Upgraded Super Glide with a British Touch

Classic Handling

Custom bikes are usually built to look less like stock machines, rather than more. Wanting to craft something unique, Walt Siegl Motorcycles in Harrisville, New Hampshire decided to take the factory look and multiply it by two. The result was 'Speedglide,' a marriage of classic Harley-Davidson power, coupled with the handling of an early-British twin.

Photos courtesy of IronWorks

Hybrid Edition

Speedglide is a 1977 FXE Super Glide drivetrain wrapped in a custom frame that takes its cues from the enduring Triumph Bonneville. The British/USA hybrid was created for a customer who wanted the best of both worlds. Upon completion, Speedglide was featured in the October 2011 edition of IronWorks magazine. It recently resurfaced, slated for sale at Mecum Auctions–Las Vegas, in January 2022.

Jazzed Inspection

Stephen Berner, writer, and photographer for IronWorks, first spied the build when it was put on display at the 2011 International Motorcycle Show in New York City. He reflected, “I was knocked out. The bike was surprisingly simple but, upon closer inspection, actually quite sophisticated. There was a lot going on...The frame work alone had me jazzed.”

Surprise Flavor

In the spring, Berner traveled to Walt Siegl's shop in New Hampshire to document the machine for a feature in IronWorks. He remarked on its finish, stating that it was surprisingly “neo-retro/modern,” with a “real Brit flavor.” Once the photoshoot wrapped, he eagerly accepted Siegl's offer to ride Speedglide. The big Shovelhead motor took him by surprise.

Performance Smash

Accomplished engine builder Andrew Rosa of Rosa’s Motorcycle Shop in Huntington, New York was responsible for 'stroker' motor. The work included bumping up the displacement from 73 to 93 cubic inches, lightened flywheel and pistons ported and flowed cylinder heads, and a high-performance cam. Berner called the blueprinted motor a “sledgehammer...ready to smash and break things and go fast as hell.”

Stable Characteristic

The Rosa-assembled Shovelhead was mated to a Baker Drivetrain 6-Speed transmission via a Primo Rivera enclosed belt drive. Berner reported, “The bike has power on tap anywhere throughout the rpm range, in any gear.” Housing the potent powertrain is a reedy, hand-built frame that both captures a vintage European look while incorporating thirty inches of seat height for good balance.

Adapted Specifications

The goal was to combine quick steering with the stable, long-trail, characteristic of a stock Harley-Davidson. To ensure efficient stopping, circa-1960s Ceriani forks were adapted to run Brembo calipers. The tubes were then updated with Progressive springs and modern cartridges. The rear shocks were built to Siegl's specifications by Worx Shocks, formerly Works Performance, in Canoga Park, California.

Clock Bids

Like most of Siegl's builds, he fabricated the gas tank and exhaust system. New Hampshire artisan Vivian Smith stitched the seat, while artist and automotive painter Vincent Szarek laid down the Root Beer metal flake. With only 2,000 miles on the clock, it appears that this 'sledgehammer-hybrid' was underappreciated by its previous owner. That could all change with a few successful bids.

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