Harley Thunderbike Builds Bad to the Bone Shovelhead
A tasteful Shovelhead build reminds us of our roots.
There are very few absolutes in the world of motorcycling. Everyone is free to like what they like. However, we doubt we’d ruffle any feathers by saying that an appreciation – if not outright reverence – for the classic Shovelhead is a requirement for entry into the Harley-Davidson brotherhood. Hey, don’t blame us. We don’t make the rules.
Thankfully, Shovelheads are supremely easy to love. Don’t believe us? Take a look at this gorgeous custom bike, which popped up a few days ago on Auto Evolution. It was built by the German custom shop Thunderbike. We’ve featured Thunderbike’s work before. Their customs are characterized by styling that’s both unique and tasteful. Thunderbike builds exemplify the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
We’re more familiar with Thunderbike’s work with newer models. It doesn’t seem like they tackle truly vintage stuff often, but when they do, it’s a real treat. The fact that a German custom bike shop decided to have their way with a Shovelhead is proof of its international appeal. Shovelheads are beloved the world over.
Attention to Detail
This classic, bobber-style build was based on a 1957 Harley-Davidson FL. After the bike was disassembled, the creative juices at Thunderbike really started flowing. Like most of their creations, it’s a subtle build that reveals more impressive details the longer you stare at it.
According to our friends at Auto Evolution, many of the components on this custom Shovelhead are one-off creations. The engine and frame, of course, are all Harley-Davidson (albeit from different eras), but parts like the oil and fuel tanks, handlebars and grips, foot controls, fenders, and exhaust are all Thunderbike.
You don’t need us to tell you how popular gleaming chrome is with Harley fanatics. Many components on this bike, though, are actually made from nickel-plated brass. While it initially shines almost exactly like chrome, it tends to take on a decidedly more distinguished character as it ages. It suits the bike’s character perfectly, and it’s little details like this that make Thunderbike creations stand out from the custom crowd.
Photos: Auto Evolution
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