Old Harley Flathead On New Cover Shop Dope Discuss Old Harley Flathead On New Cover in the Motorcycles forums; Curious what peopel here think of the old style flathead Harley 45 we are featuring on the cover of American Iron Magazine this month. I believe this might be the ...

[Buzz Kanter]

Curious what peopel here think of the old style flathead Harley 45 we are featuring on the cover of American Iron Magazine this month.

I believe this might be the first time we featured a Harley 45 as the main image on the cover of American Iron Magazine - the world's best selling Harley magazine.

I'd consider that bike a real "Shop Dope" kind of bike as it was built by the owner and used inexpensive Harley and aftermarket parts for the entire build.

[48panshovel]

I think it looks great. You should have more Flatheads featured in the magazine!

[shovelmike]

Hey there Buzz. According to the info provided in the article that flattie is an 80 cubic inch. I love the looks of that bike....and it gets down the road quicker than a 45 would.

[Mr. Big]

Being a "Fool for Old School" I really like the 45's and I almost bought a Servi-Car a few months back to start a project. As far as the cover bike, it's really nice looking but how far could you ride this thing before calling 911? At least put a padded spring seat on it and give yourself a chance to make some miles.

I see so many nice machines from bobbers and choppers etc., but hey, build something that's at least rideable. Sometimes I think the focus on building these bikes leans so far to the "art form" side that little attention is paid to being able to actually ride it further than the burger joint around the corner.

What a waste of time and money. Maybe Mike has a cast iron butt and can ride this thing but the great majority could not. Build me something most of us could ride 50 miles at a clip and then I'll be impressed.

[Buzz Kanter]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

Being a "Fool for Old School" I really like the 45's and I almost bought a Servi-Car a few months back to start a project. As far as the cover bike, it's really nice looking but how far could you ride this thing before calling 911? At least put a padded spring seat on it and give yourself a chance to make some miles.

I see so many nice machines from bobbers and choppers etc., but hey, build something that's at least rideable. Sometimes I think the focus on building these bikes leans so far to the "art form" side that little attention is paid to being able to actually ride it further than the burger joint around the corner.

What a waste of time and money. Maybe Mike has a cast iron butt and can ride this thing but the great majority could not. Build me something most of us could ride 50 miles at a clip and then I'll be impressed.

For what it's worth I happen to know he DOES ride this thing a lot more often and mmore miles than many harley riders, even Harley bagger owners. When I go to the local cruise night in Stamford, he is often there, and when I go to Marcus Dairy on just about any Sunday morning he is there. I wouldn't be surprised if he rides that bike 500 to 1,000 miles in most weeks.

[brewdude]

Nothing like the flatheads in my opinion.

[Mr. Big]

Originally Posted by Buzz Kanter

For what it's worth I happen to know he DOES ride this thing a lot more often and mmore miles than many harley riders, even Harley bagger owners. When I go to the local cruise night in Stamford, he is often there, and when I go to Marcus Dairy on just about any Sunday morning he is there. I wouldn't be surprised if he rides that bike 500 to 1,000 miles in most weeks.

Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. And like you said, he is the exception and rides "more often" and "more miles than many harley riders". I guess my point is, I see so many builders sacrifice rideability for looks. I read the bike ads on Craigslist everyday and I've lost count on how many production choppers I've seen that are 3-5 years old and have 2500 miles on them. I just wish these guys would be a little more real world with their build.

And 500-1000 miles a week?!! C'mon.......

[Buzz Kanter]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. And like you said, he is the exception and rides "more often" and "more miles than many harley riders". I guess my point is, I see so many builders sacrifice rideability for looks. I read the bike ads on Craigslist everyday and I've lost count on how many production choppers I've seen that are 3-5 years old and have 2500 miles on them. I just wish these guys would be a little more real world with their build.

And 500-1000 miles a week?!! C'mon.......

I know what you mean about the high end "customs" what have won all sorts of trophies in the last 3-5 years with no more than 2,000 miles on the odometer.

[lightning]

Love the 45 s but often wonder about the ride- ability of the customs. Build one that rides as good as the cover bike looks and put it in the center fold. Great job buzz.

[laclyzlat]

Good Work!!!!