Don’t get confused by Peter
Penzenstadler’s latest creation!
Razzle Dazzle
Built like a Battleship,
painted as one by Pfeil Design: The first “Full Metal Bagger” by Penz
Custombikes is hitting the road!
One of the most
outstanding custombikes of 2020 premiered at “Biker Fest” in Lignano
Sabbiadoro, the one and only Bike Show in Europe’s Corona-Pandemic induced
misery of Summer 2020. Peter Penzenstadler presented his stunning “Race Bagger”
perfectly timed for the international attention this full metal top-custom
deserves. Full story with riding and construction images, photographed at
Lignano Sabbiadoro and Altheim/Austria.
Text: HRF, Fotos: Motographer
In 2018, Peter Penzenstadler got a
“Carte Blanche” from a Hamburg based client who wanted “something special”.
Time was not important, quality and exclusivity was. So Peter worked out the
design and rolling chassis of a very untypical Penz creation: This would be his
first ever Bagger – and it would come in Penz-style. Following his established
style lines of low-riding Penz Customs and the show-winning radical rides of
previous decades, frame and rolling chassis are completely built from metal,
resulting in this stunning “Race Bagger”.
Peter Penzenstadler started the
project with a massive tube frame which is a combination of strong single
downtube that splits into double loop halfway down the forward downtube.
Dimensions are surprisingly close to “stock” configurations as the frame is
only 2 Inches longer than a stock Harley frame or aftermarket replacements.
Special care was taken to strengthen the
tailsection and swingarm pivot, executed as double tube with integrated
swingarm mount. A removable strong subframe holds the “bags” which are
streamlined with the bodywork by huge sidepanels. All of which is solid sheet
metal. “I felt it to be essential to have the rear wheel and tire visible to
some extend”, explains Penzenstadler, “many modern Bagger conversions keep the
stock rear wheel and don’t care much about what is under the tailend, because
it can’t be seen. I wanted a different solution and something unique.” The
challenging task achieved and hiding the Dirty Air Suspension system behind the
bags are part of the clean look. The bags, sidepanels and tailend are also
completely handcrafted from sheet metal and are more complex than the outer
form implies: Penz “double” swingarm and shocks move with the air suspension
and road surface, thus requiring ample space to do so. The extension of the
bags well beyond the rear wheel gives the bike the low and streamlined look,
which is so “Penz”.
At the front end, the American
Suspension Upside-down fork is also pneumatically operated. The additional 8°
rake asked for a 2 Inch longer fork that holds a 26-Inch wheel by US-based SMT
Machining: The „Kryptec“ design fits the „stealth“ appearance of the bike
perfectly the single 18’’ front disc fitting the style. Rather than using two
discs to stop the heavyweight power-tourer, Peter opted for two 4-piston
Wilwood calipers, mounted „inverted“ while sharing one bracket that connects
them to the fork. This makes checking the brake lines much easyer and adds tot
he serviceability when brake fluid has to be exchanged. The tailend mounted
brake system and wheel, again a SMT Machining „Kryptec“ sized 18“ x 8,5“ for
the reliable (and widespread available) Metzeler „240“, is less accessible, as
the bags have to be removed and the bike placed on a solid lift. The rear brake
system uses Performance Machine 4-piston caliper and the SMT 11.5 Inch disc.
As all previous Penz Customs, weight
distribution and balancing the bike played an important role in the
construction. With tailend and bags fully made from metal, „Razzle Dazzle“ may
appear somewhat tail-heavy, but the balance is achieved by the G&R tuned
124 Cubic Inch twin and additional sheet metal work on the front: The stylish
fork-mounted fairing is handcrafted metal, the spoiler structure at the front
downtubes welded directly tot he frame structure, additional stabilising the
front end. „Dazzled“ by the paintjob, the extensive work on the front spoiler
is now hidden. The streamlined stretch tank also is handcrafted to perfection,
as to be expected from the master craftsman.
Not to run short of horsepower with
„Razzle Dazzle“, Peter opted for one oft he biggest V-Twins available: The
massive 124 Cubic Inch „Twin Cam“ was handed over to Guenther Sohn already in
2018. Sohn took the engine apart and played his „magic“: The resulting 120
horsepower are more than enough to grant a „dragstyle“ performance of the
Performance Bagger. Really “Rock ‘n’ Roll” for an experienced rider! The stock
look was too tame for this radical design, so cylinder heads and pushrod covers
were swapped for Ken’s Factory components, other engine covers as well as the
air filter came from Roland Sands Design. The exhaust system was created by
Peter Penzenstadler himself, adding to the Dragstyle performance look of the
bike and routed carefully to allow the rider access to the RSD forward
controls. A lot of engine and suspension components are hidden in the bodywork,
as the coils under the tank. Air compressor for the front and rear suspension
can be found on the right side just above the swingarm pivot. Operation of the
rolling chassis is straight forward, as the bike has been built to ride: Parked
by emptying the air suspension, frame and bags sit amlost „level“ to the
street, the bags protected by the subframe tubes running under the sheet
metalwork. At the push of a button, front and rear are lifting from the ground
in a few seconds, the bike „ready to rock“ – with a considerable ground
clearance for riding, as a quick tour to the photoshoot at Lignano’s stadium
approved!
“FREESTYLE” Award and a € 500,-- voucher!
More than two years after starting
the project, „Razzle Dazzle“ premiered in September at Biker Fest 2020,
presented as one of the event highlights in front oft he music stage, later to
win the prestigious „Freestyle“ class at a very competetive bike show, held
with what might have been the biggest European biker and motorcycle outdoor
event of the year. Peter did explain the details of the ride which will be
riding in Hamburg/Germany, as visible only on the Franz “Hofi” Hofegger of
Hofis Leather Crafts handcrafted seat, which prominently shows the Hamburg coat
of arms on the rear part of the seat.
While the “Razzle Dazzle” portion of
the paintjob is attracting much of the attention of the viewer, the Pfeil
paintjob goes much deeper than just black/silver stripes: Looking at the base
colour, a silver-grey matt metallic, one will notice another distinctive
irregular pattern which does resemble the structure of so called “Damascus
steel”, original a trademark of high-class knifes and swords when steel was
folded numerous times to achive strength and durability. While the steel
bodywork is rather sheet metal than Damascus steel, this pattern is a great
reminder of the extensive craftsmanship of the metal-made rolling chassis, a
true piece of metal art that is a fully operational custombike, built to ride.
And if you think the “Dazzle” paintsheme is an almost forgotten piece of
outdated military history, think twice: “Dazzle”, albeit not in the striped
form, is widespread in use today! If you are living next to a big car
manufacturer, you certainly have seen their “camouflaged” prototypes, painted
in wildly irregular patterns of black and white which try to disguise form and
details from the hunting lenses of European automotive magazine paparazzi. But
as in World War 1, these paintjobs are more or less “marking” these prototypes
rather than hiding them, again underlining the doubtful benefit of this paint
sheme idea. Interestingly enough, an article in the April 19th 1919
issue of “Popular Science Monthly” does reveal another, ever since forgotten or
ignored, reason for the “explosion” of “Dazzle” painted ships after Germany’s
declaration of “Total U-Boat warfare” in 1917: Insurance! Ships NOT painted in
(then to belived useful) “Dazzle” sheme had to pay a higher premium for marine
insurance. Obviously so much higher to validate the costs for paint and
worktime to convert thousands of ships of any size into cubistic nightmares.
Maybe an interesting “lever” to
discuss this bikes insurance rate with the insurance company? At least, one can
give it a try – the risk to be torpedoed on a German Autobahn has somewhat
faded away in the last 75 year. At least by Submarines…
WORK IN PROGRESS
1 year before the Biker Fest premiere, the full metal rolling chassis was almost finished at the Penz Workshop in Altheim Austria, where the pictures were taken and filed away as “confidential”. Clearly visible: The outstanding amount of metalwork and the careful integration of all removable bodyparts!
With almost all Penz-made parts in position, but by far not finished to the final fit and surface quality, the bare metal rolling chassis uncovers a lot of the “secrets” of the “Race Bagger”. Saddlebags are detachable and the partial visibility of the rear wheel was always part of the concept. Tank and streamlined sidepanels hide the bulk of electric system and other auxilary components as battery, air suspension and shocks.
Visiting PENZ
INSIDE THE ALTHEIM WORKSHOP
A “one man army” when it comes to create handcrafted masterpieces: Hidden behind the unspectacular front, the Penz workshop is a fully equipped sheet metal workshop. With 30 years of experience!
It was a visit long overdue – and even then a visit that came as a surprise for all participants: Altheim in Austria is somewhat “off the beaten path” – and not really on the route to any of the big motorcycle meetings of Europe. Nevertheless it is the home of one of Europe’s most efficient and persistent bike builders, creating outstanding AND homolgated custom motorcycles of extraordinary quality: Peter Penzenstadler. More a “raid” than a visit, neither builder nor workshop were prepared for the visit –and all images were only made for “archive” storage – including the then advanced but far from finished “Race Bagger” project, which by then was already under construction for more than a year. However, the quick visit did underline the skills and creativity of the 30 years in which Peter has created so many outstanding “low rider” designs that have won awards and trophies all over the world! His fully equipped sheet metal workshop offers Peter to fulfil his slogan “We build your Dream” – and usually there are several frames under construction. Most of Peter’s creation are “out riding”, yet there are a few “historic” pieces which he is “restoring” if time allows! Because there are always some new projects on the workbench!
PREMIERE AT BIKER FEST
Biker Fest at Lignano Sabbiadoro was moved from its traditional May date to September because of the Conona Pandemic that hit Italy especially hard in the spring months and made motorcycle events literally impossible. The “Biker’s Life” magazine did not give up and – in co-operation with the city – managed to stage the biggest Lignano-based Biker Fest ever. The Friday night premiere of “Razzle Dazzle” was one of the highlights of the official stage program on Friday.
PENZenstadler GmbH
Mühlheimer Straße 41
A-4950 Altheim/Austria
Telephone +43 (0)7723 44690
Fax
+43 (0)7723 44691
Mail info@penz-custombikes.com
Web www.penz-custombikes.com
Technische Daten/Technical
data/Spécifications/Technische Specificaties/Formulario Dati Tecnici/Informação
Técnica:
Allgemeines/General/Generalitè/Algemeen/Generalita/Geral:
Name/Bezeichnung/Name/Nom de la moto/Naam van de motorfiets/Nome della
Moto/Nome da Moto: RAZZLE DAZZLE
Besitzer/Owner/Propriétaire/Eigenaar/Proprietario/Proprietário: Olaf
Ort/Location/Ville/Stad/Citta/Cidade: Hamburg/Germany
Auf-/Umgebaut von/Assembly/Refait par/op en ongebbouwed
door/Costruttore/ Montagem por: Penz Custombikes
Jahr/Year/Année/bouwjaar/Anno/Ano: 2020
Bauzeit/Time/Terminé/bouwtijd/Periodo di lavorazione/Tempo: 2 years
Fertigstellung/Finishishing date/Finissage/afbouwdatum/Dati di
completare/Data de Acabamento: September 2020
Modell/Model/Modèle d'origine/model/Marca e Modello/Modelo de Origem:
Penz “Race Bagger”
Motor/Engine/Moteur/Motorblok/Motore/Motor:
Original Harley-Davidson 124 CuIn, G&R Torqumaster Tuning by Günter
Sohn
Baujahr/Year/Année/bouwjaar/Anno/Ano: 2017-2020
Vergaser/Carburator/Carburateur/carburateur/Carburatore/Carburador:
S&S
Luftfilter/Air cleaner/Filtre à air/luchtfilter/Filtro Aria/Filtro de Ar:
RSD Roland Sands
Zündung/Ignition/Allumage/ontsteking/Accenzione/Ignição: Altmann AMM
Krümmer/Pipes/ Pipes d'échappement/uitlaten/scarichi/Escapes: Penz
Custombikes
Endtöpfe/Mufflers/Silencieux/demper/silenziatore/Silenciador: Penz
Custombikes
Leistung (PS)/Horsepower (hp)/Chevaux/vermogen/Cavallo vapore/Cavalos:
120 hp
Sonstige Bemerkungen/Other/Autres/ovenige bejzonderheeden/Altro/Outros:
Top Cover and Push Rod Cover by Ken`s Factory / Point Cover by RSD Roland Sands
Übersetzung/Getriebe//Transmission/Transmission/Versnellungsbak/Cambio/Transmissão:
Original Harley-Davidson
Baujahr/Year/Année/bouwjaar/Anno/Ano: 2017
Gänge/Gears/Vitesse/aantal versnellingen/rapporti/Velocidade: 6-speed
Schaltung/Shifting/changement de vitesse,/schaledwijze/azionamento/Velocidades:
Foot
Primärantrieb/Primary Transmission/Transmission primaire/primaire
overbrenging/trasmiss. Primaria/Transmissão primária: Open Belt by
PM/Performance Machine
Kupplung/Clutch/Disques d'embrayage/frizione/Disco de Embrayagem:
Hydraulic clutch activation
Sekundärantrieb/Secondary transmission/Transmission
secondaire/sekundaire overbrenging/trasmiss. Secondaria/Transmissão Secundária:
Belt
Fahrwerk/Frame; Brakes/Cadre;
Freins/frame en remmen/Telaio e freni/Quadro e travão :
Rahmen/Frame/Cadre/frame/Telaio/Quadro: Penz Custombikes – Race Bagger
Special
Baujahr/Year/Année/bouwjaar/Anno/Ano: 2018
Lenkkopfneigung/Rake/Chasse/balhoofdshael/inclinazione: 36°
Verlängerung (Verkürzung)/Stretch (Shortage)/Allongement
(Abréviation)/verlenging (inhoulang)/allungamento (riduzione): + 2”
Sonstige Umbauten/Other/Autres/andere wegrigingen/Altro/Outros:
Handcrafted Full Metal Work
Schwinge/Swinging arm/Bras oscillant/achtenbrug/Forcellone
oscillante/Braço Oscillante: Penz Custombikes Double Arm swingarm, handcrafted
Stoßdämpfer/Shock
absorbers/Amortisseurs/schokdempers/ammortizzatori/Amortecedor: Air Ride by
Dirty Air Suspension
Gabel/Fork/Fourche/vork/Forcella anteriore/Garfo: Air Ride
Hersteller/Type/Constructeur/merk/Marca/Constructor: American Suspension
Verlängerung/ Stretch/Extension/verlenginging/allungamento/Alongar: + 2”
Sonstiges/Other/Autres/ovenig/Altro/Outros: Front Fork Rake: 8°
Räder/Wheels/Roues/wielen/Ruota/Rodas:
Vorne/Front/avant/voor/anteriore/Frente:
Größe/Size/Dimensions/maat/dimensione/Dimensões: 26“ x 3,75“,SMT
Machining USA, Model: „Kryptec“
Nabe/Hub/Moyeu/naaf/rotore/Rotor: 1”
Speichen/Spokes/rayons/spaken/raggi/Raios: 5 double spoke
Reifen/Tyre/Pneu/banden/pneumatico/Pneus: Metzeler 120/55/26
Hinten/Rear/arriere/achter/posteriore/Traseiro:
Größe/Size/Dimensions/maat/dimensione/Dimensões: 18“ x 8,5“,SMT
Machining USA, Model: „Kryptec“
Nabe/Hub/Moyeu/naaf/rotore/Rotor: 1”
Speichen/Spokes/rayons/spaken/raggi/Raios: 5 double spoke
Reifen/Tyre/Pneu/banden/pneumatico/Pneus: Metzeler 240 x 18
Bremsen/Brakes/Freins/remmen/Freni/Travões:
Vorne/Front/avant/voor/anteriore/Frontal: Wilwood Disc Brakes, USA
Bremsscheibe(n)/Disk(s)/Disque(s)/remschiguen/Disco/Disco: SMT
Machining, 18”
Bremszange(n)/Caliper(s)/Bloc(s)/remklaumen/Pinza freno/Bloco: 2 x 4
piston caliper
Hinten/Rear/arriere/achter/posteriore/Traseiro: : Wilwood Disc Brakes,
USA
Bremsscheibe(n)/Disk(s)/Disque(s)/remschiguen/Disco/Disco: SMT
Machining, 11,5”
Bremszange(n)/Caliper(s)/Bloc(s)/remklaumen/Pinza freno/Bloco: PM
Performance Machine, 4 piston caliper
Accessoires:
Riser: RSD Roland Sands
Lenker/Bars/Guidon/stuur/Manubrio/Guiador: Penz Custombikes
Spiegel/Mirrors/Rétroviseur/spiegel/Specchietto/Retrovisor: PM
Performance Machine
Armaturen/Griffe/Grips/Poignées/handgreepen/manopole/Punhos: RSD Roland
Sands
Fußrasten/Pegs/Repose-pieds/voetsteunen/Pedaliera/Pousa Pés:
Vorne/Front/avant/voor/anteriore/Frontal: RSD Roland Sands
Tank/Gas Tank/Réservoir d'essence/tank/Serbatoio/Depósito: Penz
Custombikes
Sitzbank/Seat/Selle/zadel/Sella/Banco: Franz “Hofi” Hofegger, Hofis
Leather Crafts
Öltank/Oil-tank/Réservoir d'huile/olie tank/Serbatoio olio/Depósito de
oleo: Harley-Davidson (with transmission)
Schutzblech/Fenders/Garde-boue/spatborden/Parafango/Guarda-Lama:
Vorne/Front/avant/voor/anteriore/Frontal: no
Hinten/Rear/arriere/achter/posteriore/Traseiro: Penz Custombikes
Elektrik/Electrics/Electricité/electrciteit/Elettrico/Electricidade:
Lampe vorne/Headlight/Phares/koplamp/Faro/Faróis: Penz Custombikes, LED
Rücklicht/Taillight/Feux
arrière/achterlicht/Luce posteriore/Faróis traseiros: LED in rear fender
Blinker/Indicators/Clignotantes/richtingaanwejzers/Lampeggiatore/Piscas:
Front: Motogadged, Rear: LED in rear fender
Kabelbaum/Wireing/System électrique/kabelboom/Imp. Elettrico/sistema
eléctrico: Penz Custombikes
Lackierung/Painting/Peinture/spuitwerk/Verniciature/Pintura:
Idee/Idea/Idée/idee/Idea/Ideia: Marcus Pfeil Custompainting
Ausführung/Painter/Peintre/spuiter/Autore/Pintor: Marcus Pfeil
Custompainting
Basislack/Base laquer/Laque basique/basiskleur (soort)/Colore base/Côr
de base: Silver-grey, Damascus steel structure
Airbrush-Gemälde/Design/Airbrush Art/Design/Peinture
speciale/ontwerp/Aerografie/Artista: “Razzle Dazzle”, WW 1 ship camouflage
adapted.
Kontaktadresse/Adress/contact/contactadres/Indirizzo/Morada:
www.penz-custombikes.com
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