'Less is More' Shovelhead is Artfully Crafted

Shop Approach

A Harley-Davidson from 1982 was the client's only stipulation. Apart from the year, the build direction was left entirely up to Yusaku Sato of Satomari Motorcycle. Located in Onomichi, Japan, and in business for over thirty years, the shop is well known for its minimal design approach. Confirming that aesthetic is this custom Shovelhead, where less really does do more.

Photos courtesy of Steeldog Photo

Vaunted Show

Sato reiterated the customer's choice in a recent Bike EXIF article. He stated, “The production side was left to us.” There is good reason for the client's trust. Satomari Motorcycle, formerly Sato Marine, is a husband and wife team, whose custom work is a regular fixture at the vaunted Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, along with other top-shelf events.

Visual Portion

With clean lines in mind, Sato made subtle modifications to the frame. Knowledgeable observers will note that the FX's lower gusset tube was removed, creating an open area under the tank. The neck was stretched forward slightly and 'windowed' for a see-through look. The bottom portion was then curved downwards and reinforced. Mounts and tabs were also trimmed off to decrease visual clutter.

Smoothed Example

The Shovelhead's backbone was then massaged flat. On a stock frame, there is a slight kick up at the center post. On the Satomari build, a straight line now runs from the smoothed neck all the way to the shock mounts. The modification is just one of many small details, and a great example of Sato's artful vision turned into reality.

Stacked Feel

To complement the reworked neck and downtube, Sato hand-fashioned the rear fender. The design has an integrated look that flows with the new lines. To accommodate the lower stance, the swingarm was modified to reposition the rear wheel. Its 'stacked' construction cleverly facilitates the new geometry and ride height, resulting in what Sato described as an “edgy feel.”

Prefecture Note

The shiny Shovelhead engine and its elaborate, yet defiantly-simple exhaust setup are a show-stopper. Feeding the mostly stock 80 cubic-inch motor is an S&S Super E carburetor capped with a custom-made air cleaner. The unusual rounded-rectangle exhaust tips make for a visual punch, while no doubt ricocheting the throaty engine note off the walls of the prefecture's surrounding buildings.

Narrow Macho

Mounts located under the gas tank give it a clean, floating appearance. A machined filler cap, a Motogadget 'vintage' speedometer, and keyless lock unit are located in the tank's polished stainless steel dash insert. A modified triple tree holds 41mm fork tubes for a look that Sato described as “narrow but macho,” adding that the frontend “goes great with the 23-inch wheel.”

More Right

There is no front brake, but the rear is fitted with two Performance Machine calipers. Each unit is individually controlled, one by the foot pedal, and the other by the 'front' brake lever on the handlebars. Modern Avon Cobra Chrome tires help push the bike's overall look into the contemporary. More of less really does make for a spectacular build when it is done right.

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