Metal Morphosis and the Harley Twins By Steve Kelly

To be honest with you, I would probably have not given this bike the time of day that it deserves had Jason and Jeff Tiedeken, owners and builders of the beast not been hanging out with Exile during the Sturgis bike rally. But as luck would have it, I gleaned enough information about the brothers fledgling company Metal Morphosis Cycles, and the bike that they had built to fire my imagination.

I’m always keen to bring new talent to light, and especially talent that has no financial backing. Jeff explained to me that they have to save for every part needed to complete a build, or preferably make it themselves, which makes the whole process frustrating and tough, as they know full well that the build could be achieved much quicker if the funds were available. This struck a chord with me, as this is how I felt back in the early 1980’s when I joined the National Chopper Club.

Taking all the work they could, modifying and making parts for other local Minnesota chopper pilots, allowed them to complete this bike in slightly less than fourteen weeks. Jeff believed that they could have pumped it out in less than two had everything been to hand. Not bad considering Jeff is only 21 years old and Jason just 18!

Along with this bike, I saw a mat black Mad Max monster of a truck that they had built, and a road legal Jap powered dragster. Enough equipment to know that they are more than able to produce imaginative, top quality work.

Okay, so the 1968 Harley-Davidson XLCH model Sportster engine at the heart of this build is a little tatty, but it has probably been apart a bunch of times in its 37-year life, and as I’ve already explained, the Metal Morphosis guys don’t have the money for such luxuries as dress up items and fresh chrome. The bottom line is that I like what they have done with what they had available to them. Jason is more than capable of making a ground up frame, but to aid with the antiquated red tape of the registration process, they instead opted to procure a Paughco frame. To simplify the build they also ordered a Paughco oil tank, which was guaranteed to fit the frame, and Paughco front end, which they have shortened by five inches to slam the bike to the ground.

An old peanut chopper tank was pressed into service having been found dented and crumpled at an auto jumble sale. By drilling a few holes they were able to pull out the dents and the dings, these were then filled and the mounting tabs added so that it could be bolted to the frame. The finish, they proudly proclaim, is a Morphing special, which the black stripes accent perfectly.

The rear fender comes from Chica, and was cut to suit the bike’s desired look. While the forward controls, and the handlebars were made by the brothers. The brothers also stripped and relaced to stock Harley wheels, a 21-inch for the front and a 16-inch for the rear. As you can see, there is no front brake on this chopper, all of the stopping power is provided by an Exile sprocket brake set up at the rear. Metal Morphosis have been able to achieve some very nice touches considering their extremely limited budget. Take a look at the machined brass inserts that finish an otherwise, all be it trimmed, Paughco exhaust set up with a flourish. I also love the saddle; Metal Morphosis made the saddle pan from sheet steel, and then had Robert I Customs Leatherwork cover it, to their own highly imaginative and exacting design. The super neat wire stitching, which Robert had added that runs around the tooled tan leather, is exemplary. As they say, it is all in the detail!

If you look at this Sportster from any angle, I defy you to find fault with its ultra clean stance. From the clutter free handlebars to the hardcore look of the brakeless front wheel, it is immediately obvious that Jason and Jeff are knowledgeable and talented beyond their years. I’m sure that we will be seeing a lot more tasty customs from this pair in the very near future.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Harley Twins, Jade and Justine for modelling with the bike on such a hot day.

Specification sheet

Owner Metal Morphosis Cycles

Builder /Make Jason & Jeff Tiedeken

Model 1968 H-D Bastard

Time 14 weeks

Motor 1968 XLCH Sportster

Builder H-D & ‘bodger and son’

Pistons Stock H-D

Crankshaft Stock H-D

Connecting rods Stock H-D

Cases Stock H-D