Sub Shock PanShovel is a Rare Prototype Softail

Legacy Worx

The names Harley-Davidson and Softail are inseparable. First released in 1984, the hugely popular design has evolved to become the standard platform for almost all Motor Company mid-weight cruisers. Yet, this is only one part of the Softail's legacy. For history-minded enthusiasts, the name Bill Davis and his Road Worx company tell a different story, one that begins about a decade earlier.

Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Sold Design

As the designer of the Sub Shock frame, Davis is considered by many to be the originator of the Softail design. The 1967 PanShovel shown here surfaced at Mecum Auctions–Las Vegas in January 2022, but did not sell. It was built using Sub Shock frame number HD STL 0003—one of only eleven Sub Shock frames produced before the 'Softail' idea was sold to Harley-Davidson.

Authenticity Stretch

There is no date listed as to when the 1967 PanShovel engine was fitted into its custom frame, although an accompanying certificate of authenticity indicates that the frame was produced in 1981. It belongs to the 'second generation' of Davis' design. HD STL 0003 is also just one of six out of the second-generation frames to receive a three-inch stretch.

Recommend Models

Original Road Worx documentation explained the stretch and non-stretch difference. The typewritten form reads, “The following are some suggestions and hints that we thought might be helpful to you. We recommend a stock to 4 inches over front end on our stock units, while the 3-inch stretch models will accept from 6 inches to 10 inches over the stock front ends.”

Vincent Section

Production of Davis' second-generation 'Softail' frames began around 1977, but the novel idea was sparked a few years earlier. Wanting to change the styling of his 1972 FX Super Glide, Davis had first developed a 'Softail' frame with a triangulated rear section and shock under the seat—similar to a 1950s Vincent motorcycle chassis.

Impressed Pair

Davis' design proved popular among builders. He produced and sold twenty-five of his 'top shock' frames. In March 1976, he filed U.S. Patent 4087109 for the design. In August of the same year, Davis met with Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz. While impressed, the pair did not initially extend an offer. Davis continued to refine his design, this time placing the shocks under the transmission.

Fast Expenses

The template for all Softails to follow had been born, but not without issues. On a shakedown cruise to Sturgis, Davis discovered that heat from the motor damaged the shocks' urethane bushings. It was not the only problem. The Sub Shock frames were labor-intensive to build and could not be produced fast enough to cover expenses.

Personal History

Davis eventually negotiated a deal with Harley-Davidson, selling his Sub Shock design in early 1982. In the summer of 1983, the Motor Company rolled the FXST off the production line and into history. This rare 1967 PanShovel could be considered the third 'Softail' ever built. The first, Davis' personal ride, Sub Shock number HD STL 0001 now resides in the Harley-Davidson Museum.

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