Money Bags | 1997 JYC Customs Harley Davidson Road King

1997 "Money Bags" Road King
Like many of us, Nick Plumb has been a bike enthusiast since he was a kid. Also like many of us, Nick started out riding some crotch rockets, then he wrecked some crotch rockets and decided to give them up and buy a Harley. The reason for the Harley was because it's a way Nick could spend time with his parents since they are Harley riders as well.

The bike started out mostly stock besides some bolt-on things that anyone can pick up at his or her local H-D store. At the end of one summer of riding many days and nights with family and friends, the bike started blowing oil and smoke out the exhaust. Nick met Guy Schiable, owner of JYC Customs, and just wanted an engine rebuild at first. Nick started talking to Guy about what he wanted to do with this bike. Nick wanted something that nobody else had. He didn't want a Screamin' Eagle or a bike with every bolt-on accessory in the book. So, with those simple requirements, they went for it. Guy, Scott Williams, and Nick spent lots of days and nights working on the bike. A big-inch Ultima, Evo-style motor replaced the H-D mill. Guy and crew blanked off the front and rear fenders and modified the stock H-D gas tank. JYC modified the geometry of the frame followed by some molding to clean it up. A weld-on kickstand helps with the stance while parked. While they were at it, all of the wiring was hidden for a clean look. After using some of Guy's "Sneaky Pete" ideas for the frame and tin modifications the bike was then ready for Brandon at Armstrong Design to lay down some of that sick Anti-Freeze Green. Nick gave the bike the fitting name of "Money Bags" since it is a bagger and it isn't cheap to build a sweet bike.

After assembling Money Bags, showing it on the bike and car circuit, and riding it for a season, Nick wasn't completely happy with the performance. So Guy and Nick tore the motor down and gave the Ultima 127ci engine a little tweak, changed up the carb to an S&S Super G, and swapped the Thunderheader exhaust to an RB Racing make. With that work done, the bike now hauls the mail with 144 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel. Nick praises Guy and JYC Customs for nailing this project on the head. Nick continued, "Just when you think you are done with the project, you have more ideas. So there are a few things on the drawing table to do, but I can't disclose that information because it's Secret Squirrel stuff."

This is a bagger that draws all kinds of attention at the local bike nights from the low, long, sleek look to the thumping sound of the Andrews cam. It's a bike that is just as cool if not cooler than the choppers but the best thing is, it's comfortable to ride instead of just going bar to bar. Nick also enjoys the fact that a lot of the old-timers like that the younger guys are building baggers and not just choppers and swap-meet specials. Nick is really just glad he decided to do the build, which led to meeting many great people who helped him and Money Bags and now have become great friends. But most of all, Nick gets to enjoy his custom bagger while cruising the streets with family and friends.