Pour a Glass with Hard Rock Shovelhead

Tenerife Style

Known for its collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia, the Hard Rock Cafe chose a slightly different path to commemorate the grand opening of its new hotel on the resort island of Tenerife in 2019. Built by the Bolt Motor Company in Valencia, Spain, the 1972 Harley-Davidson FXS, dubbed 'Old Wine,' fittingly received a European cafe racer restyle. 

Photos courtesy of Revival of the Machine.

First Opened

The Hard Rock Cafe engaged Diego Bermúdez, the editor of the Spanish custom motorcycle magazine Revival of the Machine to oversee the unique project. Bermúdez qualified the decision in selecting one of the Motor Company's iconic FX-series bikes, aligning it with the first Hard Rock Cafe that opened during the summer of 1971, in London, England.

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Extra Speed

The project quickly got the attention of Harley-Davidson Spain, who offered support and sponsorship to see the project through. More than just a wall ornament, the FXS was built as a rider. A full engine rebuild was in order, along with a twin spark conversion for some extra combustion. The transmission also received an upgrade from a four to a six-speed unit.

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Social Lifestyle

It might seem unnecessary to have all those extra gears on the tiny island of Tenerife. After its initial unveiling, 'Old Wine' was rolled out at the inauguration of another Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid. There is no word as to the bike's current location, but given social media images, it seems to be bar-hopping, while living a rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

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Full Custom

Apart from some minor surgery to the struts, the FXS frame was left stock. Bolt Motor then reworked the suspension and handling so the Shovelhead could live up to its 'cafe racer' pedigree. Hagon shocks were installed to the rear, while the front end received a full rebuild. Disc brakes were fitted, both front and back, in the form of Brembo calipers with oversized rotors.

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Logo Bike

As with most of today's custom builds, electronic control is handed over to a Motogadget m-unit. A Motoscope speedometer, perched behind a set of Renthal flat bars, takes care of all the instrumentation. Joining the bevvy of logos on the bike, a Bolt Motor derby cover was added, with the company name also appearing on the solid rear wheel and gas tank divider.

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Hand Formed

In order to capture the cafe racer look, Alberto Caimi, head designer at Bolt Motor, opted for a 1960s BSA racing tank. The elongated tank sits neatly flows with the headlight to create a balanced bone line. All the other bodywork, including the front fairing, seat, and belly pan, were hand-formed from stainless steel at the Spanish shop.

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Cheer Role

The striking bolt-themed paint was laid down by Rafa García-Cano, who is well-known for his colorful work on Formula One racing helmets. Caught somewhere between a 1970s muscle bike and the glitz of resort hotels, this unique FXS Shovelhead takes on a whole other role as an island ambassador. 'Old Wine' is certain to fill a few glasses with cheer while making the rounds.

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

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