Back in the 1980s this bike was originally built by Kenny Flack, the owner of The Hog Shop, which was a small bike shop in Spring City, Pennsylvania. Kenny specialized in building big motors, and this was a bike that he built for himself. The 1975 Shovel motor is stroked with a set of big-bore cylinders, and the pistons are gas ported to provide a little more compression. The heads were machined, ported, and polished on a flow bench built by Kenny. The motor is sucking in air through a modified super B carb with an accelerator pump off a Holley carb. Then, for a little extra kick, a nitrous bottle strapped to the side. The tranny had gears back cut to stop any slipping out. The frame is a Jammer attached to an early FX front end.

Model, Sarah Maria Paul with a 1975 Harley-Davidson FX

Photo Depot by Joe

Kenny had the bike on the road for several years then tore it apart for a rebuild, when an unfortunate swimming-pool accident left Kenny virtually paralyzed from the neck down. His shop and all of its assets, including this bike, were sold through an auction. The bike was bought by a friend of his who actually left the bike in Kenny’s hands. Being that it was in pieces and he was no mechanic, the bike sat for several years and remained in Kenny’s garage.

I was introduced to Kenny through a mutual friend, and after several pleasant encounters he showed me this beautiful machine still sitting in his garage. It was love at first sight, and I knew we had to get this bike back on the road.

We know what you’re thinking, and yes, she does know that’s not how you ride a motorcycle.

Photo Depot by Joe

With some mechanical coaching from Kenny, I spent the next couple of months putting the ’75 back together. I was in my early 20s at the time and just getting started in bike building.

Once the motor and tranny were back together, and with a little tweaking here and there, the bike was ready to go. After adding a gallon of airplane fuel and some kicking she fired right up! I ripped around on the bike for several months while working on other bikes in Kenny’s basement, which we eventually turned into a small shop. Ultimately, the true owner of the bike (who bought it at the auction) wanted it since it was now running great. Sadly, it left my hands.

Owner Jon Ketcham and Model Sarah Maria Paul

Photo Depot by Joe

I moved on and started working for Cycle Stop in Norristown, Pennsylvania, thanks to the owner, Bob Holmes, who has had it since what seems like the beginning of time.

A few years later, with some wheeling and dealing the owner, I finally ended up buying it. I freshened the bike up, put in a new ignition, and it was back on the road again. Over the years she has been on and off the road but still hasn’t changed much. She is still lean and mean.

The restored motor.

Photo Depot by Joe

Specifications
General
Owner:	Jon Ketcham
Shop:	The Hog Shop
Shop Phone:	(610) 476-6840
Year/Make/Model:	1975/Harley-Davidson/FX
Fabrication:	Kenny Flack and Jon Ketcham
Build Time:	1 year
Engine
Year/Type/Size:	1975/H-D/98ci
Builder:	Kenny Flack and Jon Ketcham
Cases:	H-D
Cylinders:	S&S 3-5/8
Heads:	H-D Ported & Polished
Rocker Boxes:	H-D
Cams:	Andrews C Grind
Throttle Body:	Super B Carb
Air Cleaner:	S&S
Exhaust:	Paughco Shotgun
Transmission
Year/Type:	1975/H-D 4-speed
Gears:	Andrews
Clutch:	Rivera
Primary Drive:	Primo 2 in. belt drive
Frame
Year/Type:	’80s Jammer
Rake/Stretch:	38°/2-1/2 stretch
Suspension
Front End
Length:	6 in. over
Triple Trees:	Stock H-D
Rear Shocks:	Hardtail
Wheels, Tired, & Brakes
Front End
Builder/Size:	H-D/19 in.
Tire/Size:	Avon Speed Master/3.25 x 19 in.
Calipers:	H-D
Rotors:	Russel
Rear
Builder/Size:	Kelsey-Hayes Drop Center/16 in.
Tire/Size:	Avon Venom/150/80/16
Caliper:	Grimeca
Rotor:	Russell 10 in.
Finish/Paint
Manufacturer	Dupont
Colors:	Black
Paint/Graphics:	Orange Pinstripe
Plating/Polishing:	Browns
Powdercoating:	Big D Frisco
Accessories
Rear Fender:	Drag Specialties
Gas Tank:	’70s Sportster
Dash:	Early ’70s H-D
Gauges:	Early ’70s H-D
Handlebars:	H-D Buckhorn
Grips:	H-D
Mirrors:	H-D
Foot Controls:	H-D Mid-controls
Headlight:	H-D
Taillight:	Drag Specialties
License Mount:	Custom Side Mount
Seat:	Corbin