2023 Drag Specialties OldBook Bike— Drag Specialties is excited to feature a 1967 Harley-Davidson FL customized by Mark Shadley of Shadley Bros. Motorcycles, as the 2023-24 OldBook cover bike. The Shadleys, lifelong enthusiasts and fulltime custom bike builders, are well-known for their many high-quality, strong running custom bike builds. “I had this bike on hand when the conversation started with Drag Specialties about a cover bike build,” Shadley said. “The bike is a generator-model Shovelhead motor; these were only available in a four-year period: 1966 thru 1969, so it is a somewhat rare bike to start with; it was a very good candidate for the build.” The stock displacement was 74”. “This one has been punched out to 93”,” said Shadley, “to give it ON THE COVER a little more wind.” It is modified with S&S Super Stock™ cylinder heads and an S&S flywheel to give it the added cubic inches and power output. The transmission gears are a close-ratio 4-speed set from Andrews. “I got the transmission kit right out of the Drag Specialties catalogue,” Shadley said. A stronger clutch setup and transmission sprockets also went into the improved, rebuilt drivetrain. Shadley added an electronic ignition system and a later-model style starter. He also upgraded the charging system, the wiring and used LED lights for the signals and brake lights. “When you build a bike for Drag Specialties, you focus on what is available in the catalogue,” Shadley said. “There is a lot in there! The idea is to make the build accessible, not stray too far. I wanted to add some modern touches, but still keep the build looking correct for the time period.” Pictured is the 2023-24 Drag Specialties OldBook cover bike build team (L-R): Bobby Shadley, Paul Shadley, Mark Shadley and Dean Shadley.
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