Shovel: A Chopper Profile
Anyone who has seen the TV programs where a chopper is built in weeks or even days might be surprised to learn that this Shovel chopper took 15 years to reach its final form.
Motorcycle Image Gallery
Beginning life as a 1974 Harley-Davidson FXE, the owner began modifying the bike to meet his own personal tastes. Eventually, even the frame was replaced with a catalog item.
Once the chassis was set up, the next step was to bump the output of the Shovelhead V-twin. Displacement was increased from 74 to 98 cubic inches, and that, along with other modifications, increased output significantly. A wider 180-series rear tire was wedged into place to put the power to the street.
To give the chopper a distinctive look, Dragon's formed a custom fuel tank to match the frame's angular design. A hand-formed exhaust system was another step in what became a long creative process, but sometimes it takes a while to get things just the way you want them.
Go to the next page for more photos and details of this Harley-Davidson-powered chopper, Shovel.For more information on custom choppers and motorcycles, see:
- Chopper Profiles
- How Choppers Work
- How Motorcycles Work
- Classic Motorcycle Profiles
- Year: 1974
- Class: Old School
- Owner: Greg Ponto
- Builder: Dragon's
- Model: Shovel
- Frame: Mid-USA, 3 up, 1 out
- Forks: Harley-Davidson, telescopic, 4 inches over
- Rake: Stock
- Rear susp.: Hardtail
- Front wheel: Spoke, 21-inch
- Front brake: Disc
- Rear wheel: Spoke, 16-inch
- Rear brake: Disc
- Rear tire: 180 mm
- Engine: 98-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson
- Exhaust: Dragon's
- Trans.: Harley-Davidson, 4-speed
- Paint by: Helicopter Eddie
Shovel Chopper Pictures
The Shovel is a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle built by Dragon's. Below are more pictures and details of this powerful chopper.
The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine was given a big boost in displacement -- and power.
Hand-made fuel tank with its rounded leading edge took some time to make.
Note the fuel petcock’s placement at the rear of the tank, where it’s handy.
For more information on custom choppers and motorcycles, see:- Chopper Profiles
- How Choppers Work
- How Motorcycles Work
- Classic Motorcycle Profiles