John F's '68 FL Restification by Cycle Creations!


133 E. Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501	The Restification of John F's '68 FL

	516-248-1850

You've seen it going together, now see it completed. A fitting reincarnation for a late '60s dresser; the end result is astounding. These photos don't do this bike justice, but you'll get the idea.

The buildup from start to finish

Where it began — Page 1 — Page 2

	And now the rest of the story... As we stated in a previous installment, the motor started off as a 74-inch stock mill. When we pulled it apart to freshen up the bottom end, we found many hairline cracks in the case. There aren't too many manufacturers of "slab-side" Shovelhead cases so we chose a set from STD.
	During the rebuilding process, we discussed a number of performance options with John, and settled on a few "minor" enhancements. Modifications began with the selection of an 87ci S&S stroker kit. The heads received port, polish, and flow work with cc'ed chambers along with Black Diamond nitrided valves with Bronzanium guides and Crane Teflon seals. An S&S cam bumps JIMS Big Axle solid tappets activate the valve train.
	When it came to ignition duties, we eliminated the points distributor and replaced it with a Mallory solid-state single-fire system in a billet distributor. An S&S Super E carb sucks fuel from the tanks through a Pingel Hi-Flow fuel valve. Exhaust is handled by a true dual system.
	To match the improvements in the motor, we installed a RevTech 5-speed-in-a-4speed box with a kickstarter. This trans would allow John to keep up with his Evo riding buddies, and maybe even pass a few of them in the process! To get all the power to the ground, we installed a BDL "Power Clutch Pack." This setup offers nice, smooth shifting while providing plenty of bite.

Following the performance enhancements, we shifted to improving the bike's handling. We turned to Progressive Suspension for a set of their 13.5-inch fully shrouded performance shocks, and to Avon for a pair of 130x90-16" Venom tires that we mounted on the stock rims in front and back.

For eye appeal, the only concessions away from stock were the paint (House of Kolor Kandy Brandywine over a black base with Cadillac Escalade White Pearl for the two-tone, squirted by Brian at Splatterhouse Graphics), 12-inch mini apes, Ness grips, a custom Corbin saddle, Ness Radius tail light assembly and a lay-down license plate frame with built-in directionals.

How did it all turn out? When Eric took the bike for its first test ride he got pulled over twice by the local gendarmerie¡not because he violated any local laws but because they wanted to check out the bike!

More important is John (our customer, after all) happy? The day he came down to pick it up he brought his own videographer with him to film his maiden voyage. John was married the second week of July in 2004, and he hauled his '68 to upstate NY to be the centerpiece of his wedding reception. We think he's doubly happy: he now has a beautiful bride AND a beautiful ride!

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