Mike Davis's 1953 Harley Davidson Panhead Bobber.

Mike Davis is well known by the chopperazzi for his uncanny ability to dig up old motorcycle treasures. From an original Bates seat with perfect patina to a stable of delectably modified Triumphs; many a neat part and machine has passed through this man's garage. Many ChopCultists dabble in flipping vintage junk, but Mike has practically written the manual on it. One bike that hasn't been flipped is this black pan. What does a dude who's had it all at one time or another keep for himself? This is it.

 Owner: Mike Davis

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Bike name: Black Dahlia

Engine: 53 FLE

Frame: Stock

Fork: H-D springer 

Chassis mods: None 

Tire/wheel size and style: 16" Stars/Firestone balloons

Favorite thing about this bike: Everything 

Next modification will be: Done!

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Stellings risers, Superior pipes, Flanders bars, Bates leather. Sorry haters—these parts look the best

Inside story: I pretty much have broke down on this bike at every event I tried to go to over the last three or four years, but after the case cracked last year on the way to Arizona that was it! Yoshi & Kyio rebuilt the engine top to bottom. It's now running perfect and is a blast to ride. I have owned and sold a lot bikes but this is the only one that I have felt a real connection with and have no intentions of ever letting her go  

Thanks: Garage Co., Chica, and all my friends who helped me

Mike runs the Born Loser MC blog and is a co-founder of the Born Free Show