Russ Tom Tribute Bike

Children's gets a one-of-a-kind

Terry Stallcop and the crew at Downtown Harley-Davidson are in the midst of building a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with one BIG difference. This motorcycle is a tribute to Russ Tom, the former owner and creative genius of Downtown Harley-Davidson, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash last year.

The Russ Tom Tribute Motorcycle has been generously donated to Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center to be sold at the Children’s Ride Gala and Auction on Friday, June 22 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. Proceeds from the sale of the motorcycle will benefit uncompensated care and diabetes research at Children's Hospital.

Inspired by Russ’ commitment to community and children’s charities, the idea was born to build a tribute motorcycle. "Children's Hospital is a wonderful cause and Russ was a founding sponsor of Children’s Ride" said Terry Stallcop. "We felt it was a fitting tribute to build a motorcycle in Russ’ memory that would make a difference to kids in need of quality medical care."

The creative influence behind this special project is longtime Downtown Harley-Davidson Chrome Consultant, Rich Starkweather, who has taken the lead on the build of the tribute motorcycle.

If you like great style and tons of horsepower, then this bike is for you! Rich started with an Arlen Ness Y2K soft tail frame (250 rear, 5" stretch, 38 degree rake) combined with Arlen Ness sheet metal that has been modified by Downtown Harley-Davidson. The front end is a Storz 55mm inverted piece that has been black anodized. Just to make things really interesting, an S&S 145 CU. INCH motor will power this beast with an S&S Dual Extreme G carb set up. The Arlen Ness frame was one of the few frames that was tall enough to fit this motor without extensive modification. A Harley-Davidson 5-speed covers the transmission duties. Wheels are the new Performance Machine model, "The Judge" and the rims are black anodized. Pulley, rotors, hand and foot controls are also by Performance Machine and black anodized where possible. Sizes on the wheels are 18" x 4.25" on the front and 18" x 8.50" on the rear. Avon tires will handle getting the power to the pavement. The exhaust system is being custom fabricated and will be black powder coated. Lighting will be Headwinds up front and a Performance Machine taillight and license plate kit out the back.

Finishing the bike will be paint by Bigfatys featuring a black on black paint scheme with barbed wire graphics similar to Russ' tattoo. To complete the graphics is the Downtown Harley-Davidson "Riding Man" logo.

Save The Date: There will be an unveiling of the Russ Tom Tribute Motorcycle on Saturday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m. as part of Downtown Harley-Davidson’s new ownership one-year anniversary party.