A 1974 Harley gets a 1947 makeover for 2008

Posted  Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008 , by  Mike Morgan

With thousands of Harley riders and enthusiasts enjoying the 105th Anniversary festivities, there were a couple of local enthusiasts who really seemed to epitomize the spirit of Harley on this night.

Lifelong Milwaukeean Steve Peters and his nephew Ryan arrived at Juneau Avenue on a 1974 XLCH Sportster. While riding a bike of that era is unusual on its own, Peters’ retro customization, costume and attitude take it to another level.

Peters, a self-employed graphic designer specializing in vintage design, considers his Sportster as close as he can get to his dream bike of the famous 1936 EL. After buying the Sportster for $1,974 (get it?) in 1992, Peters decided to reverse a couple numbers and began turning back the clock to give it a 1947 look and feel.

Some of the “streamline” vintage design cues on Peters’ 1000 cc bike include 3-foot wide handlebars, small round mirrors, exhaust, sprung solo seat, leather saddlebags, vintage tank emblem, chrome speedlines, horn and toolkit. Mechanically, the bike uses a kick start with shift controls on the right side. Despite all that retrofitting, Peters estimates he rides the bike almost 1,000 miles a year and attends numerous events and bike shows, including all previous Harley anniversaries.

Peters’ bike was likely produced at the Harley-Davidson York, Pa. facility just after major production work shifted there from Juneau Avenue. However, since parts were still being made at Juneau Avenue at that time, it’s possible some of Peters’ Sportster was born at the historic Milwaukee location. Local dealers also enjoy helping with the restoration project when he needs vintage parts.

Dressing the part of an authentic dapper biker from the art deco era, Peters was sporting a vintage cap, pants, leggings and boots along with a brown button-down shirt and thin black tie.

The retro look and feel Peters brought to the Kick-Off event was appreciated by his 22-year-old nephew Ryan, who rode in with him and looks forward to riding someday.

Peters shares an appreciation for the design of that bygone era, including that of Milwaukee legend Brooks Stevens with Harley’s design guru Willie G. Davidson, who worked at Stevens before coming to Harley-Davidson in 1963. “I guess I was just born too late,” Peters concluded.

Posted Wed, Aug 27, 10:45 PM by doug hale

I have an idea that would help emprove gas milage who can I talk to? doughale505@yahoo.com

Posted Wed, Aug 27, 10:45 PM by Shovel Head

Kool Bike, I am riding a 75 Superglide which got me to and from the 105th with a smile on my face the whole way. The best thing I ever did was purchase it in 1981 for $1800. This investment is still giving memories. I am looking forward to riding it again to the 110th. There are so many great memories of riding with friends on the shovel head and I cant wait for the next ride on the machine I love most. What is great about any Harley is that if you take care of it, it will take better care of you.

Posted Wed, Aug 27, 10:45 PM by Christine Saxby

I found this particular blog interesting. In 1976 My Husband David and His Brother Paul went partners in thier first Harley Davidson Bike, It was the 1976 Bicentenial limited edition Sportster 1000cc( I believe it was actually purchased sometime in 1975). For awhile they shared this wonderful bike, Then Paul decided to branch off to a different type of Harley so David bought out Pauls share in the bike. Just a bit of backround on how this Bike started out its Journey after leaving the factory going to the Dealership to the 2 Saxby brothers to Davids possession. David Likes to keep things in thier orginal condition (except for a different seat for alittle more comfortm always saving the orginal seat also to keep it orginal). David rides and I am a passenger. We have rode it to the 100th and to this years 105th and we dont ride it all that often because it is one of Davids most cherished items. This was such a very wonderfully made Bike that it takes very little maintance every year when we get it out. We hope to ride this Bike for as long as we are able to as many anniversary celebrations as we can...The Joy this Bike gives to us and the memories of family and good people we meet at the anniversary celebrations give us the feelings that no money can buy and a part of a tradition and pride that Harley Davidson brings to every person who goes with the experience. Thank You Harley Davidson and all fellow riders for another wonderful memory to ad to my life.