Highlights

Owned for over eighteen years, proving very reliable and enjoyable to live with
Comprehensive strip down and rebuild, including engine and gearbox
Custom paint job by Daytona Designs of Ipswich
Mechanically sound, starts first time, every time, and riding very well
Many original spares included

The Appeal

Everything about this motorcycle makes you want to grin from ear to ear. It's a proper old-school 'Shovelhead' Harley, with an oh-so American flame paint job, buttoned seat upholstery and rakish chopper lines.

The vendor acquired this bike privately in 2008, and after riding it for a couple of years, they embarked upon a full strip down and rebuild with the aim of making it as original as possible. They searched far and wide to attain the right parts, going so far as to import a New Old Stock front wheel and many other smaller items from the US, building up an impressive collection of original spares in the process. It's this level of attention to detail which makes motorcycles like this one stand head and shoulders above the rest.

The vendor tells us:

"I have owned this bike for over 18 years and it has only let me down once when the coils failed. Being a Shovelhead she is a bit of a beast to ride but certainly gives the authentic Harley feel.

"For several years her longest journey has been to the MOT station though she is now registered as Historic so doesn't even get that. Also, being registered as Historic, there is no road tax to pay. The bike has always been garaged and only ridden in good weather

It is taken off the road (SORNed) every winter

"I am now close to 70 years old so its time to move her on but I am letting her go with a heavy heart"

The History and Paperwork

The vendor purchased the bike privately on 18/06/2008
Underwent a complete strip down and rebuild after a couple of years of riding
Engine (top-end) rebuilt by Matts Machine Shop in Abercynon, Wales
Gearbox rebuilt by Krazy Horse in Bury St Edmunds
Owned for over 18 years with only one failure due to coil failure
Old/original speedometer shows 49,875 miles, believed to be correct although not warranted; the vendor has since fitted a replacement item now showing 103 miles
Registered as Historic, exempt from MOT and road tax

The Condition

Very well presented and certainly doesn't look its age
The vendor notes: "the bike is not Concours condition as she has been a faithful steed in the past, but I would describe her as very good condition"
Frame was powder coated during the rebuild
Flame paint scheme dine by Daytona Designs in Ipswich
New old stock 21" front wheel sourced from Green Bay, USA
The bike had an Electra Glide front wheel when the vendor bought it
Seat replaced with a La Pera item - the nearest to standard the vendor could source
many other
New speedometer fitted just before COVID
Slight slow leak on the front tyre likely due to the valve, requires occasional pumping but only a couple of times a season

The Mechanics

Air-cooled 1,337cc V-twin
Non-standard S&S Super carburettor fitted
1 1/2" BDL Belt drive fitted with a dry two-plate locking clutch and vented primary
Original chain primary and clutch included in the sale, along with many other spares
Mechanically sound and always starts on the first try according to the vendor
Equipped with electric start, but can also be started with the kickstart
No oil leaks or seepage reported
The vendor summarises: "it provides an authentic Harley feel, being a Shovelhead, it's a bit of a beast to ride"

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..