Nick bought the shell of the motor with no internals from a guy out in California back in 2011. By the spring of 2012, after piecing everything together over the next year, (front end, tranny, magneto, Linkert M51 L carb from Bud’s motorcycle’s in Austin), he had himself a nice running and riding bike. It wasn’t painted or tuned quite right, but everything was there to spit shine and polish. That was until Memorial Day Weekend of that year. Austin saw some of the worst floods that Central Texas has ever seen and Nick’s neighborhood was one of the hardest hit. Along with his truck and airstream trailer, the flathead sat under about 3 feet of water for the next couple of days. It then spent the next year out at Dan ‘Bacon’ Carr’s place slowly getting turned into the beauty that you see here.

Owner name, location: Nick Merry Austin, TX

Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1939 HD WLD 45” Flathead Hot Cams, Full needle bearing cam chest

Frame: late HD solo frame Fork: Sportster 33.4 shaved and chromed with a pioneer fog lamp

Chassis mods: Windowed and smoothed Neck

Tire/wheel size and style: 21” front spool 18” rear mechanical drum - Akron High Shouldered rims.

Favorite thing about this bike:  There’s a lot to love about this bike, but my favorite is the molded tank, thanks to Matt Nixson for the help on the tank.

Next modification will be:  Wipe her down and clean her up.

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Custom SS Motor mount, Handmade foot controls, sissy bar, fender and taillight mounts.

Any building or riding story or info you'd like to include:  On the very first ride, I destroyed the original front end, riding over a cattle guard out in the Texas hill country.

Thanks to Bud, Dan Carr, Dave Jr., and Matt Nixson -Nick

Article and photographs by Heath Braun / @thegreatwhitebison