Here's an example of the look I will be heading toward with the Panhead (yes, I know this has shovel heads on it...)

New projects

Keep checking back for information on our latest motorcycle build, a 1963 Harley Davidson Panhead.

Motorcycle Building

One of the few hobbies that I have (other than Amateur Radio, surfing, hunting, fishing, and playing guitar) has been building vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles. My start was with my 1976 HD Superglide. When I bought it, it was relatively stock and I rode it for a few years with few problems.

I completely disassembled the motorcycle in 2000 due to a failing bearing in the lower end of the motor. This bearing had "lost it's way" and found a home inside my oil pump, effectively disabling the engine. While apart, I decided that I should inspect every other component on the motorcycle since I had time to wait for the motor to be rebuilt by Bill Hoover in Easton, MD.

At this point, I decided that I like the vintage look of a rigid frame, that is one with no rear suspension. I also like stopping, so modern dual disc brakes were a necessity on the front end. I scoured the internet for parts on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and specialty motorcycle forums like The Jockey Journal. I also went to many shops and met a few people who are still close friends to this day.

Ultimately, it took almost two years of hard work and significant setbacks and obstacles to complete a project I though would take a winter. I have personally touched every nut and bolt on the motorcycle. Every system was rebuilt and inspected and I would not hesitate to ride this bike anywhere.