My Shovelhead

[HillCountry78028]

I have a shovel that's been in my family since as long as I can ever remember. My dad built it back in the 70's and when he died my uncle took it over. About 10 years or so ago I became it's keeper and it has pretty much remained the same until now.
When my uncle built it into a 93" stroker it wouldn't fit into it's rigid straight leg frame anymore so he slapped it into the frame in the picture below. When I took it over I had other long distance traveling bikes and the shovel pretty much collected dust in the garage. I would take it out every once in a while and although a blast to ride I was never really happy with the way it handled with the aftermarket swingarm. I had other commitments and places to be all the time so I always needed to be on a long distance state hopper anyways.

Fast forward to today... I have given the 1200 Sporty to my son, my Dyna S to my wife and I am going to build the Shovel the way I really wanted it all along. I have stripped the current frame and am putting it all into a Paughco wishbone with a 6 speed kickstart softail tranny and a high torque starter too. It's been years since I have really worked on bikes other than tires and oil changes so I am sure to have a few questions along the way.
Like... where do I mount the damn voltage regulator? I guess I will have to weld something up... haven't really looked into it yet.

Here is a before and current pic...

[govmule84]

I mount my regs either on a piece of angled metal I attach to the front engine mounts so they catch some wind, or I use a 74533-70.



I'm also not a very creative man.

[vtwinjunkie]

Originally Posted by HillCountry78028

It looks like you may be able to mount it to the front brace on the bottom of the new frame. I see 2 bolt holes that look like they might work

Youll prob need a custom wiring harness anyhow.

PS. I pmed you about your old frame.

[Samhain]

I run an oil filter mount off the front engine mount, regulator sits on top. There are other mounts that run off there too.

[HillCountry78028]

Well... I've come a long way with the bike since my last post. It's cool having the 6 speed and Evo primary. The electric start works so good now!
Here are a few pics.

[Donson]

Sweeeeet!!

[rhysmort]

Looking good dude!

[Ratso]

Real nice bike. Whatr you going to do for a seat?

[Donson]

Originally Posted by Ratso

Real nice bike. Whatr you going to do for a seat?

seats are for pussies!

[Donson]

Originally Posted by shovithead

Does that mean that now I have to get a sex change??? I love seats. They keep my ass off the battery. lol

I get a charge out of sitting on the battery

[HillCountry78028]

I ended up going with a small solo seat. I doubt those old style springs will do much for my butt suspension but they look cool. Now I gotta come up with something to cover the area below the dash. I'm thinking a piece of aluminum diamond plate.

[joe49]

Well done.

[Samhain]

I always ran the gap on my shovel, didn’t bother me any. But my softail has a leather one with a pocket that holds my garage opener real nice.

[Donson]

I love the attitude on that bike!
Is that a Wassel on the front?

[cajun]

Would really like more info on softail six speed swap. And how much difference you are seeing and feeling. I have been shoping for a six speed for my 81 shov.

[HillCountry78028]

Thanks for the comments everyone! The more I look at the tank gap the more I kinda like it. I may just leave it the way it is for now.

Originally Posted by Donson

I love the attitude on that bike!
Is that a Wassel on the front?

It's a knockoff... sorta matches the cocktail shaker mufflers. I wasn't going for a British theme or anything. I just like the style!

[HillCountry78028]

Originally Posted by cajun

Would really like more info on softail six speed swap. And how much difference you are seeing and feeling. I have been shoping for a six speed for my 81 shov.

The Evo softail style 6 speed requires a new frame to fit it. When I ordered the frame I called Paugcho and told them exactly what I was doing. They built the frame to my needs.
I love the closer ratio's of the new tranny. It's like going from a truck to a sports car when it comes to shifting. I geared down with a 51 tooth rear sprocket but made up for it with the overdrive. The engine is a 93" stroker (3 5/8 bore and 4 1/2 stroke). When above 65mph, it pulls 6th with no problem. Otherwise I just stop shifting at 5th. I have more money into this bike than it will ever be worth but I don't care... the smile on my face is priceless!

[Donson]

I have more money into this bike than it will ever be worth but I don't care... the smile on my face is priceless!

I have been there many times!

[cajun]

Originally Posted by HillCountry78028

The Evo softail style 6 speed requires a new frame to fit it. When I ordered the frame I called Paugcho and told them exactly what I was doing. They built the frame to my needs.
I love the closer ratio's of the new tranny. It's like going from a truck to a sports car when it comes to shifting. I geared down with a 51 tooth rear sprocket but made up for it with the overdrive. The engine is a 93" stroker (3 5/8 bore and 4 1/2 stroke). When above 65mph, it pulls 6th with no problem. Otherwise I just stop shifting at 5th. I have more money into this bike than it will ever be worth but I don't care... the smile on my face is priceless!

Thanks for the info. I totally get the smile on the face thing.

[Samhain]

There have been some 5spd softail trans into shovel frames done, not sure of any evo with a 6, must just be internal swap. Google it, Irish rich might have been one. Pretty minor mods.