The Bully

Woolie’s Workshop build number nine is called The Bully. Somewhat to do with its silhouette, somewhat to do with word jumble play where you take the name Buell and you rearrange the letters and you get something kind of close—the bike’s moniker really has everything to do with the fact that the it just feels like a bully. What began as the remains of a post-collision Buell Lightning X1, The Bully started its journey into being at Dr John’s to have its compromised frame revitalized. With the chassis stabilized and a new chromoly subframe and swingarm in place, Woolie got to work. Adding his signature blend of artistry and craftsmanship and using as many American made parts as possible, Woolie labored long and hard to create this highly capable, highly captivating café racer. “It feels like a very well planted, comfortable, smooth riding bike even at extreme lean angles. For a heavy bike that’s kind of unusual,” says Woolie. “When you sit on that thing it shakes and it thumps and it pulls. The thing is just aggressive. It feels like a bully.” This bully’s a knockout, too. The aluminum gas tank and seat, both handmade, are shapes inspired by the ‘80s, the gas tank referencing an 80s TZ250 and the seat 80s Superbike. The paint scheme was derived from a pair of the owner’s self designed Nike high-tops. Asymmetric fender and speedo brackets, extending out from opposing sides, create a pleasant synthesis. Special thanks to Pierre Vallaincourt at Works Performance whose custom-built rear shock features a handmade fluid reservoir and James Eiland at Rizoma USA who has come through yet again with a bounty of Rizoma’s beautiful billet aluminum parts.