 130 horsepower, this baby
needs some serious stopping capability and that is found
in the 12 piston brake system on the front wheel.
Finally, Brain talked Ryan into firing this bad boy up and
hitting the asphalt. The sheer power generated by this bike
was a sight to behold and set against the beautiful scenery
near Spearfish it was an awesome portrait of man, machine,
and nature. So if you are near Sturgis anytime soon, drop by
and visit Ryan and Toby and partake of some good old Southern
hospitality. You'll be glad that you did! If you would like
more information on Rebel Yell, Inc., you can visit them on
the web at www.rebelyellinc.com .
Back to Episode
CRN8014
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)