Sometimes it’s the rattiest-looking bikes that are the most interesting. And this machine, known as the ‘Salt Ghost’, is a classic example. It’s owned by Wes White of Four Aces and Tyler Malinky of Lowbrow Customs, and it’s got history by the bucketload.
Salt Ghost has been racing at the El Mirage dry lake since the 60s, and like many successful racers, it’s a real mongrel in the parts department. The engine is from 1961 Bonneville, and the chassis is a 1948 Triumph rigid. Even the motor itself is a hybrid, with a nine-bolt head on a 650 barrel, and Harmon & Collins roller tappets. According to the excellent profile on Chop Cult, “The cams have yet to be identified, but they have serious lift—enough for the valves to require .008” and .010” clearances when stock was .002” and .004”.” Heavy-duty fueling comes from two Amal GP carburetors—with no idle circuits, so the motor will die unless revved constantly.
The oil tank holds just enough to keep that engine alive for a short blast, and to top it all off, the fuel tank is a rare 1957 Tiger 100R/R item, complete with original paint. it might look like trash to the casual bystander, but this bike is all class. Head over to Chop Cult for the full story. [Thanks to Tyler Malinky.]
