Rico Fodrey is a down to earth dude who is the mecahincal master behind a lot of old iron bombing around the streets of So Cal. From superstars to shitbirds, he treats them all the same and always entertains with his self-deprecating humor and analysis of today's chopper enthusiast. At his small, but tidy shop in Pamona, CA he builds complete bikes and does just about every sort of tune and service a customer needs. He's usally seen riding his ratty ass Honda chop survivor, even though he works on Harleys all day. Maybe that's why? I think it's because it's such a trustworthy old machine and because it freaks out all the period correct choppersnobs who are killing themselves to have the coolest machine this side of Yokohama. When Rico feels like riding the Milwaukee iron, he's usually seen on one of his customers bikes "shaking it down" but he also rides this sweet shovelhead that won first place at the Grand National Roadster Show back in 2005. Years later, the bike still stands up with classic style and subtle touches that never fall out of favor.
Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1973 FLH shovel. 80ci. red shift cam, hot rod'd heads
Frame: Stock 1952 HD
Fork: HD 1952 2 under
Chassis mods: Basically stock 1952 chassis except for rear wheel & disc
Tire/wheel size and style: Ft-18 Dunlop rim - star hub & drum brake. RR-16 dual flange- 49t sprocket & 10" PM disc
Favorite thing about this bike: Runs/rides smooth & reliable anywear & everywear = been through 26 states wth only oil & gas
Next modification will be: Just switched to Biltwell's Risor, and my bars - thinking of selling it so I can build another rider ?
Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: 1952 tranny wth close ratio gears, BDL belt/Barnett Scorpion clutch- reverse shifting (1 up 3 down) for hot rodding. Foot pegs moved back 11" and about a hundred more subtlle mods
http://www.chopcult.com/news/articles/hi-bond-modified-shovelhead.html
Any one interested in buying bike is welcome to take it 4 a good (street-Hwy) ride!
Guaranteed many BS free miles. Not including normal ware & tare.
It’ll sell itself. Easy never fail –cold or hot- starting.
Rides smooth, easy, comfortable, reliable.
Also runs like a raped ape if u feel playful = 65-85mph on Hwy, for 100s of miles –
4 riding u wont find a better vintage cycle
*Bike comes with a Photo “build diary” part by part from the start.
Step 1 through fit & various mock up incarnations, raw & rough
100 of pieces restored – customized - repaired.
Chronicles engine parts, through Rebirth.
Great record of everything in bare metal, no surprise’s later!
Boxes of parts going to sand blaster, chrome/polish & powder coat
empty trans/engine cases… photo history of what would cost
$15,000 + to have a shop build OR gather this blend of vintage parts!
Also a Documentary Film, with footage of this bike build.
“choppertowm – choppertown FTV” (from the vault) both DVDs
The FTV” DVD has lots of footage of this bike build.
Built throughout 2005, its 1st start up & ride was Xmas day 2005.
30 days later it won, 1st place Award/Trophy –vintage motorcycle, at
2006 GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW
List of magazines/publications bike has been featured in:
2005 & 06 – Garage Magazine
2006 Hardcore chopper – Japan
2006 Wild magazine – France
2006 Hot bike - USA
2006 freeway magazine – France
2006 & 07 Street Chopper
2006 & 07 Road Course - art books
2007 Cruisin – Japan
2008 Motor Books coffee table book “Cole foster & the Salinas Boys
Currently can see recent Internet spotlight at – www.chopcult.com
Or my www.hbmshop.com site in bikes section.
Interested in buying bike – were in Pomona Ca.
909-208-8795 Rico Fodrey
Email- hibondmodified@hotmail.com
