Gas Monkey Garage Transforms a 70s Chopper into an EV, Rick Fairless is Not Amused

Harley-Davidson EV Challenge

• ⚡ The Gas Monkey Garage team is challenged by Harley-Davidson to build a custom motorcycle using their Livewire EV bike.
• 🏍️ They enlist the help of motorcycle legend Rick Fairless of Strokers fame to source parts and inspiration.
• 😠 Fairless expresses disappointment upon learning the Gas Monkey Garage plans to use the acquired vintage parts for an electric build.

Exploring Rick Fairless's Collection

• 🗝️ Richard Rawlings tours Fairless's extensive collection of vintage chopper parts and custom projects.
• 🛠️ They examine several custom builds, including a stretched FXR with a goose-neck and a rare double-rail swing arm.
• 🧐 A notable piece is a restored 1970s Honda 750 chopper, originally featured on Street Chopper magazine, with a boomerang tank and magneto ignition.

The Honda Chopper Acquisition

• 🛵 Rawlings identifies a 1972 Honda 754 chopper in a chopper frame with a Girder front end as a potential project.
• 💡 The bike comes with original parts, including the VIN-stamped frame and gas tank, making it a valuable package.
• 💰 After negotiation, Rawlings secures two Honda choppers from Fairless for $18,000, despite Fairless's initial reluctance due to the electric conversion plans.

The Electric Conversion Dilemma

• ⚡ Rawlings reveals his intention to use one of the acquired Honda choppers for an electric build, shocking Fairless.
• 😠 Fairless argues that converting a historical motorcycle to electric is disrespectful to its heritage.
• 🤝 Despite Fairless's objections, Rawlings plans to proceed with the electric build, potentially for the Mama Tried show in Milwaukee, and still aims to acquire two choppers and the electric build.

Future Plans and Fairless's Reaction

• 🏆 Rawlings plans to build a "punk rock performance" electric motorcycle, dubbed the "hater generator," and potentially enter it into a show.
• 😕 Fairless feels misled about the intended use of the vintage parts, stating he would not have sold them if he knew they were destined for an electric conversion.
• 🤔 Rawlings acknowledges Fairless's disappointment but proceeds with his vision, aiming to build a unique electric motorcycle.