Each piece is individually hand cast from solid bronze, by me, in my studio at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Production lead time is approximately eight to 12 weeks.
Back in the day when I was a young kid with his first motorcycle, I had a great moment with one of my uncles. I had fired it up, proudly letting him listen to my machine warm up. He looked at me with a sort of sarcastic grin and said “well, don’t fucking die”.
He was being half serious and half playful, but I still took it to heart. To this day, every time I throw a leg over a bike a little part of me remembers his warning from all those years ago.
When I started making derby covers, I knew I had to capture those words in bronze. I like the contrast between the big blocky letters for “DON’T DIE” and the fancy lettering for “Fucking”. I think it gives the piece a lot of attitude. I hope you like it, too.
This piece took on a new meaning for me when I had the opportunity to make one for a good friend who was facing a recent cancer diagnosis. I always took the meaning as something like “be careful on the ride”. His situation brought things into a much more serious light. I’m pleased to say that after a couple of years, my friend is still with us and still doing fine!
This derby cover looks best with gloss clearcoat.
This design is also available as a custom timing cover, here:
Timing Covers
Original design Copyright © Omaha Derby Covers, Inc. All rights reserved.
What's Included
In addition to the piece, I include a James brand gasket (where required), and black oxide coated mounting bolts. Feel free to use your existing mounting bolts if you prefer, but I like the look of the black oxide against the bronze patina.
Lead Time
All my covers are made to order. Approximate production lead time is eight to twelve weeks, but is not guaranteed. If you have a situation (an upcoming ride, an event, etc) that means you need it sooner, please contact me first and I will see what I can do. Please understand that I really do make these by hand in my own shop. Bronze art casting will always have a certain failure rate, and I will not ship a custom piece I am not proud of.
Derby Cover Sizing
I support six different Harley-Davidson derby cover sizes, covering all Big Twins and most Sportsters made since 1970. Complete details on Harley-Davidson derby cover sizing are located here.
I also support both original and late model Indian Motorcycles equipped with the Thunderstroke motor. Indian Thunderstroke applications require a custom engineered adapter of my own design. That adapter is included with the piece, and is why I have to charge more for Thunderstroke customers.
If you have any questions about sizing or fitment, please call me at 402 321 9639 or send an email to jeff@omahaderbycovers.com before you order. We'll get it worked out.
Air Filter Cover Sizing
My air filter covers are designed to fit K&N style air filters, which are also found on Arlen Ness Big Sucker intakes. They have an outer diameter of 5.7", and mount with a 5/16"-18 center bolt.
Mine include a hidden bolt in the center so you can spin it on to your intake. I supply felt gaskets so you can adjust the spacing between your air filter and the cover, ensuring that it "clocks" correctly.
If you have any questions about sizing or fitment, please call me at 402 321 9639 or send an email to jeff@omahaderbycovers.com before you order. We'll get it worked out.
Maintenance
If you select either gloss of matte 2k clearcoat, your cover is maintenance free. Just wash with the same mild soap you use on the rest of your motorcycle, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use polishing compounds or other abrasives on your clearcoated cover.
If you select a natural bronze finish, your cover will darken and patina with age. If you want to maintain its original appearance, you will need to polish it regularly (Brasso works well), and apply a coating of paste wax.
