Jerry Merola wanted a motorcycle for as long as he can remember. Instead of purchasing a bike at the local dealer he sought out Twisted Choppers to build his first ground up custom. The guys at Twisted Chopper built the bike to Jerry's specifications; long, lean, with a big ass end. After a few years, he started to realize that his taste in choppers was changing and that he was gravitating towards the true form 60’s and 70’s choppers. After six years of owning the chopper built by Twisted Choppers, and a total of only 1000 miles on the bike, he sold the bike, put some cash in his pocket and started off fresh.

In 2010, Jerry once again started to research potential builders around the country to build his next bike in true chopper form. He came across Atomic Customs bikes online and after looking at the amazing bikes displayed on the website, Jerry decided to contact Trent Schara to discuss his plans for his next build. Jerry was very impressed with Atomic Trent’s builds and craftsmanship, so he made the wise decision of selecting Trent to build his next chopper. Jerry had a tight budget, but he was confident that Atomic Trent would build him a quality chopper within his means. In the end, Atomic Customs built the custom chopper that Jerry had longed for. It would be the foundation of the bike you see here.

After riding the bike for some years, Jerry decided it was again time for some changes. He wanted to narrow up the front end, so he added a super narrow Acme Choppers front end. Still not satisfied, Jerry also changed out the gas tank, fender, bars, seat, wheels, sissy bar and other odds and ends. The last item on the agenda was a fresh coat of paint on the tins, which was done by Scott Hoepker at Chemical Candy Customs.

Photos by Matthew J Aims

Jerry is very happy with the re-birth of his killer chopper. He’s stoked by all the positive vibes he gets when he takes it out to hot spots around his hometown. He wants to thank Atomic Trent and all the others who had a hand in getting this work of art to where it is today.

Owner name, location:  Jerry Merola, Howell, New Jersey

Engine, year and make, model, modifications:  1969 Harley Davidson FL

Frame:  Paugcho Stock Dimensions

Fork:  Acme Choppers Supper Narrow Springer

Chassis mods: Stock Paughco/Atomic Customs

Tire/wheel size and style:  21’ 7 Spoke Invader Front and 18’ 7 Spoke Invader Rear

Favorite thing about this bike: The paint from Chemical Candy Customs definitely draws a crowd, but once they start looking at all the details and other custom modifications their reaction is my favorite thing about the bike.

Next modification will be: Modify the jockey shift 

Kindly give Jerry a follow on Instagram.

Thanks,

Jason