Wicked S&S Powered 1955 Shovelhead Bobber
German custom bike builder uses a lifetime of experience to crank out awesome rides like this.
Born to Build
Martin Becker grew up with a love and appreciation for two-wheeled machines after getting his first moped at the age of 13. Three years later, the Heidelberg, Germany resident was worker as a mechanic's apprentice, learning the tools of the trade. And today, he's got two decades of experience under his belt building amazing bikes like this Shovelhead Bobber recently featured over at Bike EXIF.
Photos: Bike EXIF
Skirting Regulations
Becker's current focus is V-Twin powered bikes and old frames, which give him some freedom amidst ever-tightening German regulations. Which is exactly why the frame on this '55 is original. But pretty much every other component you see here is either brand new or hand fabricated to perfection.
Photos: Bike EXIF
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Eye Catcher
Becker previously built an S&S hardtail for another customer, and it caught the eye of this bike's owner, dermatologist Dr. Andreas Schlegel. Schlegel got in contact with Becker, and requested that he build something similar, albeit with a more classic look and a bit skinnier in appearance.
Photos: Bike EXIF
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Old Frame, New Engine
"We decided to make it classy, with black and white lines. To be honest, I was never a big fan of 'colorful' motorbikes," Becker said. Since he already had a Panhead frame in his shop, that seemed like the perfect base for this build. And what better engine to stuff in there than a new S&S 93 cubic-inch Shovelhead?
Photos: Bike EXIF
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Supplementation
The 75 horsepower mill is supplemented by a Super E carb, Teardrop air intake, handmade header pipes, SC Project mufflers, and a custom oil tank. An S&S 5-in-4 transmission case fitted with Andrews gears resides behind it, along with a 2” BDL ‘Shorty’ open belt drive primary and BDL hydraulic clutch.
Photos: Bike EXIF
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Minimalist Theme
The minimalist theme is present in this bike's styling, which begins with a set of shortened Sportster forks up front, along with Sportster bars, Biltwell risers, and KustomTech hand controls. The wheels measure in at 18" out back and 21" up front, and the bike stops quickly thanks to four-piston Performance Machine brakes up front and two-piston pieces in the rear.
Photos: Bike EXIF
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Clean and Simple
Less is more certainly applies to this beautiful bike, as it's covered in parts like an NSU tank, Cooper Smithing Co. rear fender, and MB Cycles seat. The whole thing was then coated in black paint and matching powder coating for the frame. It's a truly classy and clean looking machine, one that perfectly signifies the lifelong passion of the man that built it.
Photos: Bike EXIF
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