With this feature I am not going to re-write the story of the Harley Shovelhead (1966 to 1984), introduced as a successor to the Panhead engine. I am much more interested in making you notice that while the new engine gave an extra 10 horsepower, it had problems all along in its timeline. But that despite running hot (only 10 fins for cooling…), oil leaking and consumption, valves prone to sticking and destroying the top end, the Shovelhead remains one of the few oem motors adding glamour to any motorcycle of any style…
Many fully rebuilt factory engines and trannys don’t end up in oem frames, but in one-off hand-made frames. But the builder behind this creation is well known builder Thunderbike Of Germany, a major official Harley Dealer in Germany with probably one of the very best and equipped custom building department in all Europe. It means that they almost always start from a modified H-D frame (to keep the official Harley title) and work almost exclusively with genuine Harley parts, even if modified to the point of being unrecognizable.
This “Green Shovel” is not only glamorous and appealing because of its naked overall appearance, beauty of lines and details (let’s not forget the rider…), but also because of the pure nostalgia brought back to us by some of the aesthetic codes from the 60’s and 70’s. Among others, an increased steering head rake, a stretched front end, ape hangers, a front drum brake, upswept pipes, a Frisco mounted gas tank, etc… and of course a flamboyant but not over-glitzy paint job.
Eliminating the unnecessary and the undesirable, Thunderbike focused on machining a few driveline and bracket techno parts. They are so design-pretty in replacement of what are usually very mundane motorcycle parts, that they largely contribute to the glamorization of this green Chop. Thunderbike Germany (photography courtesy Ben Ott for Cyril Huze)
THAT”S a great looking bike! Well done.
Later Jay
Aouuuuuugaaaah!
Like it very much. Well done.
The way should be built a modern chopper with an old motor. Very rideable and cute.
Class
Very cool Shovel. I ride an ’84. Not as shiney as that one though.
That Shovel makes my ’67 Rodent Shovel truly deserve its title of Rat.
Absolutely love everything on this Chop. Great details.
Classic styling , high level craftsmanship and engineering and aesthetically an absolute winner and even the lady on board is intriguing and tasteful . Whats not to love ?
Nice, clean, & simple, just the way we like em…
-nicker-
these bikes to me are like art………..you almost have to have 2 of them
one for riding and 1 to keep forever
It ride the shit outta that one…and the chop too!
That is a beautiful pair.
Wee oooo
Where there’s lightning there’s thunder! Congrats to the team at Thunderbike for crafting this electrically charged beauty. While I’m not mad about choppers this one strikes all the right chords when it comes to form, function, color and balance. Love the candy green paint against the chrome.
Any one with minor metallurgical knowledge could have told you that several problems could have been solved by the addition of alloy cylinders and bronze valve guides which many of us did when we modified our shovels. I changed the check ball in mine several times to do away with a major leak. Clean oil and use of primary fluid instead of regular oil also solved problems of rotting wire covers for the rotor/stator to name a few.
Long live the shovel
”…………even if modified to the point of being unrecognizable.” is a great thing!! Love it! peace
Awesome … just perfect!
rcupp
It ride the shit outta that one…and the chop too!
yeah the only fat on her would be YOU lol
Are those working shocks or glorified struts on the back of that stunning ride?
Beautiful Girl, Beautiful Bike.
nice machine.
Terry Rea-
without iron barrels a shovel has no soul.
listen to an evo and compare.