Currently I’ve got two old HD’s. First is my custom 78 shovelhead which was built from the ground up by my friend at Top Dead Center in Whitesboro NY. It’s so pristine I don’t like getting the thing dirty - it’s become more of a bar hopper / show piece - plus I’m not going too far on this thing for obvious reasons. See the build video here:
Second is my 42 WLC - all original, had the engine and tranny completely rebuilt while leaving the original patina. Lots of original army green showing through still. Another great bike to take around, Surprisingly reliable, but I still won’t go too far on it.
So what I’m thinking about is a rat bike. Something I never have to clean, something safe for my girl to sit on back, and something I can safely go on trips with - but I also don’t want to deal with any leaks, or any kind of unreliability. So my idea is to buy an OEM shovelhead frame with a title, and simply stick in a brand new S&S shovelhead with a new baker 4 speed. Keep all of the old patina on the frame and whatever tin and parts I pick - I’m going after that Japanese inspired rat bike look, only my hope is that it will be as reliable a new bike. I know what it costs to rebuild an OEM Shovelhead, but I still suspect a new S&S will probably be even more reliable. Any major flaws in my reasoning aside from a new looking engine standing out In a rat bike? Would love to hear any thoughts. Thanks!
My 1942 WLC
Looking to building something along these lines, with a new S&S motor, using all vintage OEM parts, tin, etc....
Very nice bikes. It looks like you and your friends have the skills to totally rebuild a 73-84 FLH into a reliable rat bike. I think you'd be better off starting with a complete but not running bike and chopping it into what you want - it'll have most of the parts on your example already.
Very nice bikes. It looks like you and your friends have the skills to totally rebuild a 73-84 FLH into a reliable rat bike. I think you'd be better off starting with a complete but not running bike and chopping it into what you want - it'll have most of the parts on your example already.
Very nice bikes. It looks like you and your friends have the skills to totally rebuild a 73-84 FLH into a reliable rat bike. I think you'd be better off starting with a complete but not running bike and chopping it into what you want - it'll have most of the parts on your example already.
I Agee - I've been looking for a 70's rolling chassis, but they're not so easy to come buy. My hope is the keep the build to under 15k for parts. The rest will be labor, but shouldn't be super involved since we're talking about a new motor and tranny - and not having to deal with the headaches and endless delays of powder coating.
I'm totally aware the bike will never be worth what I have into it (since it won't have the original motor), but the main mission is to have a rat bike that's as reliable as a brand new bike.
I meant buy a complete bike and rebuild it - you have a large budget, 10 grand of parts will go far in the bike in the link below, because the seller was going for a similar look as you. It's in VA and he says the motor is done (but you know how that goes). $5000 or best offer, bring cash and a trailer:
I meant buy a complete bike and rebuild it - you have a large budget, 10 grand of parts will go far in the bike in the link below, because the seller was going for a similar look as you. It's in VA and he says the motor is done (but you know how that goes). $5000 or best offer, bring cash and a trailer:
06-30-2020 | 07:42 PM
Thinking about a NEW rat rod build...
