Electric Guitars Inspire Harley Shovelhead Project
H-D Forums Member’s Rockin’ Concept Brings Retro Bike Back to Life
We can all appreciate a clean ride. Sometimes that means a particular motorcycle has been well cared for. Other times it means the motorcycle has been built up from scratch, and that’s certainly something to admire. Still, other times it might mean the motorcycle has been modified to perfection, and that’s definitely outstanding! Regardless of what makes the ride as clean as it is, we’re glad that it is in good hands.
HD Forums member Sean, who is also known by his username Streetscenes, is the owner of one helluva clean ride. Needless to say, he is working to make it even better! His trusty motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, and it looks pretty darn sweet. He’s currently in the process of building it up piece-by-piece, and as of now has a Klockwerks hugger fender and an old bat-wing for it. Sean says he may also run a set of five-inch stretched bags on the bike.
‘I was thinking about painting the Shovelhead like one of these guitars I painted. The blue is a ’57 Chevy color, and I two toned it with white.’
“The bat-wing is period correct so it’s getting color matched and will be an option along with a factory-style shield,” says Sean. “My original thought was a throwback custom look…but not the crazy-colored low-rider style.
“I’m thinking about a flaked paint job, too,” he adds, “something simple but still a bit more modern and with a retro feel.”
Granted, this HD Forums member is clearly a creative Harley enthusiast with an unlimited supply of awesome ideas on how to make his ride uniquely his. But his most original concept has to be his choice of color options. For this, Sean is taking inspiration from a few vintage electric guitars that he has also worked on over the years.
“The hard part [of this Shovelhead build] is, since I can do the paint work [myself], it’s never easy for me to pick my own color…too many options,” Sean explains in the forums. “I haven’t seen anything [yet] that I’m like, Oh, yeah, that’s it.”
Although he is still undecided, Sean accompanies his post with a variety of shots of gorgeous guitars that sport equally stunning paint jobs.
“I was thinking about doing it like one of these [guitars] I painted,” says Sean. He seems to be leaning toward one hue in particular. “The blue is a ’57 Chevy color, and I two toned it with white. The rest? Just not sure.”
The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead is one of the most iconic motorcycle in the Harley-Davidson lineup. Its classic lines and old-school feel rings a bell with hardcore enthusiasts of the bike manufacturer. After all, such traits are pretty legendary. Check out Sean’s build thread and show your support!