Lot 101

Hershey 2011

1972 Harley-Davidson "Conquistador" Surf Bike

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$11,550 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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1,100 cc Harley-Davidson air-cooled V-Twin engine, S&S carburetion, custom-built ridged frame with Big Dog Wide Glide front end, and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.

- A radical mid-1970s custom chopper

- Unique surfboard motif, stunning custom bodywork and paint

- Recently redesigned, renamed and restored to stunning presentation

Named “Conquistador” after the Spanish conquerors of the 1500s and the early-’70s Procol Harum tune of the same name, this stunning 1972 Harley-based custom bike measures 10 feet in length. It is reported to have been originally commissioned by and custom-built for its original owner Edd “Kookie” Byrnes of 77 Sunset Strip TV fame in 1975 by Bad Boys in California. Following construction, all body molds were destroyed, ensuring that “Conquistador” remained a one-of-a-kind piece.

It was acquired in need of restoration at an auction of Hollywood memorabilia and then redesigned, renamed and restored by W. James McBurney of Niagara Falls, Canada. Based on a custom-built ridged frame with a surfboard design, the bike was equipped with all-new mechanicals including a rebuilt Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine with a slight overbore and flat-top pistons, yielding 1,100 cc and mated to a rebuilt transmission. Engine accessories include S&S carburetion and a Big Block high-torque starter.

With “10 Over” Big Dog Wide-Glide front end, featuring three-degree backset bearings for true trail, Conquistador’s many features include hand-built front and rear fenders with 1936 Graham automobile hood vents, a custom headlight and custom gas tanks. Templates were made from the Mayan-design graphics and pinstriping, which were faithfully replicated and complement the copper paint finish. Custom-built billet aluminum was used for the front and rear brake brackets and the forward controls, and other special hand-built features include a polished aluminum chain guard and a one-of-a-kind folding kickstand. A set of “Z” bars, a custom seat, a Jack Daniels riser plate, a drag-style exhaust system, matching diamond patterns on all pedals and grips, “skull” taillights, a stainless-wire Indian rear wheel and a billet-wire aluminum front wheel complete this stunning custom bike.