It debuted on the 1948 Harley-Davidson Model S, found its way onto the backbone of the Sportster in the 50s, and became a staple of both The Motor Co.’s factory offerings and custom choppers. The word ‘iconic’ is bandied about much these days—but the humble peanut tank deserves it.
Last year’s Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show celebrated the peanut tank’s fame with a curated exhibition of bikes equipped with peanut tanks, called the Peanut Tank Extravaganza. But one machine in particular stood out—a Harley Shovelhead that took the assignment literally.
The idea to build a chopper with a bona fide peanut-shaped tank was hatched, as most are, over shared libations. Kozo Tateoka, the founder of Sun Motorcycles in Hiroshima, was drinking with Heiwa MC’s Kengo Kimura, Wedge Motorcycle’s Takashi Nihira, and the man behind A Beard, Fumihiko Ueda. When the topic of the Peanut Tank Extravaganza came up, Kimura-san pitched the idea of building a “real peanut,” and things snowballed.
In no time, Tateoka-san dragged the entire crew to OA 100 Project—a company specializing in automobile bodywork and rapid prototyping. There, they 3D-scanned a Planters Mr. Peanut figurine that Kozo had bought in the US some time ago. Mr. Peanut’s body was sized up, adjusted, and used to create a 1:1 buck.
Kengo stepped up to the plate next, hammering out the steel fuel tank over the peanut-shaped buck. Between him and Kozo, the unique design was fitted with mounting tabs, a tunnel, and a pop-up filler cap, turning it into a fully-functioning fuel tank.
Once that was done, the peanut went to Wedge Motorcycle’s workshop, where Nihira-san was tasked with adding a layer of realism to the smooth, gourd-like tank. Using putty and various paint textures and techniques, he brought the team’s wacky idea to life in vivid detail. A twirling copper fuel line plumbs the tank into the system, mimicking a peanut stem.
Equal parts unhinged and impressive, the “real peanut” tank only tells part of the story. That’s because the bike it’s perched atop is a legitimately cool chopper. “Everyone worked together to make the tank, so I thought I’d get in trouble if I cut corners on the rest of the bike,” Kozo quips.
The donor bike was a 1972-model Harley-Davidson FLH 1200. Kozo tore it down to its nuts and bolts, converted it to a hardtail, and installed a 1974 springer front end. 19F/16R wheels complete the rolling chassis, fitted with Firestone tires, Kustom Tech brakes, and Mooneyes rear wheel discs that match the pattern of the front hub.
The vintage Shovelhead motor was rebuilt with Mahle pistons, assisted by a local tuning shop, 45 Degrees. Other upgrades include an S&S Cycle Super E carb and a Dynatek Dyna S ignition. The motor exhales through a pair of handmade trumpet exhausts, with subtle indents in the cans adding an interesting detail.
The Harley’s head- and taillights are from Prism Supply Co. in the USA, while its handlebars are one-offs. A foot clutch and custom-made hand shifter help keep the cockpit super sano, with an aftermarket speedo mounted to the left of the fuel tank.
The Shovel’s supporting bodywork was kept simple and stylish, to better emphasize the peanut tank. The seat was inspired by classic lowrider bicycles; another whimsical detail. A polished oil tank was installed below it, with an abbreviated fender and sissy bar completing the tail end of the bike.
Finally, N2 Auto got the build over the finish line with a tasteful teal paint job on the frame and fender.
Comical by nature, but professional in its execution, Sun and co.’s Real Peanut Shovelhead is a breath of fresh air. After all, how often do you come across a machine that can poke fun at the establishment with this much panache?
Sun Motorcycles | Heiwa MC | Wedge Motorcycle | Images by, and with many thanks to, Kazuo Matsumoto
