Like many other custom bike builders, American IronHorse had a short run. Its start-up in 1995 brought a well thought-out, perfectly constructed design to the playing field. All the tin and leather were designed and fabricated in-house. The engines were modified-in-the-factory S&S and the transmissions were made by Baker. The custom bikes were all hand-built in a state-of-the-art, 224,000 square foot factory in Fort Worth, Texas. Sadly, even though it built one of the best custom choppers out there, it became one of the casualties of a poor economy. By spring of 2008, production ceased and its assets were sold at auction.
The IronHorse engine options include S&S 110 ci, 117 ci, and 124 ci. The pro-street Tejas has the 111 ci as original equipment; the larger engines were an option, as were many other combinations. All of the optional engines come chromed or polished and feature diamond-cut, powder-coated barrels to match the paint. Pair any engine up with the Baker six-speed transmission and the IronHorse clutch; the package makes a great performing bike.
The specially designed by Daytec frame is also powder-coated. The rigid rear suspension (or lack thereof) makes for the usual hardtail ride. Don't expect more, you're choosing it for its looks, not a luxury ride. The telescoping front forks are raked at an impressive 42° (38° frame plus 4° raked triple trees). A fat 240 rear tire finishes off American IronHorse's version of the hardtail pro-street ride. Instrumentation is simple but efficient, with a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, tachometer, hi/low beam, turn signals, and Neutral-light all housed together and easy to read.
With four inches of ground clearance and weighing in at 580 pounds dry, the 100 inch long bike has a good turning radius. The solo leather seat puts the driver at 25 inches off the ground, and even the shortest of riders can count on sitting with his feet flat on the ground. Forward controls, combined with the rake is a comfortable seat, for a variety of riders' sizes. However, the Tejas is not the most comfortable ride; even though it’s considered a pro-street, no one will mistake it for anything other than what it is. The lack of rear suspension makes for a rough ride, but you'll look great doing it. If you're looking for comfort (or you have back problems), choose the Texas or the Legend; you'll still have the custom chopper look, without the torture.