This murder-black pan is a classic mixture of perfect parts and proportions. The mill is a 1948, rebuilt by Chica in Huntington Beach, CA. The frame is a '56 straight leg with many of the factory bits carved off and new stuff brazed on the old fashioned way. Fork? How about an RL from 1932? You won't find a lot of those hanging off the front of every chopper in the lot.

Other neat bits include a Bates COD Magneto and guide light on the back. Edwin, the bike's owner, says there are too many stories to list, and that his bike's lore includes some fires, many tickets and at least one good crash. It's been through a lot, but always seems to get him home no matter what condition it or its rider may be in. That's about all anyone can ask from a machine, now isn't it?

Edwin would like to thank his dad, who's been a big help, and who is one of his best friends. Thanks to R.I.P., his mother Mary Ann, Scarry Larry, Nasty Nate and Chica. Photos by BF Josh.