Students at the PowerSport Institute (PSI), a branch campus of Ohio Technical College, have spent the last two months overhauling the worn-out 1985 Harley-Davidson FXRE motorcycle of Brook Park, Ohio resident Paul Melhuish.
The motorcycle makeover is the culmination of the second annual "Rev Up My Harley" competition, a contest presented by PSI, South East Harley-Davidson and WJW Fox 8 Cleveland where Harley owners can submit photos of their flawed bikes for a chance to win a makeover. Melhuish’s son Paul Jr. submitted photos of his dad’s motorcycle, which hadn’t run in three years, for the makeover earlier this summer.
"I’ve had my son on a bike since he was 8 years old," Melhuish said. "He’s 40 now and recently bought his first Harley, so he has wanted to ride with me again. I love the way the motorcycle was redone by the students and team at South East Harley-Davidson."
Several dedicated PSI students — William Smith of Fairbanks, Ohio; Paul Ferris of Fairborn, Ohio; and Brendan Redman of Cleveland, Ohio) — gained real-world experience throughout the project that will help them showcase their technical capabilities to future employers.
"Our students took immense pride in rebuilding this motorcycle, putting in hours of labor during their free time to redo the wiring harness, refresh the motor, disassemble and reassemble the frame, and custom paint the bike," said Bernie Thompson, PSI campus director. "We like participating in local projects like the ‘Rev Up My Harley’ competition because it gives our students a chance to combine their technical training with creative design elements like metal fabrication and welding."
South East Harley-Davidson, who supplied all the parts for the motorcycle makeover, presented Melhuish with his restored Harley at the company’s Corn Roast, Aug. 20, 2010.
"We enjoyed participating in the ‘Rev Up My Harley’ competition for the second year and always consider it a success when we’re able to put an enthusiast back in the wind on their motorcycle," said Dave Bundus, general manager, South East Harley-Davidson.
The PowerSport Institute offers comprehensive diploma programs in power sport technology including motorcycle, ATVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, American V-Twin training including custom bike building and an opportunity to earn an AAS degree in Powersport Technology. For more information, visit www.psi-now.com.
