Saxon motorcycles launched five years ago, just as the custom motorcycle market softened, but what the fuck did it matter? They knew the code. Most of the team made their livings in the construction industry. They understood they were building motorcycles for sex, not for profit. If they were in the business of building something to make money, they would have manufactured toasters.
So now it’s five years later and they’re still rolling strong with dealers in Perth, Australia and several dealers in the European nation. “We’re Euro Three vehicle approved,” Dustin Petty, the 24 year old boss told me. “They are completely stock bikes in Europe, approved for financing and insurance.”
So, why have they been hiding out for the last couple of years? Because they can, goddamnit! They’re aware of the economic woes in the states, so they spent their time redeveloping their dealer network and fighting with banks for better buyer credit and loans. “It’s tough when someone has the down payment, but can’t find a reasonable loan,” Dustin said.
But did they give up, hell no. They’ve improved their line-up, and developed two new rigid models honestly priced at below 20,000 bucks. This new Henchman with a glide front end, an S&S stroker motor and a complete Rivera Primo drive line will roll into the streets for $18,800, and their Whip retails for $19,900 out the door. You can’t buy the parts to build a bike with Brembo brakes, S&S ignition, top of the line wiring and electronics with Duetch connectors for this price. Plus these bastards have a full one-year warranty.
How do they do it? Who cares as long as we can get our hands on a Henchman and ride outta Casa Grande, Arizona (where their plant is located) into the desert, with a pint of Tequila stuffed in our jeans heading west to Gila Bend, then due south toward Rocky Point, 100 miles south of the border. Somewhere along the line you roll into the parking lot outside Bandit’s Cantina and pick up Stephanie.
You can find her on the Arizona Cover Girls web site, or playing it fast and loose at Phoenix lingerie nights at local clubs, or dial up RIDE21.com. She’s a model, if you know what I mean. She’ll straddle that made in America rear fender with her own hand tooled leather P-pad, with promises of ready to party naked girlfriends splashing in the warm Baja California waters at Rocky Point.
You can imagine what Dustin Petty said when his dad, the main boss of Saxon offered him a job running the Saxon plant 15 months ago. “Hell yes,” he said. Who cares about the economy, the fuckin’ thievin’ banking system or AIG? The sun is hot, the girls are hotter, and the Saxon models run like bats outta hell, come with extended warranties, accessories are available, and if you want something radical, they build the Javelin, 9.5 feet long, with a 300 rear and a drop seat you can ride to the Mardi Gras, drop acid and never come back.
I’ll take Stephanie, a wad of cash and one of the nine models Saxon builds over a 9-to-5 any day. Fuck ’em all; the pirates of Wall Street, the government earmark maniacs, and over-paid bureaucrats who want to regulate everything. This is still a free country in the desert, with a woman, a full tank of gas and an open road.
2009 Saxon Henchman Bio
New for 2009, the Henchman from Saxon Motorcycle, Co. is a stunning combination of Retro styling and high quality components. Available to the consumer at just $18,800 with a 41mm telescopic front end, or $19,500 with a springer front end, the Henchman cuts no corners. All Henchman come with an S&S 96ci black finished engine, S&S ignition system, Rivera Primo 6-Speed Transmission and clutch, Brembo brakes, as well as 18in x 200mm rear and 21in x 2.15 front wheels wrapped in Metzler rubber – STANDARD!
What you expect in a quality made American custom is what you see, and what you see is what you get, all for just $18,800. The Henchman also comes standard with Saxon Motorcycle, Co.’s 1-Year factory warranty.
The Henchman is also available to European customers in a fully compliant EURO 3 whole vehicle approved format.
For California customers, the Henchman is also available with a 2009 CARB approved 100ci package from S&S.
Brand new for 2009, The Henchman combines retro styling and top quality components at an unbeatable value.
EURO 3 Compliant
Base MSRP: $18,800
Warranty – 1 Year
Dry Weight – 510 lbs
Engine – S&S OHV 45 deg V-Twin
Displacement – 96 ci 1573cc
Bore & Stroke – 3-5/8 x 4-5/8
Compression Ratio – 10.1 to 1
Fuel System – S&S Super E Carburetor
Fuel Capacity – 3.25 gal
Oil Capacity – 3 qts
Transmission – Rivera Primo 6-Speed LSD
Primary Drive – Chain
Final Drive – Chain
Frame Stretch – 0” downtube, 1 3/4” backbone
Rake – 35 deg neck
Seat Height – 26”
Rear Suspension – Rigid
Front Suspension – Springer or 41mm Telescopic
Wheelbase – 67”
Total Length – 88”
Front Brake – Brembo 4-Piston
Rear Brake – Brembo 2-Piston
Front tire – 21” x 2.15”
Rear Tire – 200mm x 18”
Ignition – S&S Electronic
Charging Output – 32 amps
Battery – 270 cca
Speedometer – Digital with Integrated Tach
