A couple months after being hired on at Sparks Motors, I began working after hours on a retro/steam punk style diesel motorcycle as a weekend cruiser of my own.  I started with an 1100cc 20hp agricultural water pump diesel engine. This engine was way too large and unusually shaped to fit in any existing factory motorcycle frame, so I fabricated a custom tube frame to closely fit around the diesel engine. The body lines, fuel tank style, suspension system, and leather work are all inspired by the art deco designs from the 1920's. 

        The large engine left no room for the installation of a standard alternator, so I hand wound more than 1500 ft. of copper wire over 18 neodymium magnets attached to the flywheel to power a bridge rectifier and charge controller for the battery system. 

        The starting system was by far the most challenging aspect of the build.  The diesel engine was originally built to be bolted to the ground and started with a hand crank inertia system and compression relief valve.  Starting the engine using this method would be very difficult and impractical, so I built a gear reduction electric starter using a one way clutch bearing and 90 degree ring and pinion from a BMW motorcycle. Now the starting procedure is as simple as pulling on the FIRE handle to spin up the flywheel, and then pushing the handle back in, which closes the the compression release valve, starting the engine.  With over 110 mpg average and eye catching style, this project definitely lives up to the Head Turner Customs name.