This isn’t just any chopper. This is the original LOBO chopper, the one he rode during his wild days, back when he was reshaping the face (and attitude) of comic book anti-heroes.

Great news on the Harley Shovelhead chopper project

Jan 2026
“Great news on the Harley Shovelhead chopper project. Maestro metalsmith Jesse James (West Coast Choppers) put this Typhoon carb together and reconstructed the SU extended carb manifold to fit. You know a true friend when they step up to the plate without having to be asked. Absolute work of art. Cheers, brother. “
Simon Bisley
Chopper Engine part 1
Chopper Engine part 2
Chopper Engine part 3
Jesse James from Westcoast Choppers on his bike
Jesse

Update from Biz

Sept 2025
“Found the stretched intake manifold Iv been looking for and a nice old Chromed SU Carburettor that’s in great condition. Iv have a lot of experience with the SU’s back in the day and I really liked them . Old school !!!

Gonna get a gasket set and some nuts n bolts to fit together.

Still… Need to get a direct engine manifold and clamps before I fit the stretch and SU.
Gonna look the dogs tits !!”
Old chromed SU carburettor
Old chromed SU carburettor — great condition, old-school vibes.
Stretched intake manifold
Stretched intake manifold — the elusive piece finally found.
Chooper Engine part
Chooper Engine part

Straight From the Man Himself

A raw machine, reborn from metal, memory, and madness.

Simon Bisley's chopper
Simon Bisley's chopper
Simon Bisley's chopper

Simon shared this exclusive update with us — straight from his garage, tools in hand and heart on sleeve:

“Exclusive for you… I’m rebuilding this original Lobo chopper from my wild days. I rode it back in the day whilst re-inventing Lobo 👹

Dedicating the rebuild to Keith Giffen and Alan Grant — both the best of people. They never bullshitted, always said it like it was. Straight up, no dancing around.

Love these guys so much and soooo really miss ‘em.

My chopper won’t fly through space like Lobo’s, but I’ll give it a bloody good go 😹”
Simon Bisley

About the Machine

Simon Bisley's chopper
The beast

Simon’s not just dusting off an old ride — he’s giving new life to a true custom classic. Here’s what’s under the beast’s skin:

  • Frame: 1974 Harley-Davidson hardtail
  • Engine: 1972 1200cc Shovelhead
  • Style: Low-rider chopper, old-school, loud and proud
  • Builder: Bisley himself — tools, grime, and all

It’s a personal rebuild, not just for the ride, but for the memories tied to it. This machine is as much about storytelling as it is horsepower.

The bike may not fly through space like Lobo’s…
But let’s be honest — it doesn’t need to. With enough WD-40, attitude, and a bit of Bisley madness, this beast is on its way to tearing up the road again — earthbound, loud, and totally unforgiving.

Here is a video excerpt from the 2025 interview given to 2000AD where Simon talks in more detail about the machine and also about his attachment to it:

Design tests, but as Simon says, for an artist like him the possibilities are endless. Once finished, the beast will most likely look completely different.

Design tests
Design tests

An old period exhaust pipe, salvaged and still soaked in oil — Bisley loves its raw and authentic look.

old period exhaust pipe
old period exhaust pipe

(source: 2000AD YouTube video)

A Tribute to Two Titans

This chopper rebuild is also a tribute — a heartfelt dedication to Keith Giffen and Alan Grant, two giants in the comic book world and close collaborators of Simon’s. Without them, Lobo would never have become the insane, over-the-top icon we know today.

Simon’s words say it all:

“They never bullshitted. Always straight up. No dancing around.” True creators. True friends. Deeply missed.Simon Bisley
Keith Giffen
Keith Giffen
Alan Grant
Alan Grant