Shovelhead
1977 S&S Shovelhead hardtail kicker - Insta: @HomemadeHarley
Original design and build by the late ‘Apache Jack’ Crossley, Engine built by Malcolm Barton
Tinwork and fettling by Les Field, Paint by Jake ‘The Flake’ Clark
I first came across this bike a few years back in some magazines. It was built by Apache Jack, a custom bike builder based in Brighton, and I immediately thought it was stunning—impractical, but stunning. I mean, who could endure riding a hardtail with their arms and legs stretched out for more than ten minutes?
I loved the colour, the big S&S engine, the reversed mudguard, an oil tank fashioned from two welded-together fire extinguishers, the unique shaved primary case, the lowered wide glide forks and those wheels —custom made with Moto Guzzi Borrani rims paired with a vintage 8” Norton hub brake — wow!.
Anyway, I liked it so much that I decided to use it as inspiration for my next bike build. But then it came up for sale……
I was familiar with the bike’s history, having read about it in a magazine. Apache Jack had spotted an advertisement for a blue and white 1977 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, which had been fitted with a replacement S&S engine. He purchased it as the foundation for his custom build. It had been sitting unused in a garage for over two years since Jack had sadly passed away and had difficulty starting. Jack’s modifications were impressive—thoughtfully designed with incredible attention to detail. The only original part left was the large S&S engine, which refused to start. Knowing that with a long period of inactivity would need good overhaul, I assumed that some new spark plugs, fresh fuel, and a bit of TLC I could get it going again. So, I decided to buy it.After just 30 miles, the engine started to rattle, and it was backfiring through the carburettor.
I began taking it apart to diagnose the issue, only to discover that the deeper I dug, the more problems I uncovered. The compression was extremely low and I knew it needed a rebuild so I opted to hand it over to Shovelhead expert Malcolm Barton. Four months and £6,000 later I got it back.The engine had the wrong camshaft which caused damage the heads and the pistons and barrels had overheated and badly worn. So I opted for a complete rebuild, including new barrels, Wiseco forged pistons, an Andrews Street/Drag racing camshaft and a list of new parts as long as your arm. 4 months later I got the bike back and within 10 miles it broke down again. The electrics had died. I then stripped down the primary side and upgraded the 22A electrics, whilst I was there, I swapped out the old clutch for a new 10 stud Barnett unit and then set to work on fabricating a new fuel tank, rear mudguard and Sissy bar. It's now off to Jake for the paintwork. 
Top: When I brought it. Bottom: Back home with its rebuilt engine prior to having the new tank and mudguard fitted.
The specs
