Eric Vaughn Texas Shovelhead Chopper Doesn’t Follow Rules—and That’s the Point
The Eric Vaughn Texas Shovelhead chopper isn’t built to fit in, and it sure as hell doesn’t try to. This Houston-born machine is what happens when a builder stops worrying about rules and starts chasing ideas.
At first glance, the bell might throw you off. A bell on a chopper? Sounds strange—until you see how Eric made it the centerpiece of the entire build.
Watch the Full Video Feature
From Swingarm to Hardtail Foundation
This 1979 Shovelhead didn’t start life the way you see it now. It began as a swingarm frame before being converted into a hardtail using a V-Twin rigid weld-on. That move alone set the tone for everything that followed.
From there, the bike took on a life of its own.
Handmade Details That Define the Build
What makes the Eric Vaughn Texas Shovelhead chopper stand out isn’t just the big picture—it’s the small decisions stacked on top of each other.
Eric handled the stainless work in-house, bending his own gas lines and shaping components to fit his vision instead of settling for off-the-shelf parts. That kind of control changes everything.
Then there’s the brass. It looks killer, no question, but it comes with a price—constant upkeep. Eric doesn’t shy away from that reality. It’s part of the deal when you build something at this level.
Custom pegs, grips, and subtle amethyst details are worked throughout the bike, giving it a personality that doesn’t rely on trends or hype.
The Bell That Started It All
The bell isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the idea that sparked the entire build.
Instead of treating it like an afterthought, Eric built around it. That decision pushed the design into a direction you don’t see every day, proving that sometimes the wild ideas are the ones worth chasing.
Paint, Flow, and Cohesion
The dark burgundy pearl paint ties everything together. It’s not loud, but it’s deep, rich, and deliberate—just like the rest of the bike.
Details like the windowed neck, scalloped tank sides, and fuel sight gauge all play into that cohesive feel. Nothing is random. Every part has a purpose.
Real-World Build, Real-World Story
This isn’t just a showpiece. The Eric Vaughn Texas Shovelhead chopper carries a story that goes beyond the shop.
From its connection to Born Free to the influence of the client who helped shape the final outcome, this bike lived a full life before and after it hit the road.
And that’s what makes it hit harder. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about what it took to get there and what it’s like to actually live with it.
Why This Chopper Matters
There are a lot of polished builds out there. This isn’t one of them.
This is a builder laying it out straight—what worked, what didn’t, and what it takes to build something that stands on its own.
If you’re into Shovelheads, chopper culture, and real-deal craftsmanship, the Eric Vaughn Texas Shovelhead chopper is exactly what you want to see.
Midnight Rider Tech Sheet:
Owner: Rodney Stevens
City/State: Houston, TX
Builder: Eric Vaughan
Year: 1978
Model: FL
Value: $50,000+
Time: Many Hours
ENGINE
Year: 1978
Model: Shovelhead
Builder: B&B Racing
Ignition: Points
Displacement: 80”
Pistons: Domed Stock
Heads: Stock
Carb: S&S Super E
Cam: Andrews A Grind
Air Cleaner: Brass Velocity Stack
Exhaust: Eric Vaugahn
Primary: Diamond Tin
TRANSMISSION
Year: 1978
Make: Harley-Davidson FL
Shifting: Ratchet
FRAME
Year: 1978
Model: Harley-Davidson
Rake: Stock
Stretch: Stock
FORKS
Builder: W&W Cycle
Type: Springer
Triple Trees: Springer
WHEELS
Front Wheel: Spoke Star Hub
Size: 21”
Tire: Firestone
Front Brake: Vented Drum
Rear Wheel: Spoke Star Hub
Size: 18”
Tire: Firestone
Rear Brake: Drum
PAINT
Painter: Homer Saenz
color: Dark Burgundy Pearl
Graphics: Ghost Flames
Type:
Chroming: Speed & Sport Chrome Plating
accessories
Bars:
Risers: Hellings & Stellings
Hand Controls: Custom Tech
Foot Controls: Eric Vaughan
Gas Tank(s): Eric Vaughan
Oil Tank: Stock Horseshoe
Front Fender: None
Rear Fender: Narrowed, Flared – Eric Vaughan
Seat: Eric Vaughan
Headlight: Bates
Taillight: Prism Supply
Speedo: None
Photographer: Heather Callen