A streamlined, highway-blazer isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the heavy machining brand Caterpillar, but there are a few odd creations out there styled after the yellow and black construction equipment manufacturer. One of those creations is stationed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL.
This Caterpillar-themed motorcycle is a blast from the past, a creation built by the world-famous Orange County Choppers back in 2005. It was unveiled to a number of CAT employees and guests in tandem with the company’s new Clayton, N.C. visitor and training center. It went on to be a marketing tool for the company touring the country and visiting different CAT dealerships; it even appeared on the Discovery Channel series “American Chopper,” where it became a hit for its unique aesthetics.
Outwardly, the bike features the signature Caterpillar look with yellow paint and black accents, a smokestack exhaust, beaded welds, and huge wheels for a more rugged and resilient look. The build was undertaken by Paul Teutul Jr., Orange County Chopper’s chief designer and fabricator. Teutul and his father Paul Sr. (OCC’s owner) were able to operate a 124-ton D11R Carrydozer and view other CAT equipment prior to the build to draw inspiration and form design cues.
Remarkably, the motorcycle isn’t just a show piece. It’s meant to be ridden and boasts a good deal of power too. The bike is powered by a 131cu.-in. air-cooled V-twin that produces 150 horsepower. Paired with an S&S Super G carburetor fuel system and a Baker six-speed transmission, the custom CAT bike can reach speeds of around 140 mph on straightaways. To slow down, it utilizes front Brembo disc brakes.
The custom CAT motorcycle is a perfect example of how companies and manufacturers outside of the motorcycle industry can use the platform to market their brand and create something that’s just flat out cool.
If you have a motorcycle, ATV, UTV, snowmobile or jet ski you’d like to feature in MPN’s Ride of the Week series, please email MPN Content Director Greg Jones at [email protected]
