Foxy Lady

June 10, 2020

Article By: George the Painter

Photos By: Michael Lichter

Originally Published In The May 2019 Issue of Cycle Source Magazine

Foxy Lady, built from a Flame 1979 FLH Shovelhead by Roadside Marty in Pensacola, FL. Photographed by Michael Lichter in Sturgis, SD on 7/28/18. ©2018 Michael Lichter.

A shovelhead in a four-speed frame – some men have been known to be obsessed with this combination. However, in recent years, the shovel combination seems to have been ignored. Most seem to be opting for Pans and Knucks while a perfectly good running Shovelhead can be had for the price of a decent set of tank shifter tanks. A well-built Shovel will run circles around those other motors and as is demonstrated by world-renowned Master of Ceremonies Roadside Marty’s latest build, can be built into a righteous chop at a price that is still fun.

Marty, a man who has allowed thousands of pairs of puppies to breath at events up and down the east coast, knows what he wants when he builds a new ride .With this one, he has allowed the venerable four-speed frame to set the tone for the rest of the build. Swing arm frames, in general, have an ugliness rating that warrants them to either be covered up or just replaced with a hardtail because although a definite engineering element, it was never really addressed as a design element. Alternatively, with the four-speed frame, it is a you can hang a bunch of shit off it like the Shovelhead FL’s. It won’t be an eyesore either way. Try that with a stock Twin Cam frame, and you’ll get the idea.

Marty started this build with a four-speed frame in good shape. He sent it to Jeremy at LC Fabrication where the stock frame went under the knife and four inches up and two inches out were added. A six inch over 39mm front end was used up front and the sports machined lowers were done by Steve McDonald of Gorilla Fabrication. He is also responsible for the spacers holding the Led Sled Invader styled wheel. There is one in the rear to match. The motor is a stock 80 cubic inch 79 Shovelhead that Marty blew apart. He had the cases, heads and other aluminum engine pieces polished by Elite Polishing. The build runs a stock ratchet top trannny. Elite is also responsible for the polished trans case and covers. A Super “E” carburetor held in place with FN’A tight seal kit provides the fuel. The spark is provided by a simple points set up. Spent gasses are handled by a chrome Thunderheader that ends next to the Chrome swing arm which is suspended by stock full cover shocks.

A stock polished inner and chrome outer primary cover, house a stock clutch and primary drive. A stock configuration starter was incorporated along with a Super Glide kicker for those mornings when a button is a whole lot nicer to have. Because it was running without a brake up front Marty got serious with the rear stopping power. A four piston Performance Machine caliper is hung around the 11.5 inch full floating rear rotor via a Fabricator Kevin one-off rear caliper bracket. Biltwell bars hold a simple throttle and clutch while the foot controls are 2000 and up Softail with Fabu- lous Kevin adapter plates. The foot pegs and hand grips also by Biltwell. A 2.5-gallon flat bottom King Sporty tank was supplied by Lowbrow Customs and sits high on the altered backbone. Out back arepop Crazy Frank rear fender was made by Old Glory Handcrafted. Having heard all the noise about the repoped fender Marty is quick to point out that the fender on the bike is far superior to the originals and came with the sissy bar and seat pan. The seat was upholstered by Curt Green of Bare Bones Leather.

The sheet metal was sprayed by Darren Williams at Liquid Illusions. It is sprayed with “Roadside Marty” flames over a black base. The traditional flame job leaves a strong, appealing impression whether moving or on the kickstand. Originally Marty built this bike for Michael Lichter’s Passion Built show which has now come and gone. This isn’t a bike Marty is planning on selling. With the four-speed frame, good looks and comfortable swing arm ride, you can bet you’ll be seeing this bike around the scene. Marty would like to thank a few folks for helping get “Foxy Lady” on the road. Steve McDonald from Gorilla Fabrication, his Dad the Might Shelton, the two Zacks from Ft. Walton and of course his better half SueAnn for being patient and supportive through it all. So, dig those swing arm frames out from under the workbench and build a cool sled and remember, unfulfilled subscriptions is mail fraud. Have a nice day. “GTP”