Zak Gibbons 1970 Shovelhead Chopper

The Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine

Zak Gibbons 1970 Shovelhead Chopper

By: Lincoln Infiel Photos By: Derek Sikes @inthewee s757

n the never ending search for bikes to feature in The Carolinas’ Full Throttle M agazine, I

reached out to fellow photographer and chopper guy Derek Sikes to see if he had any choppers from the Carolinas that we could feature. Derek (@intheweeds757) runs a great pod cast on Spotify and other platforms and blog page named Choppers: In The Weeds (choppersintheweeds.com), both of which I recommend you checking out. Derek came back and said he had some shots of Zak Gibbons’ shovel. I was stoked, I had a chance to admire this sweet chopper at Zak’s annual Twin Rivers Chopper Campout (@twinriverschoppercampout) in Crumpler, NC this past year.

When asked how he got into motorcycles, Zak responded that he “Always wanted a motorcycle and bought my first bike, an 84 Yamaha virago in 2012. Immediately started chopping on it and several Harleys later I have been addicted to it ever since”. Zak purchased the 1970 Shovelhead as a 90’s style chopper but has since changed most parts other than the frame and drive train.

Born in Massachusetts, Zak was raised in NC and loves to ride roads surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Sparta and Meadows Of Dan area. To which Derek Sikes describes on the Choppers: In The Weeds blog, “Riding with him feels a lot like a page right out of Hunter S. Thompson’s infamous recount of riding with a pack in the 60’s. We’re talking white knuckling at 90 mph on mountain back roads. With only a single rear caliper brake, foot clutch and hand shift, it’s a suicide machine that Zak handles with uncommon grace”.

Make sure to check out this year’s Twin Rivers Chopper Campout that is scheduled for August 14- 16, 2020 and get a look at this awesome shovelhead chopper and other rad bikes for yourself. Until then, check out these photos of Zak Gibbons’ 1970 Shovelhead Chopper.

Year: 1970 Make: Chopper Model: FL Frame: Paughco Engine: Shovelhead Carb: S&S Super E Front End: Columbus Handlebars: Custom Made By Cycle Refinery Seat: Custom Bison Leather By Myself And Cory Wood/ Holdsteady Co. Paint: Myself Sissybar: Stainless By Me Wheels: 16” Stock Harley Rear 21” Spool Front Special Features: Open Belt Drive, Jockey Shift, No Front Brake, Hand Painted Harley Logo Using A Stencil On The Tank. Lots Of Interesting Jewels And Different Antique Pieces All Over The Bike

Photos By: Derek Sikes @intheweeds757 Shot On 35mm Film, Home Processed And Scanned