'Conquistador' custom Harley consigned for US auction

Taking its name from the Spanish conquerors of the 1500s and the early-'70s Procol Harum tune of the same name, this stunning 1972 Harley-based custom bike measures 10 feet in length. It is supposed to have been originally commissioned by and custom-built for Edd "Kookie" Byrnes of '77 Sunset Strip' TV fame in 1975 by Bad Boys in California. Following construction, all body molds were destroyed, ensuring that "Conquistador" remained a one-of-a-kind.

It was recently acquired in need of restoration at an auction of Hollywood memorabilia and then redesigned, renamed and restored by W. James McBurney of Niagara Falls, Canada. Based on a custom-built rigid frame with a surfboard design, the bike was equipped with all-new mechanicals including a rebuilt, overbored Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine, yielding 1,100 cc and mated to a rebuilt transmission. Engine accessories include S&S carburetion and a Big Block high-torque starter.

Conquistador's many features include a Big Dog Wide-Glide front end, hand-built front and rear fenders with 1936 Graham automobile bonnet vents, a custom headlight and custom gas tanks. Templates were made from the Mayan-design graphics and pinstriping, which were faithfully replicated and complement the copper paint finish. Custom-built billet aluminum was used for the front and rear brake brackets and the forward controls. Other special hand-built features include a polished aluminum chain guard and a one-of-a-kind folding kickstand. A set of "Z" bars, custom seat, Jack Daniels-branded riser plate, a drag-style exhaust system, matching diamond patterns on all pedals and grips, "skull" taillights, a stainless-wire Indian rear wheel and a billet-wire aluminum front wheel complete this stunning custom bike.

The sole motorcycle offering amongst the 100+ lots on offer, the Conquistador will cross the blocks at at RM's Hershey auction this coming October 6-7.