Little John Kuklisin Displays Custom Harley at 2012 V-Twin Expo
- 10 Jul 2012
Less than a mile from home, a car suddenly pulled in front of John, leaving no option, but to lay the bike down. While still lying in the street, the rider began making arrangements for his bike to be picked up and transported to a friend's residence. Also ensuring that his wife was contacted and informed of the accident, Kuklisin then focused on his ailments. Although the well-being of his bike and his wife were of utmost concern, it turned out that the rider had sustained some serious injuries. In fact, the Emergency Medical Technicians who worked the accident suggested that he should be transported via Life-flight, but he wouldn't have it. In spite of the seriousness of his injuries, he insisted that they simply drop him off at the medical center. Upon arrival at the hospital, John Kuklisin underwent an examination and his injuries were serious. Road rash could be expected, but the rider also was faced with broken ribs, lacerations requiring stitches and internal and external bruising. He also had a lacerated spleen and would spend the next fourteen days in the hospital. Even upon returning home, Kuklisin was still a far cry from being completely back on his feet. In fact, John was laid up for an excess of two months. Although in no condition to ride, that was no indication that Kuklisin couldn't still think about his passion. In fact, during his first day in ICU John suggested that his wife get him a laptop so he could start shopping for a new bike.
Although dreaming of owning a Harley-Davidson CVO Roadglide, John was perfectly aware that at five-feet-two-inches in height, getting one low enough to the ground would likely prove problematic. After what felt like a long and drawn out recovery, John Kuklisin was finally given the green light to start walking. Once back on his feet, a couple of friends and he began shopping for his new bike. He knew exactly what he was looking for. Kuklisin was in the market for a Harley-Davidson CVO Softail, which rides just low enough to fit his stature. John Kuklisin eventually happened upon the bike he had in mind at Klock Works Custom Cycles, a 2010 CVO. Contacting the staff, he explained the task at hand. He wanted them to build a custom roadglide, but it needed to be as factory as possible. Upon learning that Kuklisin was planning to show the bike, the company explained that they would try to get it completed in time for the Cleveland Bike Show. In spite of their efforts, due to a paint issue the project was not completed in time. Although somewhat disappointed to miss Cleveland, John was informed that the bike would be completed in time for the 2012 V-Twin Dealers Show, in Cincinnati, Ohio and gladly accepted the offer to display the impressive piece of work at the K&N booth.
"People looking at the bike would have to take two and three looks, before I told them it was a Softail! The power and handling is better than expected," he continued. "I really appreciate K&N helping me out with the AirCharger air intake system, and the oil filters. I am a die-hard K&N customer. I use their products on my 2007 GMC one-ton, 1968 pro-street big block Chevelle, my 2008 Tahoe and my 1998 Harley." Referring to his opportunity to show his 2010 CVO Softail at the K&N booth, John said, "I really enjoyed talking to people and being able to do what I liked to do. The guys from K&N treated me like part of the team." "Little" John Kuklisin would have liked to have avoided his accident in September of 2011. On the other hand though, as strange as it might sound, he might also agree that his misfortune was a blessing in disguise. "I have been looking for a few years," explained John. "The accident just made me get it done." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
