Wrench Junkies: October 2014

Welcome back guys and gals to another builder spot light. This month it is my pleasure to bring you Jimmy Roberts or to all those floating around the HondaChopper.com forum Copperheadz. First I would like to thank Jimmy for taking the time to do this interview. He is a standup guy and makes some of the nicest parts out there for the SOHC Honda. If you are building one of these bikes take a look at his stuff you will not regret it. Now kick back relax and enjoy.

Wench Junkies: How did you first get into wrenching?

Jimmy: I was raised on a farm and like most folks, we repaired the equipment ourselves. Back in the day, there was better stuff in the junkyard than what we were using on the farm. So you learn fast on how to fix things. Had a couple old dirt track cars back in the early 70's, now that was fun. Street division my man. Knock the windows out, install the roll cage and we're off to the races. There was always something to do to those cars, engine, rear end you name it, it happened. Never did win a race, that was the times.

WJ: Man I bet that was a blast. Knowing that you have a background not only in agriculture but also racing explains a lot about you attention to quality and precision when you are building parts as well as motorcycles. Speaking of motorcycles when did I make the first step towards motorcycles?

J: My friend down the road had just bought his first bike, it was a 1965 Honda 50 WHOOO HOOO we went everywhere on that bike. I remember he only had one helmet, we found an old plastic football helmet took the face guard off & that's what I used. We never did get pulled over by the pokie. 3 or 4 years down the road, there was a family that moved in the area from Fort Wayne, Ind. THOSE GUY'S HAD CHOPPER's, panhead & shovelhead Harley's. WOW!!! 15 feet long, well, that's what they looked to me. Another guy up the road had a Honda cb750 (Hammer) Jeff Henley. RIP. They took that 750 apart, bought a hardtail frame, Harley rear tire, dragpipes & raked her out. That was the badness thing that ever hit the ground. Love at first sight.

WJ: Sounds to me like you got bit by the bug the same way a lot of us did. I have often wondered if we took a poll how many of us got started building because of that one super cool guy. Bad part is once that building bug bites you are done good times and bad. On that line of thought what about motorcycles do you find most rewarding?

J: Most rewarding for me is to build a nice chop & see the end results. You've got to have a vision & make it happen. My first build was the Tennessee Moonshiner.

WJ: That is an awesome build that showcases what is possible when to really decide to make it happen but you know I gotta ask when things are going smoothly what you find the most challenging.

J: The most challenging thing to me are those cb750 Carbs, I see & read were guy's take them apart 2 or 3 times a week to get them right & I've never had a set apart. Took the bowls off, set the floats & cleaned the jets that's about as far as I'll go. May be a phobia for me.

WJ: I think it is a phobia for more than just you lol. I know when I got started on my build man they scared me. I can tell you if we do a bit of looking the two most common builder phobias have to be carbs and wiring. It is worth it in the end though when take that first ride. Looking back over all your builds which bike has been your favorite?

J: The Denver’s chop is the favorite as of now. My son Jimmy Jr. did the paint & body work so it was a father son thing. As for a hard tail & a long springer. This chop rides like a caddy. Would never build another chop with a 40 degree or better rake without a springer. It’s the difference between daylight & dark.

WJ: Man I followed that whole build and it is unreal. Anyone that wants to should head over to the HC.com builders section and take a look. Electrics box alone is enough to blow a gear heads mind. As I said before you not only build these bikes you make a lot of the parts yourself. So in order to make these bikes happen what is the tool in your shop you can’t live without?

J: I have a couple tools that I couldn't do without. One is a Leblond 13" gearhead lathe & the other is a Bridgeport milling machine. These machines were made back in the 60's so I don't know how it would be using a new machine. If push came to shove, I'd keep the lathe.

WJ: I will say on a side note since I am rocking several of your parts myself I am really glad you have those tools. Now I think we can all look at your work and it speaks for its self. You have done some truly incredible motorcycles. What is one tip for the new guys that will make life easier as they get started?

J: A good tip for a newby or about anybody, is patience. I had to teach myself patience. When things went wrong or something didn't suit me, I'd go off. Before I started building the Tennessee moonshiner, I made a commitment to myself that I would remain calm & finish the build, Yep, I had to walk away a few times & collect my thoughts but that's the first thing that I finished & was proud of. I was 50 years old before I owned my first bike, I believe that the family comes first & the toys later. I now have 3 bikes & 2 trikes, all are cb750 sohc. I like to collect the rare stuff.

WJ: Thanks again for your time. I really appreciate it.

Like I said before guys Jimmy is a standup guy. His work is second to none. I have been lucky enough to end up with several of his parts all I can say is wow. If you need something for your sohc he makes give him a shout he is Copperheadz at Hondachopper.com and his email is miner230@yahoo.com. I can promise you will not be unhappy with the parts. Here are some pics of his builds and parts.