The Shovel 2000 is another bike in our test fleet. We modified the rigid-frame Shovel starting back in the January 2000 issue of Hot Rod Bikes. The bike belongs to the Editor who has had it for almost 40 years, during which time the poor motorcycle has endured countless abuses and changes to its appearance and performance.
When first modified in those late days of 1999 and early 2000, the Shovel went through a drastic driveline upgrade. Out came the early generator engine and the four-speed transmission, the modified fat bob tanks, along with the '77 Sportster front end. During the ensuing months, an S&S 80ci engine was assembled and fitted into the early Jammer frame. A RevTech five-in-a-four transmission was slid in behind the engine and connected by one of Belt Drive Limited's 3-inch, open beltdrives. A late-model Sportster gas tank went high up on the top frame bar, and a John Reed-designed Regency front end from Custom Chrome replaced the aging Sporty unit up front.
Since this version of the Shovel was completed, it has been used for Shovel exhaust testing and has endured a few hundred dyno runs. The Shovel was set on fire (not on purpose) when we did a pyrotechnic cover. It has also been to every major motorcycle event in the country, most of them more than once.
But now its time for a change and some more pipe testing, especially since S&S has introduced its new generation Shovelhead-style engine. If you, the readers, have some ideas on what combinations of parts you would like tested on the dyno, e-mail or write us.