Harley Davidson
The 'wildwood’ beach racer
The Wildwood Beach Racer: A Custom Masterpiece
In the world of custom motorcycles, few machines capture the spirit of nostalgia and adrenaline quite like the Wildwood Beach Racer. Born from the legacy of beach racing in New Jersey, this ground-up creation by Gasoline Motor Co. is not just a bike; it’s a tribute to the rich history of racing and a nod to the exhilarating event known as the True Race of Gentlemen (T.R.O.G), said to be the greatest race on Earth which happens once a year on the October long weekend. If you have every dreamt about the old days of hot rod and vintage motorcycle racing, This is about as close as it gets.. Gasoline Motor Co. has been harnessing inspiration from this beach race for many years and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to build such a machine, built for the beach.
A Legacy of Racing
The inspiration for the Wildwood Beach Racer stems from the iconic beach where T.R.O.G originated—Asbury Park, New Jersey. This annual event, held on the October long weekend, attracts vintage motorcycle and hot rod enthusiasts from across the globe. With roots tracing back to a legendary 1-mile race in Cape May in 1905, the tradition of beach racing is deeply embedded in New Jersey’s culture. Now hosted at The Wildwood Beach, the race showcases the best of vintage machines and the thrill of competition, drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness the action.
Design and Engineering Excellence
The Wildwood Beach Racer is built on a Milwaukee Eight series Softail, but that’s just the beginning. The bike features a completely re-engineered rigid frame, crafted locally to accommodate a springer front end and oversized wheels with chunky rubber designed specifically for digging into sand. This configuration of engineering ensures the bike not only looks good but performs exceptionally well on the beach.
A two-piece, hand-bent set of handlebars, which seamlessly integrate modern electric switch blocks and a hydraulic master cylinder for the front brakes. The attention to detail doesn’t stop there; all the tin work is handcrafted, starting from flat sheets of steel. The split fuel tank, just like a traditional 1940’s Knuckle Head, is modified for a fuel injection system, while the rear guard is expertly rounded and flexed for a rough and round classic guard finish.
Innovative Braking System
One of the standout features is the braking system of the Wildwood Beach Racer, Collaborating with Berringer, Gasoline Motor Co. managed to create a compact brake system that mimics the aesthetics of vintage drum brakes. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a modern twin disc brake front end and a single hidden internal disc rear. The rear brake hub underwent extensive CAD design and 3D printing before being CNC machined into a stunning aluminum component, showcasing the blend of traditional and modern techniques.
Comfort Meets Style
A highlight of the Wildwood Beach Racer is its Big Ass Spring Loaded Seat. Crafted from scratch, the seat base is designed for maximum comfort, sitting on a set of oversized chrome springs. The Saddler who was local found at the Randwick Race Course in Sydney, the saddle is made from thick, durable leather typically used for horse saddles—a luxurious touch that perfectly complements the bike’s vintage aesthetic and is set to wear and patina into the 1940’s distressed leather.
The bike’s custom exhaust system is another eye-catching feature. Bent and ceramic-coated, it allows the Milwaukee Eight engine to breathe freely while creating a spectacle of flames at the engine limiter. Additionally, the engine casings have been replaced with vintage-style finned coverings, enhancing the bike’s retro appearance.
A Nod to History and Culture
The paintwork of the Wildwood Beach Racer is inspired by vintage motorcycles from the 1940s, complete with a patina that suggests it has been on countless adventures over the decades. Vintage Harley badges and a scallop design are complemented by indigenous American Indian arrowhead motifs, weaving a narrative of cultural significance into the bike’s very fabric.
A Celebration of Community
At its core, the Wildwood Beach Racer is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a celebration of community, history, and the thrill of the race. As it roars down the Wildwood beach, it embodies the spirit of the Race of Gentlemen—where craftsmanship meets passion, and the love for vintage racing thrives.
Gasoline Motor Co. has not only created a machine built to beach race but has also honored the legacy of beach racing over the last decades, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations of riders. Whether you’re a die-hard racer or simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship, the Wildwood Beach Racer is a stunning reminder of what makes motorcycle culture so special.
