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Of Shovella, Lambert said, “I’ve owned and restored several 1984 FLHs. They’re my favorite because 1984 was the last year of the Shovel. So when I saw this 1985 at Barnett’s in El Paso, I knew I had to have it. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I had the end result in mind.” What Lambert loves best about his bike is it’s unique qualities. “This is a very rare bike,” he said. “It’s been called The Bike That Doesn’t Exist. Harley-Davidson historians and archives say 1984 was the last year of the Shovel. So how can this be a 1985? I wrote to Harley and they responded, ‘296 Shovelhead police bikes were made in 1985 with belt drive.’ When I first saw the bike it didn’t have the original fenders, spotlights, turn signals, or headlights. My challenge was to restore it to its original condition.”

Lambert said tearing the bike down was the easy part. “I set out to find the parts I needed; I ordered a brand new complete front end and upper slider cowbells from Barnett H-D. I found a ’70s-era batwing fairing on the used parts table at Barnett’s, and also mirrors, passenger pegs, front fender, and fender trim as well. Other items I found on eBay: 1984 original spotlights, taillight, crash bar, luggage rack, saddlebags, Pingel fuel valve, and classic grips. The tank emblem is similar to the Electra Glide emblem he said. “But I’ve had the bike for two years now and it runs flawless. I’ve had zero problems mechanically. I ride it almost every day. Mostly I ride in the El Paso and Las Cruces area, and I’ve made two trips to Ruidoso, New Mexico.”

So if you’re ever at Barnett’s and you think your bike is Web-worthy, be sure and let us know. If you’re not in our area, contact me at wenmanning313@aim.com and we’ll see what we can do about showing the world your pride and joy. And by that I mean your bike.