Each piece is individually hand cast from solid bronze, by me, in my studio at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
I can make this design as a derby cover for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a derby cover for Thunderstroke equipped Indian motorcycles, and an air filter cover for Arlen Ness Big Sucker style intakes.
Production lead time is approximately eight to 12 weeks.
More On My Memento Mori Design
After finishing my Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat custom derby cover design, I started thinking about the treasure trove of artwork we inherited from our cultural tradition. That took me down a rabbit hole, and I found a bunch of Memento Mori artwork at the bottom.
Memento Mori translates into “remember death”, or more particularly, “remember that you will die”. Seems like a fitting reminder, particularly for someone who is about to climb on a motorcycle.
I’m not shy about taking inspiration from past masters. I think that’s how art works: You find things that inspire you, and then incorporate them into your own work.
On this one, I integrated some elements from a woodcut by Alexander Mair, and posed the main character in a manner like Michaelangelo’s “Condemned Man” from the Sistine Chapel.
I hope you like this design. I find it very inspirational. It truly means a lot to me.
Original design Copyright © Omaha Derby Covers, Inc. All rights reserved.
What's Included
In addition to the derby cover, I include a James brand gasket (for certain sizes, 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 custom derby 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 derby cover I am not proud of.
Derby Cover Sizing
I support six different derby cover sizes, covering all Big Twins and most Sportsters made since 1970. Complete details on derby cover sizing are located here. If you are unsure of which one you need, give me a call at 402 321 9639. We'll get it worked out.
Maintenance
If you select either gloss of matte 2k clearcoat, your derby 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 derby cover.
If you select a natural bronze finish, your derby 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.
