Lost Soul Kustoms Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Bobber
John got to thinking he’d like to rebuild his Shovel into a bobber-style motorcycle.
I BOUGHT the frame for my bike seven years ago and this is the second build using the same frame. The first build was a pro-street-style custom using the ’81 Shovelhead engine and original four-speed tranny. My mate Nathan suggested freshening it up so I came up with this current bike using the same engine and gearbox. I stripped the bike back down to the frame and started from scratch.
The bike was built all in-house, literally, that is, it was built in the lounge-room of our house. Luckily for me, I have a very understanding wife!
With the strong popularity towards the bobber-style motorbikes, it got me thinking I’d like one, but I wanted something with a wide arse back-end! That’s where the 250 rear tyre comes into it. The rear guard was just a huge ugly piece of curved metal that someone advertised as a full size fender. I chopped it until what I thought looked cool to show off the tyre.
The Sportster tank suits the style nicely.
Mark the Leather Man did the seat for me. It looks a treat.
I bought a Pro-One front-end and fitted a 21-inch front wheel.
I stuck with the chain-drive along with the Primo, three-inch, open belt-drive. It just gives it a nice touch of old school.
I searched eBay for a retro-looking air-cleaner and finally found one that worked in with the rest of the bike. Then the pipes got the black paint treatment and wrapped to give it the look I was after.
The paint was done by myself using Roth Metal Flakes and five different shades of root-beer candy, scalloped and laced.
I love riding this motorbike and it’s surprising how well it rides with the fat rear tyre. Being kickstart only adds to the whole experience of bringing the old 1340-cc Harley-Davidson Shovelhead to life.
Photos by Rod Cole; story by John
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