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.
Indian Head Custom Derby Cover for Harley-Davidson and Indian Thunderstroke motorcycles.
This one started with a classic motorcycle motif — the feathered Indian head profile you see on old iron and old logos — and I twisted it. Instead of a living portrait, it’s a skull. Same headdress. Same profile. Just a lot more attitude.
The skull faces left, with a deep eye socket, open jaw, and a full feathered warbonnet fanning up and back. The feathers have real shaft-and-barb detail, and the brow band is cut with geometric work so it reads as jewelry, not flat decoration. The whole thing sits proud on a hammered background, so the bronze catches light the way a real sculpture should. Not a sticker. Not an etching. A cast piece.
I like this design on both Harley-Davidson and Indian Thunderstroke bikes. On a Harley it looks mean and old-school. On an Indian it plays with the brand’s own heritage imagery in a way that makes people look twice. Either way, it’s solid bronze, hand cast by me in Omaha.
If you’re putting this on an Indian Thunderstroke, I include my custom adapter with the piece.
I usually lean gloss clear on sculptures like this, because it keeps the shadows honest. Matte works too if you want something more subtle. Natural bronze will keep changing on you as it patinas — which some riders prefer.
If you want the classic Indian head look with a darker edge, this is the one.
This sculpture is also available as a 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.
