I came across this bike at this year’s Easyriders Show in Charlotte. I was impressed with the tight lines of the bike. As I read the info from the show poster, I saw that the owner, Eric Stein was a local, so I left my business card and the next day I received a call. We made plans to shoot his bike right away. Time passed as winter slowly said good bye and finally we faced the perfect day to shoot TROUBLE, as Eric has named his bike.
This is his third bike build. The two previous were the wide tire variety. While living in NY, Eric had a bike stolen. Anyone who has ever had a bike bagged will tell you it is a low feeling. Eric bounced back and decided the wide tire bikes were on the way out and that he wanted to build a sleek no nonsense bobber.
Before you go thinking this bike is all show and no go, think again. TROUBLE sports a 113-inch Ultima engine with a 6 speed Ultima tranny. Last year at the SMOKEOUT, Eric decided to let TROUBLE blast down the drag strip. TROUBLE posted a blistering low 7 second time and 101mph in 1/8 mile!
You have to see the paint job to really appreciate it. Eric laid the paint job down in his garage! The silver metal flake really dances in the sun light. This bike draws you in and the closer you look the more you see. The lines of TROUBLE are flawless and every part of the bike flows like silk. Real smooth!
I asked him why he named his bike TROUBLE and he said.
“No real reason, just a cool name,” but just maybe it is because TROUBLE gave a lot of bikes trouble at the EASYRIDERS show this past January. Eric and Trouble took home a 2nd place award at the show and won a LIMPNICKIE award at the EASYRIDERS show in 2010. NO small accomplishment!
For me the name TROUBLE fits the bike because like a beautiful woman it draws you in and slowly you get hooked, and we all know where that leads, to TROUBLE!
Along with its engine and tranny TROUBLE sports some serious equipment, S&S G carb, Santee Rigid frame, BDL 3-inch belt drive and modified Super Trapp exhaust.
I was impressed with Eric and his bike. It is my kind of bike, bare bones, no GPS system, no IPOD, no BS, a lot of show and a lot of GO !
Eric is a garage builder who always has a project going on. Right now he is turning wrenches on a FL Shovelhead. Eric also has the support of his beautiful wife Allison. Nothing like a builder having the support of his girl, it makes each build a whole lot easier!
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTH
BIKERNET EXTREME TROUBLE TECH CHART
Owner: Eric Stein
Bike Name:TROUBLE
City/State:Indian Trail NC
Builder:Eric Stein
Fabrication:Owner
Welding: Randy at Crafters Metal Fab
Engine
Year:2005
Make:Ultima
Model: El Bruto
Displacement:113-inch
Builder or Rebuilder:Ultima
Cases: Ultima
Case finish:Natural
Carburetion:S&S G
Air cleaner:Moon Eyes
Exhaust:Modified Supertrap
Transmission
Year:2005
Make:Ultima 6-speed
Gear configuration: 1-down and 5-up
Final drive:Chain
Primary:BDL 3-inch
Clutch:Ultima
Frame
Year:?
Make:?
Style or Model:Rigid
Stretch:Zero
Rake:Zero
Front End
Make:H-D
Model:Modified XL – GMAtrees
Year: ?
Sheet metal
Tanks:Sportster
Fenders:7 ½-inch flat
Oil tank:Moon Eyes
Paint
Sheet metal: Painted by Owner
Base coat:Black gun metal flake
Graphics:Silver
Pinstriping:Owner
Wheels
Front
Make:H-D
Size:21-inch
Brake calipers:H-D
Brake rotor(s):H-D
Tire:Pirelli Scorpion
Rear
Make:DNA
Size:16 x 6
Brake calipers:Exile Sprotor
Tire:Avon 200
Controls
Foot controls:Cheapos
Finish:Natural
Master cylinder:BDL
Handlebar controls:BDL
Finish:Chrome
Electrical
Headlight:5 ¼-inch
Taillight:Fab Kevin
Battery:Hot
What’s Left
Seat:Xian Leather
Mirror(s): none
Gas caps:Bare Knuckle
Handlebars:Bare Knuckles Custom Bend
Credits: Special thanks to Allison.
