The chopper scene has been responsible for some of the greatest atrocities committed against motorcycling: a smorgasbord of tasteless paint jobs, lethal handling and crippling ergonomics.
But there was a golden age in the late 60s and early 70s when there was still a tenuous relationship between form and function. And a beguiling, carefree style that suggested long road trips driving down dark desert highways in Southern California.

That?s the kind of classic chopper we can get into, and this Harley Knucklehead from Powerplant in LA absolutely nails it.
Builder Yaniv Evan has been running the Melrose Avenue shop for over 15 years now, and has picked up trophies from shows such as Moon Eyes and Born Free.

Yaniv generally avoids the worst excesses of the scene, taking inspiration from his background in aviation and his love of hot rods, racing and vintage motorcycles. He?s become the go-to guy for many well-heeled enthusiasts in the City of Angels, and one of his clients is Norman Reedus?known for the TV series Ride with Norman Reedus as well as The Walking Dead.

?We?ve built Norman several bikes,? says Yaniv. ?This time he had trouble deciding whether he wanted a older Knucklehead, or a chopped up version.?
Reedus ended up gravitating towards a classic ’47 Knucklehead look, so Yaniv has emulated that style while adding classic elements?like the hand painted Sportster tank.

Although the Knuck has a classic vibe, it?s actually been built up from scratch. The fr...