Long Island Shovelhead is Done Right

Growing Case

Long Island, New York has developed a solid reputation for no-nonsense custom bikes in recent years. Far from glitzy West coast chopper trends, the Island's garage-built choppers reflect a growing movement of mid-1970s, back-to-basics aesthetics. That all-business influence was just the case for Harley-Davidson enthusiast Joe Leopold and his Jammer-framed, 1977 Shovelhead.

Photos courtesy of Cycle Source Magazine.

Bigger Serving

Born and raised in a town called Mastic, Leopold is a true Long Islander. Well-versed in two-wheel ideology, he grew up riding dirt bikes—like most other kids in the area. Yet, he always had his eye on something a bit bigger. After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Leopold returned home and fulfilled that desire with a 1980 FXS Low Rider.

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Basic Want

If dirt bikes are the gateway to motorcycle riding, then Leopold's FXS was a mainline to the open road. He was hooked, but it enabled another underlying interest. Wrenching and riding on the classic Low Rider began to fuel the want for an even more basic ride. It has been long discussed that choppers are a form of folk art and a means to personal expression.

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Parts Vision

That calling manifested itself as a 1977 Shovelhead that Leopold sourced locally. The languishing Big Twin that was a prime candidate for his custom bike vision. After a year of pondering, he tore into the bike and stripped it right down to its component parts. After the tear down, addressing the 74 cubic-inch motor was the first order of business.

>>Join the conversation on this Shovelhead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Quality Work

Leopold took the Shovelhead engine to Dudley’s Basement in neighboring Central Islip, New York. Now closed, the Long Island shop was opened in 1957 by James Floyd Best, aka 'Dudley.' In the early days, the business was notorious as a rough and tumble hangout for bikers. That image eventually faded and a reputation for quality work took over.

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Stock Signature

The motor was treated to a mild performance upgrade. A set of new Wiseco pistons were fitted, and the heads were ported and polished. Andrews B cams were installed for a little extra valve lift. For simplicity, the stock points ignition system was retained. Gas delivery was assigned to a S&S Super E carburetor, capped with the company's signature teardrop air cleaner.

>>Join the conversation on this Shovelhead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Ride Height

With the motor sorted, Leopold got to work sorting out the stance of his new ride. A vintage Jammer hardtail frame served as the base for this critical job. A four-inch over DNA wishbone springer frontend lifted the ride height to just above pavement-scrapping level. Spoke wheels were a must for this build, with a 21'' rim up front and a 16'' out back.

>>Join the conversation on this Shovelhead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Satisfying History

Leopold made the rear fender and seat pan. The tins were coated with a delicious Root Beer Flake by Continental Car Care. Phoenix Upholstery covered the King & Queen seat to match the bike's vintage vibe. With its open primary and chain clutch linkage, Leopold chopper is straight out of the history books, while satisfying a vision that had been brewing for a lifetime.

>>Join the conversation on this Shovelhead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.