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.
The story is as old as it is simple. St. Christopher was a strong man who spent his life carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night a child asked to be carried. Halfway across, the child grew heavier and heavier until Christopher thought he would go under. When they reached the other side, the child told him he had carried the weight of the world. That is why riders have kept him close for a long time. Patron of travelers. Protection on the road.
I like the story. I wanted to add a St Christopher sculpture to my catalog, but I did not want another quiet, church-window version of it. The world has enough of those.
So I made him a biker. Not because that makes any sense historically. It doesn’t. I did it because it felt like a good twist on a traditional image, and because the people who buy these covers live on two wheels. Leather jacket. Staff in one hand. The child on his shoulder. Same story, just dressed for the ride.
What I am happiest with is the weather around them. The wind, the rain, and the waves are meant to feel chaotic. The river is not calm. The road is not calm. That is the point. He is carrying the child through it anyway.
The matching timing covers with my St. Christopher sculpture are finished with matte clearcoat. I recommend matte clear for this derby cover as well.
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.
