This is an interesting one, out of Southern California. He's a builder who has focused, for the last eight years, at bringing out the very best in stock bikes. Bogart is a Sr. Designer for AT&T, which means he designs a good deal of the company's advertising--that's substantial.

He rode bikes most of his life until the family code took over and he stepped out of the lane for the kids. But eight years ago he jumped back into the fray, at 39 years-of-age. “I cleaned up my life, walked the straight and narrow, but didn’t lose my exuberance for motorcycles,” Bogart said, but he also didn’t like the custom shit he saw in the streets. “So I bought a new Fat Boy and went to work.” His first effort entailed stripping the bike and doing the neccessities-pipes, wheels, brakes, intake, etc. Then he met Lou Trachenberg (RIP) from STD and the former master installed a 95-inch kit, while Bogart designed parts and worked over the paint.

Since then he messed with an FXD, three Sportsters, a Yamaha Quad Raptor and a Shifter Kart, 0-60 in 2.8 seconds go-cart (?). I don’t get it either, but no man is forced to just toy Harleys.

Then he picked up this ’04 Springer Softail and tore into it. “My garage is 1000 sq. ft. and it's got a Handy Lift, air lines routed, blast cabinet, roll away, parts washer, metal shear, rolling mill, drill press, buffers & polishers, grinders, etc,” Bogart said. He’s got everything but a lathe, Bridgeport, and the English Wheel is soon to come. “I was a CNC Machinist at Lockheed before I got into design. I broke my back and couldn't do physical labor anymore.”

“In my mind I wanted to create the perfect Softail,” Bogart added while petting one of his four Border Collies. “I started with the Heartbeat of the bike, the engine.” His notions came from some of his pals, like Paul Cox, Kirk Taylor and Trevelene. “I respect them as builders and human beings. They have been very influential and genuine to me.”

He returned to STD and discussed his real Twin Cam/ Panhead notion. “I didn’t want just Xotic covers, but build an engine as close to a Pan replica as possible, with 124 inches and external oil return lines,” Bogart said. “The STD team, Marty, Rich and Craig, stopped what they were doing, gathered ‘round and pitched ideals.” As it turned out real Panhead covers were used over highly modified EVO heads. Fins were reshaped and sparkplug hole bridges modified to keep the Panhead appearance alive. Finally, Tay Herrera added the finishing touches with his bad-ass engraving.

Bogart has an interesting perspective on bikes shows. “So far I only compete in the street category,” he said. “I enjoy building and competing with stock motorcycles. In a sense I respect the factory engineering and know that I can mess with a company bike without fooling with the design structure. Most Harley owners can see the details in contrast to their own bikes. It’s easy to relate to a bike like your own. Besides that, I know I’ll be safe on the road.” Out of seven shows entered he took first in six events.

Although the bike contains a level of gold glitz, he scavenged some parts including the Cycle Smith fender struts and the catseye dash from swap-meets. He tore the springer front end completely down, then rechromed and powder-coated components including the front legs and the internal springs. Then he gold leafed the tree section on the back legs for that continuity with the paint.

Bitchin’ Rich built the seat and questioned the gold latigo lacing, but it works. “You can’t slip a hair between any component and the seat.” Bogart said. “It fits like a glove and minimizes vibration.”

He’s now ready for his first ground-up custom build. “I designed a frame and Scott Long built it,” Bogart said. “I need to sell the TwinPan so I can fund the next project.” You can tell Bogart has the eye for building bikes. We look forward to his first ground up. It’s gonna have class.

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