Leon's Old Bike


Years ago, this was quite a motorcycle.  Still is really.  It was built and owned by Leon "Kevin" Hendricks of Newton, Iowa.  Leon was a flamboyant character to say the least.  He owned all types of crazy cars and gadgets. He built his own Batmobile and drove around as Batman.  You can see the tank has a unique "Stroker" logo after the oem Sportster font.  The engine was modified by the great Leo Payne himself.  After Leon's untimely death years ago, the motorcycle stayed with his family for more years .....and now it's owned by a 3rd party collector.  I feel once an original-owner-built motorcycle leaves it's original owner, the mystique is lost.  The halo that surrounds the bike never shines as bright with the proud, new owner - no matter what is done.  You can see the old Stroker's side covers are in need of polish, the blued exhaust pipes, the leaky primary cover . . . the spec. sheet hanging on the handlebar is reminiscent of a tombstone grave marker, a brief description of what once was . . . and is, spiritually, no more.  The actual motorcycle, but not.  May Leon's pride and joy of a bygone time Rest in Peace.  Amen.

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