Everyone who's jumped head first into an old motorcycle purchase knows the feeling. The butterflies at approach, the adrenalin rush during sputter on first kick, or the soul-sucking disbelief when the whole deal shits the bed. Zack Taylor jumped into his Electric Buzzard the old-fashioned way: on a wing and a prayer.

I bought this bike in its original form about two weeks after I sold the first bike I ever owned. I knew I wanted something that had some soul and would help me learn. I bought it blind—I'd never even kickstarted a bike before. I rode it for the season until the top end let loose and totally pooched it. My goal at first was to just get the motor running again. As soon as I pulled that motor I said "fuck it" and tore the whole bike apart in a couple of days. I decided I was going to make it the way I wanted, and to learn how everything worked as I put it back together. My buddy Hank let me work out of his shop for the whole build. He helped me with everything I struggled with. Without his help I would probably still be building this pig. 

I'm flossin' with Biltwell risers and a seat hinge and a Bench*Mark points cover. Thanks, guys.

Bike: Electric Buzzard

Year, make model of motor, plus engine mods: Stock '77 shovel with 10:1 pistons and a hotter cam

Year, make, model of original frame, plus mods: Stock '77 shovel frame with a weld-on hardtail

Fork: FL forks with cut and shortened tubes

Front/rear wheel rim, tire and hub specs: 16" steamrollers with Firestone meats

Dudes who lended a hand: Hank Decken, Joe Lingley, Sean Larose  

Check out Zack's blog