Showtime Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Custom
“For this build I wanted a retro-looking show-bike with that Shovelhead heartbeat!” said Greg.
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_07.jpg?fit=1300%2C888&ssl=1)
I’VE OWNED and built many Harleys over the years, from stock to wild customs. My first Harley was a 1972 74-cube Electra Glide. Out of all the Harley engines I always love the sound of a Shovelhead. For this build I wanted a retro-looking show-bike with that Shovelhead heartbeat!
To finance the build I sold two vintage bikes — one was a 1926 Harley Pup and the other an Indian Prince.
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead](http://i2.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_03-677x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_04-558x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead](http://i1.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_05-554x470.jpg?ssl=1)
This bike has a one-off custom-made frame incorporating the fuel and oil tanks.
The engine is basically a reconditioned 74-cube tricked-up with polished rocker-boxes, lots of stainless nuts and bolts plus a Hypercharger for the air intake. The pipes are modified Hooker Troublemakers.
The primary is a belt drive running a stock four-speed tranny with electric and kick start options driving a gold chain to the Hawg Halters Sprotor.
For the front-end I decided on a DNA springer with a set of custom-made bars along with a trick half headlight. The front brakes are stock from a late model Harley. I modified a set of stock forward controls to suit mid-mount controls.
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i2.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_01-694x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i2.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_10-690x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_11-642x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i1.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_13-689x470.jpg?ssl=1)
Both front and rear guards are custom-made for the bike. I decided on 21 x 3.5 inch wire wheels; Mammoth spokes for front and rear. I was after a more retro-look rather than the blingy-look mag wheels bring out in a bike.
I went with a digital dash and hid the wiring and battery in the saddle bag. All the wiring was done by Holga at Zap Electrics; awesome job as always!
The paint is jet black with a heavy chrome metal-flake.
This bike has loads of handmade custom parts all over. Also, it has an airbag mounted seat, remote oil filter, indicator grips and custom mirrors.
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i1.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_18-675x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_17-652x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Ozbike](http://i1.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Harley-Shovel_14-698x470.jpg?ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Shovelhead with model](http://i2.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Showtime-Tayla-Ozbike_10-575x470.jpg?ssl=1)
You’ll see more of Greg’s super Showtime Shovelhead on Showtime Tayla’s feature.
Photos by Rod Cole; story by Greg.