Dice - the indie magazine that inspired Sideburn
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Indian Motorcycle - the multinational heavyweight that supports grassroots dirt track (& Sideburn)
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Ornamental Conifer - the painter/artist who we've had an affinity with since he painted our Royal Enfield tracker back in the way back (see Sideburn 10)
How could we fail to love what they came up with between them? Named R/T Four Thirteen, the bikes started life as an Indian Chief Dark Horse that Dean Micetich of Dice and Scott Jones of Noise Cycles designed as a 1970s-style track racer. Next Hindes Design made it a reality. A few years ago I would have raised an eyebrow at the idea of something with a wheelbase that long being made into a track bike, but then bagger racing came along and I wound my neck in.
The paint elevates the bike. Nico Sclater aka Ornamental Conifer says...
'My work is an exploration into the concept of branding in a post-consumer society. In a world where signage and advertising are no longer required to sell products or drive business there is a risk that our lives could feel empty, at least aesthetically. As an artist, I thrive in an urban environment, my work relies on it for inspiration. I love being surrounded by the visual cacophony of advertising and signage but I can’t help imagining, how might it be if the messages we are force-fed daily were messages of social connection, empathy and optimism? How would we, as a society, evolve if this narrative had the same weight and could issue the same impact as major brand messaging carries today? ... Over the past few years I have worked on developing a visual language that is synonymous with myself, the artist. Intentionally presenting myself as a brand, offering an alternate world in which the mental health of its inhabitants, and the protection of its environment are taken at least as seriously as the amassing of wealth ... My need for the city to inspire my work is balanced equally by my need for nature to sustain, nurture and bring meaning to my wider world.'
SPECS/PARTS
Designed by Dean Micetich & Scott Jones
Build & Fabrication - Zach Hindes / Hindes Design
Paint - Ornamental Conifer
Engine - Stock Thunderstroke 116
Transmission - Stock 6 speed
Exhaust - Custom Stainless Steel by Zach Hindes
Muffler - Racefit
Frame - Modified rear section from twin shocks to mono shock & modified swing arm by Zach Hindes
Front Forks - Modified from single disc to to dual disc by Zach Hindes
Wheels - Custom by Roland Sands Design - 17 inch rear / 19 inch front
Tires - Dunlop
Brakes - Beringer
Gas Tank - Custom by Zach Hindes
Footpeg mounts - Custom by Roland Sands Design
Racing Fairing - Vintage 1970s modified by Zach Hindes
Seat Pan - Vintage 1970's modified by Zach Hindes
Wiring - Custom by Motoary
Photos: Thaddeus James
Good work everyone.
Watch Nico describe the paint
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