Tyler Foster's 1972 FLH

if you have been around the motorcycle community for any time, then you probably know the company SikPipes. If you haven’t, then you need to check them out. For about 14 years, Tyler Foster has been knocking out some truly innovative and “Sik” exhaust systems for Harley V-Twins. Even if you are familiar with SikPipes, you may not be aware that they also do fabrication and custom coating work besides exhaust. This recent build not only shows off SikPipes exhaust fabrication skill but also their other abilities around the shop.

A 1972 Shovelhead, in “Project” shape, was acquired to get things going. While Tyler has built several motorcycles, this was his first venture into “the belly of the beast” by doing a complete engine rebuild including splitting the cases. Tyler wanted to thank Bill Dodge for coaching him through this process and helping with part selection.

Before putting the engine back together, Tyler blasted the parts and Cerakoted them. This coating is super strong and heat resistant. With the external parts coated, the assembly started with pistons from S & S and a Red cam. An S & S Super E was bolted on to bring in the fuel and get the fire started, an S & S Super E was bolted on, and a Dynatec ignition was installed. Everything was then topped off with an STF Bee Blocker air cleaner. The frame and swing arm were cleaned up next. Drop seat castings were added to give the ride a little lower feel. To continue the slammed feel dropped axle castings were grafted onto the swing arm. With the modifications finished, the whole thing

Article By: Matt Reel Photos By: Melissa DeBord

was treated to its own Cerakote coating.

With the frame and engine ready, it was time to get the rest of the drivetrain going. The original Harley 4 speed was freshened up, and a hydraulic clutch actuator was added on. Everything was bolted into the fresh frame and tied together with a BDL belt drive. To finish off the chassis Pro One triple trees were added along with 2-inch under Pro One tubes.

Now that the chassis was ready, things needed to get rolling. The 18x5.5 rear and 21x3.25 front SMT wheels were shod in Bridgestone tires. Galfer performance rotors were added to give the Tokico calipers something to bite into. This was all mounted up, and a set of Ohlins shocks were bolted on to suspend the rear.

Now, what’s a hot rod if you can’t control it. To get control of this beast, Tyler added a set of Death Metal Racing risers topped with Pro Taper handlebars. To give pressure to those brake calipers, Brembo hand

controls were used.

To finish things off a Led Sled fender was cut and fit to the swing arm with a set of custom struts whipped up in the SikPipes shop. Tyler went to Bung King for one of their Oil Tank kits for oil containment. These kits allow you to perfectly fit the tank to your frame and mount the ins and outs where you want. A gas tank was ordered and then thoroughly cut up for the fit and look Tyler was after. With all that done, it was time for some color. Kyle Morley was tasked with laying down the paint, and we can all agree he killed it.

Now, there is one thing left to finish this bike off. With a company named SikPipes you better show up with an EXHAUST. Tyler wanted a 2 into 1 that made a statement, but he also wanted a kicker. These two things don’t always work well with each other. Tyler found a simple fix for that problem. That fix would be the left side of the bike. Tyler fabbed up a stainless-steel system that snaked around to the left, tucked in tight, and then dumped out like the Hot Rod it

Owner: Tyler Foster City/State: tioga pa Builder: sikepipes Year: 1972 Model: shovelhead Value: priceless Time: ENGINE Year: 1972 Model: shovelhead Builder: Tyler Foster Ignition: Dynatek Displacement: 74in Pistons: s&S Heads: H-D Carb: S&S Cam: red cam Air Cleaner: old stf bee blocker Exhaust: sikpipes Primary: BDL TRANSMISSION Year: 1972 Make: Harley Davidson Shifting: rachet 4 speed FRAME Year: 1972 Model: Harley Davidson FX Rake: Stock Stretch: stock Forks Builder: Type: black pro one tubes Triple Trees: pro one Extension: -2 WHEELS Front Wheel: smt ps 1 Size: 21” Tire: avon Front Brake: galfer Rear Wheel: smt ps 1 Size: 18” Tire: bridgestone Rear Brake: galfer PAINT Painter: xecution style Color: white/orange Type: Graphics: performance style Chroming: cerakote ACCESSORIES Bars: pro taper Risers: death metal racing Hand Controls: brembo Foot Controls: death metal racing Gas Tank(s): custom Oil Tank: bung king Front fender: None Rear Fender: led sled Seat: gritwell Headlight: custom Tail light: led custom made Speedo: None Photographer: Melissa DeBord

With the bike done and on the ground, Tyler found that not only did he have an outstanding billboard for his exhaust and fabrication work but a really fun bike to ride. Tyler rolled into Daytona with the Shovel, where it was photographed, and has been hitting rallies and shows everywhere with it since.

Tyler wanted to send out a big thank you to Justin Fairchild, who is always down to help on whatever idea pops up, and, of course, his wife for accepting, dealing with, and putting up with this crazy lifestyle he and the rest of us love so much.