1973 Harley-Davidson FLH

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Just wanted to make it my own. Make a bike that no one else had. I hated the fact that everyone seemed to have the same thing.

What motivated you to start your project?

I retired from the Air Force after 20+ years. I’ve always wanted to build a bike and also wanted a bike that was as old as I was. After looking for quite some time I finally found my bike and started right away.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Either my sissy bar that has an old wrench of my grandfathers incorporated into it, or the old school belt buckle, given to me by a family friend, that’s mounted on the forks.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that I knew ZERO about building a bike and said, “ Screw it I’m gonna do it all myself “…and I did.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

Most guys my age or younger dig it. But most older dudes liked it the way it was before I tore it apart. It was like a fat boy with lots of chrome. I hated it.

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One Comment

Kathryn Dow says:

September 27, 2021 at 12:04 pm

My husband busted his ass working on this thing. He was so meticulous in putting this together. He has gotten so many great compliments on how original it is. K

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Submitted by: Thomas D

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Specifics

Classification: Chopper/Bobber

Make, Model & Year: 1973 Harley-Davidson FLH

Fondly known as: Dirty Cunt Death Machine

Time spent: Over a year off and on

Motorcycle cost: $4500

Money spent: $3000

Engine: 74 ci

Intake: S&S Super E

Exhaust: Twisted Choppers slash cut headers

Transmission: Factory four speed

Frame: Stock frame

Suspension: Swingarm with 10 in progressive shocks

Wheels, tires and brakes: Fatty 16×3 in front and rear tires with black rims. Rear brake only.

Finish – Paint: Black powder coated frame. Rear fender and tank are raw steel that was blued using gun bluing solution, then wiped down with ATF to help prevent rusting.

Accessories: Bare bones as can be. Headlight and tail light only. Kick only (I removed the starter), jockey shift with foot clutch.