Brian Stanley's Indian Summer

 Yes, you’ve seen Indian Summer before. Anytime Brian Stanley pulls his ’75 Shovelhead out of his garage in Kennett Square, PA, social media blows up with shots of this blue beast. He named it mainly after the Doors song, but says it also represents a period of happiness or success later in life.

Most of Brian’s background in bikes comes from riding BMX while growing up in the rural suburbs of Philadelphia. He didn’t get into choppers until his mid-twenties when he got his first bike to build, a 1983 Yamaha XS 650.

He bought Indian Summer in 2015 on Craigslist as a running swingarm, and lucked out with having some quality parts on it already. In the Winter of 2016, he took it apart and eventually entered the Show Class People’s Champ contest, which really got his ass in gear. From that point on, it took about seven months to finish it. As you check out these pictures, notice the detail on the shift knob, points cover, choke pull (a brass-casted cicada) and paint, as well as much more, all done by Brian. He estimates about 80% of the bike was completed by him. The parts he didn’t have time to fab are from reliable suppliers such as Lowbrow, Prism Supply, Pangea Speed, and Counter Balance Cycles for the leatherwork on his seat.

This is only the second bike built by Brian. The first was the XS he tore down every winter to change and learn new things. Most of his inspiration for the Shovelhead was a classic 60’s/70’s long chop. Music has always inspired him, but it was the dream of traveling the country on his bike that took him through this build. Part of his dream came true this past summer with a trip to the Catskills in NY, a 6 hour ride along the Delaware River. Heat, rain, cops and some getting lost, everything needed for a great solo adventure.

Although he doesn’t have any build projects going on right now, he plans on another chopper when the funds are there. He’s also just launched a website to sell some products he’s making, including fabricated and casted parts, and some finished chopper stuff as well. Keep an eye on his Instagram account @theboneorchardcycles and check out his website www.thebornorchardcycles.com.

Owner name, location: Brian Stanley, Kennett Square, PA

ChopCult Member profile: TheBoneOrchard

Bike name: Indian Summer

Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1975 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead with 80" S&S jugs

Frame: Stock Shovelhead frame with a Haifley Bros hardtail raked to 45 degrees

Fork: Arlen Ness replica I made myself

Tire/wheel size and style: 21" front spool, 16" rear dual flange

Favorite thing about this bike: Blasting into space

Next modification will be: Currently working on a product line so stay tuned to my social media and website!

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Jockey shifter; one hell of a time!

Any building or riding story or info you'd like to include: Mainly just encourage everyone to get out and put the miles down with friends!

Thanks to Show Class, family, friends, ChopCult, and my work.

Your social media links: Website / Facebook: No thanks / @theboneorchardcycles

Article and photographs by Daniel Venditto / www.dv8sport.com /@dv8sport