Keeping It Real
HEAVY DUTY Magazine|March/April 2019

This Easy Rider era Genny Shovel is as authentic as it gets ...

Craig Pattison
Keeping It Real

Kickstart, rigid frame, ’68 Genny Shovelhead engine, 4-speed ratchet gearbox, 3in belt drive open primary, drum brakes, dog bone risers and a springer front-end with no fender – yep, it all screams Classic Chopper.

After owner James had purchased his dream ride he had big ideas for it and was soon in discussions with talented bike builder Glenn Aitken.

Initially, Glenn was just going to paint the custom tank and ’66 Sportster rear fender James had recently installed, but that lead to the all-too-common case of going deeper than planned. Glenn suggested painting the frame to match the tins and from there, James’ bike was on the path to a full rebuild.

There were minor repairs required on the frame prior to paint, including an Indian Larry recommended 31.5 degrees of rake being set into the head stem, plus Glenn added a pair of stainless steel button-head allen bolts to the frame to ‘bump stop’ the springer front-end against, so as not to damage the Candy Apple red over silver paintwork.

This story is from the March/April 2019 edition of HEAVY DUTY Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March/April 2019 edition of HEAVY DUTY Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEAVY DUTY MAGAZINEView All
Polishing The Facets
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

Polishing The Facets

Finessing the sharp edges and making that 124 sing and dance

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
The Fabulous Flexi Flyer
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

The Fabulous Flexi Flyer

A genuine time capsule with history oozing from every single unique pore.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2021
Road Raves Living The Life With Doc Robinson
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

Road Raves Living The Life With Doc Robinson

WORDS OF WISDOM “When I was old enough to ride a motorcycle and got my license, I bought a ’69 Sportster.” – Chuck Zito

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2021
The End Of The Line
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

The End Of The Line

Writing a road test about a bike that is due to disappear from dealers’ floors any minute is a bit weird. Should this be more of a eulogy?

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
Now It's Time To Head Down Track
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

Now It's Time To Head Down Track

What happens when I’m ready to race at an IHRA-sanctioned dragstrip?

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2021
RAUCOUS ROCKY
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

RAUCOUS ROCKY

With our own area called the Motorcycle Precinct, bikers were well catered for at this year’s RockyNats

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2021
S&S SUPERSTREET
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

S&S SUPERSTREET

With a Softail Deluxe already dripping in chrome, of course Paul was easily swayed by the offer of a shiny, new S&S SuperStreet two-into-one.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
SPORTS STILL ROARING
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

SPORTS STILL ROARING

Blues skies greeted the National Roaring Sporties racers for Round Two at the challenging Morgan Park Raceway near Warwick, Qld.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2021
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Even some of the locals are over the yodelling and pedal steel guitars. HOG member and history nerd, Roderick Eime explores another side of Tamworth and the surrounding region.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
HAPPY HOGGIES
HEAVY DUTY Magazine

HAPPY HOGGIES

The drought was well and truly broken with HOG members from all over Australia making it to Rockhampton.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2021