Shovelhead Softail Bobber

by Brian Maurer
(Simpsonville, S.C.)

Softail Bobber Rolling Chassis

Softail Bobber Front End

My Shovelhead Softail Bobber Project: First off I would like to say that this is going to be my first build. I'm 27 years old and am learning as I go.

The bike is actually my dads but he got hit on it some years ago and totaled the bike. He bought it back from the insurance company and put it to the side. He now is on his second bike since then and I'm now itching to get on a bike to go ride with him. I don't have the money to go out and buy one so here I am putting my skills to the test to build a cool bobber.

I love the bobber look and have seen some really cool looking softail bobber pics online.

As you can see from the pictures I'm not that far along, but my money tree hasn't bloomed yet this year. I've torn down the shovelhead engine so far and am getting ready to rebuild with new pistons, oil pump, and going to have the heads rebuilt. If anyone suggests anything else I would love to hear it. I'm going to try and keep most of it pretty stock but give it that old school bobber feel. No front fender, little "trailer" fender with struts coming up from the swingarm.

Maybe some mild ape's (no more than a six inch rise). Not sure on a color. I like the flat black with the red rims and the wide white walls. Dad doesn't care for it though. Well, I guess that's about it. So if anyone has any suggestions I am more than willing to hear them as I am learning and love advice. Thanks for reading.

Comments for Shovelhead Softail Bobber

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Nov 14, 2012
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right on
by: marcus

Don't let this guy get to you about the softtail thing. It's an easy mistakes and I don't care what anyone says they are pan/shovels, maybe not to him because he's obviously in his own f'd up world. Anyway Ive been buildin shovels for 30 + years and I love em. Make it your own, do cool one of a kind fabrication to it, hell I had running board off of a 62 wheel horse garden tractor on one of my bobbers. Just make it an extension of yourself. Anybody can buy a 20000 dollar cookie cutter. They have no style. I hope you post pictures when its done. I'd like to see it. Keep your knees in the breeze,
marcus

Jul 21, 2012
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Misconception
by: Anonymous

I said softail cause it's not a hardtail. Sorry for the misconception. But, also thank you to everyone else for the great comments. I do plan on doing it my own way. It's my dads bike but he's letting me have creative reign on it. I will get some new pictures up soon. Sorry for that busy with the four kids, new house, back to school. I'm busy. But it gets worked on. So thank you to everyone for the inspiration. Brian

Mar 09, 2012
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The Shovelhead is not a softtail!
by: Chuck

I see this on ebay, and in articles in the magazines, and now on a web site that is supposed to be run by experts: There was no soft tail Shovelheads. What is in the picture is a swingarm frame. A soft tail frame has rear suspension that is shaped like a hard tail, but with internal shocks hidden in the frame under the oil bag. If you look at the picture to the right of this comment posting, you will see a soft tail frame. It looks nothing like the picture in the article which has big shocks on each side of the frame that connect to the swing arm.

Get it right! (My other pet peeve is the "Pan Shovel" there is no such thing, it is a slab side, or flat side and maybe even a pre-cone motor, but not a pan shovel).

Dec 05, 2011
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Gotta Love Dad, But . . .
by: Anonymous

The fact that you started is big. And using your Dad's old bike shows respect -- might want to quit reminding him of $$$. One of the the reasons I dig bikers, is that most have the balls to do things their own way. I don't know a biker, or any real man, who likes a kiss ass -- especially Dads. Walk it down your own way, and maybe we'll all find something to be inspired by.

Respectfully,

Lon Smith

Jun 04, 2011
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Lot's of Potential!
by: Bobby C.

Hi Brian,
You're on the right track, and I agree with Bear, do it your way! That's the beauty of building your own ride. You get to add your own flavor to it instead of just buying someone else's. I see in the background of your pics that you have at least one little person living there, so, swap meets, motorcycle wrecking yards, ebay and craigslist are great places to search for parts and accessories without breaking the bank. And tools, you gotta have tools! If you got the right tools you can make or modify almost anything you need or want for your ride. As for Apes, I find that if I don't go higher than my shoulders I'm comfortable. Any higher and the hands go numb on a long ride. Mine are 14" and my hands are straight out even with my shoulders. This works out good for me. It's all personal preference. Don't follow trends, think outside the box and set 'em. Good Luck!

Apr 04, 2011
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the comment barry!

Mar 23, 2011
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do it your way
by: Barry (Bear) Reever

Brian, Looking good, One thing about building your own bike " DO IT YOUR WAY AND THE WAY YOU WANT IT " That's what it's all about. Your scoot is you and only you. Good luck and put some more pics up when you get them.

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