1974 Harley Shovelhead Salt Racer
Todd of Bent Brothers Custom Motorcycles in Boise, Idaho, United States made available these photographs of his awesome 1974 Harley Shovelhead Short Chop which he built in the spring of 2009. He calls her a Salt Racer.
From a bike design point of view, it is interesting to note that Todd has made very clever use of holes as a theme. These weight saving holes do not only support the overall racing looks of the bike, they also achieve that all individual parts of this bike are visually bound together. The picture fits.
This Salt Racer Bobber has a springer front fork and the rigid frame was goose necked. She has a very low profile.
Todd: "My name is Todd Apple and I live in Boise Idaho. I own a motorcycle shop called PRO POWER PERFORMANCE and I build custom bikes under the name BENT BROTHERS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES.
For this bike I goosnecked a Chopper frame that I bought from a friend. I rebuilt the 1974 shovelhead motor myself.
I built the seat. I drilled the paugho front fork. The headlight is a PIAA running light that I modified.
There will be more from Bent Brothers Custom Motorcycles!
Thanks, Todd."
1974 Harley Shovelhead Short Chop: Not all Choppers have long front forks.
Todd custom built everything on this bike and designed her to look old.
This short Chopper has certain "Mad Max" qualities and even if we all know that this is not a speed record breakin' bike,
for some reason the name "Salt Flat Racer" does not seem too far fetched.
We love the way that rear pipe curls around the front pipe...
Todd's bike looks good under all angles.
1974 Harley Davidson Shovelhead Engine
Todd completely rebuilt the 1974 HD Shovelhead motor. Primary is a 3" BDL belt, 4-speed transmission with a jockey shift.
This Harley Shovelhead engine has kick start only. The ignition is a magneto, there is no battery. True Oldschool style!
Springer Front Fork
Todd drilled the Paughco Springer front fork. The headlight is a modified PIAA running light.
Todd's Custom Leather Salt Racer Bobber Saddle
One of the things about this bike that we fell in love with immediately is that big leather saddle with those cool weight saving ventilation holes!
1974 Harley Shovelhead Bobber Gas Tank
This Bobber was built to look old, and the no frills Harley tank emblem points at the period the bike is from.
The gas tank is fitted with an external fuel gauge.
Bobber Tail Light
Todd: "The tail light is a Jammers that I cut up. The brass is heavy, it breaks the mounting brackets. Therefore the springs, to isolate vibrations on the tail light."
Bobber Rear End
Now that's a Bobber. Period.
For more information on Bent Brothers Bikes you are always welcome to call Todd at (208) 685-0185 or email:
" propowerperformance at hotmail dot com "
1649 Amber Street
Boise, ID 83706-1107,
United States
(208) 685-0185
October 2009
