HBB: Why keep the motor stock?
BC: We have a tendency to over-power our bikes and scare riders who aren't used to that much power. We did do some fine-tuning to this engine, but figured we'd leave it alone and then customize the engine power to the rider who buys the bike.
HBB: Tell us about the Ballistic Air Ride front suspension? What goes into it and what do you like about it?
BC: It's a pretty simple system; air-fittings, air lines, and a compressor with paddle switches to adjust the amount of air. It's just about being able to pressurize the fork tubes and be able to adjust the height. It's something we've come up with that works well and isn't all that different than from what you would find in other frontend air-ride systems. We like it for the simple reason of being able to adjust the ride height, and on our other bikes, be able to rest it on the frame and not have a kick stand.
HBB: What'd you do to the Klockwerks dash?
BC: We added a hard line down the center and refabbed the tail section to flow into our custom seat. Other than looks, we didn't change the structure of it much. It's a good product.
HBB: Why did you come out with that style of handlebars for a bagger?
BC: We like the low look and feel. We're not ape hanger guys, but will make them if that's what the customer wants. We're all in to that long and low look, and a comfortable bar that your arms never get tired holding.
HBB: Is that a headlight kit you'll be offering for other baggers?
BC: Yes, and we have a few other styles in the works. We'll have them for every year and model Harley bagger, and can always customize a set if a customer wants something a little different.
HBB: How is it there are no latches on the saddlebags?
BC: On the prototype bags we have an internal actuator that is electrically operated. We went with that for a custom smooth-line look with minimal gaps and spacing. We'll be offering other latching options on our production models.
HBB: Tell us about the saddlebags. What would you say is the biggest difference between them and stock ones? Why'd you come out with that design?
BC: It was one of the designs we had drawn up, and Mike made a few changes as he was carving a test set out of foam. We all had a say in what we liked and didn't like, and that was the final product. Harley's bags have been around for a while now. They work, but we wanted something with a totally unique look that no one else ever made. We have a few other ideas that will continue with that. We could have used any custom set of bags and made our changes to it, and we like to work with other builders, but this time we wanted something that was 100 percent ours that we could mass-produce and sell to the bagger faithful. We wanted to go all-in on this dresser and offer something totally different, based off our custom one-off bikes with our style and bodylines. It was also important for us while designing these bags and side covers that they could be easily installed on any bagger by anyone in their own garage.
HBB: Are the bags and fairing kits available for other baggers?
BC: Yes. We can put them on any year or model Harley with only slight mods. We will eventually have a kit with mounting hardware for every Harley bagger.
HBB: Will you offer the 30-inch wheel for other bikes?
BC:Of course-if the customer is willing to pay the price. 30-inch 3D cut wheels are not cheap, but the look is just crazy. We feel confident that we can put a 30-inch wheel on any bike and make it ride very well. We may even offer something bigger someday.
HBB: What's next?
BC: The hard work isn't over yet. Our main goal with Paradigm was to get involved with custom Harley bagger parts. Besides the parts you see on Paradigm, we have a lot more ideas for different parts that will be coming soon. We may have been around for a little while now, and have a lot of great bikes to prove our work, but this is definitely a new adventure and just the beginning for what we have in store next.
HBB: Anyone you want to thank?
BC: We need to give a shout-out to Randy from B'Cool for sponsoring the 30-inch prototype front fender, and also Accutronix for the controls. Then of course Doug McGoon for designing the front wheel and making it happen, and Vee Rubber for the prototype front tire. Working with these guys has always been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing to work with them. It wouldn't have been possible without them.