You are looking at a radically modified 2003 Softail Harley-davidson rebuilt by Roland Sands Design. Is it something you could do yourself to your stock bike? Roland Sands thinks so. or pretty close. Of course, there is some RSD bodywork fabrication and modification involved in this customization, but most of the parts can be bought from Roland Sands catalog (Gas tank, beehive oil tank, motor mount, taillight, footrest and pegs, exhaust & covers), from Kuryakyn (heads, cylinders), Performance Machine (Primary, brakes, controls, wheels model Assault 21″ front and 18″ rear), Progressive rear suspension and a Suzuki GSXR front end. This custom named “Black Beauty” won second place in the “Modified Harley-Davidson” class at the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Roland Sands Design (photography HRF).
Roland Sands Design Black Beauty
Published by August 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.28 Responses to “Roland Sands Design Black Beauty”
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Now this is what I’m talking about when I mention plagiarism. This looks just like a lot of Adam Canni’s work from the last two years. Way to go RSD, you came in third again.
nothing really new
black and gold that not new the english bike was like that in the 70S
Lucky is the son of his father who can build bikes without having to find a client. Every builder has more talent with money and no constraints from a client.
Nice mix of Old and New.
-nicker-
I like it.
Greg…
I’ve known you for many years, so read this with an open mind. Your comment “when I mention plagiarism” is probably true for EVERY builder out there, from Arlen to Roland!
There are probably very few new, original ideas (although Roger certainly stays up late to come up with some).
Every good builder out there is a composite of everything they’ve been exposed to over the years. An idea here, and idea there, and pretty soon you fashion it altogether as an original bike.
So the real talent is taking what you know, what you’ve learned over the years, and putting it into a design you like. It’s that simple, and it’s not “plagiarism” at all.
MCBILL
I think what you say is true except for Arlen. He was making cool stuff over 40 years ago, he was doing theme bikes in the 70’s, he did twin motor bikes in the 70″s. I think Arlen is the guy that we all look at his stuff and learn from. Have a look at his books from way back and you will see why he is THE KING of CUSTOM…………………………………… .Mike
Rollin is super loco amigos…………kopi gato mucho.
Mucho times before same motorcycleta.
Jesse James lives !!!!
Frito Bandito
Hey Roland,
As you know I am a fan of course. Great job, yet again. I still say You, Rooke and Me need to build a bike together.
Conrad.
Pretty cool bike, nice color, very elegent! I like it!
I agree with Mike, about innovation, Arlen is the best.
And the main thing is Arlen stay very nice, very smily , take pics with everyone, speak with everybody.
That’s really the King of the Custom, not a kind of TV actor….
Gorgeous Bike, If I had a stock Softail I wold have almost a complete Bike left after I would have Built this Bike. Do not see much of my Softail in this Bike. How much to Build this Bike?
Another stupid comment that will NEVER come to fruition Conrad.
Love everything but the “Rocker” style seat.
Sarge,
Really? And who exactly may you be behind the fake name, another wanna be builder or someone who bought a Harley?>
Greg Hoeve
Aug 27th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Now this is what I’m talking about when I mention plagiarism. This looks just like a lot of Adam Canni’s work from the last two years. Way to go RSD, you came in third again.
Maybe RSD paid Adam Canni for the design. That would not be plagiarism. Not sure if that is the case or not just a thought. I like the bike though. Good job
Just-my—-
RE:
“… This looks just like a lot of Adam Canni’s work from the last two years…”
Looks like a Bobber to me………???
A well know, well worn, formula.
RE:
“…Plagiarism…”
Hows-zat work….???
-nicker-
boys boys boys, there is a much needed younger generation infusing both speed, style, and form meets function which is a much needed maneuver in our industry. Arlen is a great guy who has lead the industry the past 30 years but its time to retire and let the young guns stake claim. This bike is killer and shows both Roland’s racing history and his modern outlook on what is possible to accomplish with a bone stock harley.
I want to comment on the “Rocker Seat” remark, this is a bike not at all like the Rocker, this is a performance version of a Harley that is designed to leave the bitche at home and haul ass.
Also, on the cost of mods, my guesstimate for you Bigalyts is your looking at about 20K for the single side swingarm, anodizing, tank, bars, paint, etc. on top of the price of your bike, granted, if you bought your bike right, which you can come across these now for around 9 to 12K you are looking at a 32K bike. Every bit worth it and Roland and his talented crew are the ones leading the pack now!
Ok, Chris Moyes, do not take this to heart. I agree with you 100%
What has this frame from an original HD bike? The neck casting?
Given Roland Sands’ age (under 40) and personal (not familial) pedigree (AMA GP250 road-racing national champion), I wish this mega talented white kid from SoCal could turn his back on the hip-hop horseshit (straighten your hat, Roland–you’re not in NWA) and the egregiously expensive billet crap from daddy’s parts bins long enough to build a couple bikes working men from his peer group might actually aspire to build or own.
How can ANYONE say the estimated $32k cost of this bike is “worth it” in today’s economy. What Roland has created here is just another rolling dick extension for peacocking tough guys at HOG rallies and sidewalk socials. No one could ride this bike to an overnight campout without wearing a giant backpack or asking the old lady to drive chase.
This bike is a showcase for the approximately $20k worth of PM billet bullshit that does NOTHING to enhance the utility or performance of this bike. No more no less. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (RS is, after all, an employee of the company his father built and sold), I just wish Roland would focus a portion of his talent on a more affordable and austere side of the scene (how about hop-up parts for pre-rubber mount Sporties, for instance?)
Where is Jesse Rooke ? Is he still building bikes or has he ridden off into the sunset?
Mikeout,
Rooke is still around and doing his badass and unique bikes.
conrad, thanks, its about time we agree on something eh?
Chris,
I agree!!! HAHA
Hopefully this means good things for the future. BTW the bike you did in the Production Bike show was pretty good looking…But dont use that as an endorsement..LOL.
Conrad
I’d ride it daily and abuse the shit out of it.Seems ok to me.
I think that is Tom Fosters exhaust pipe style !
WOW! I stumbled across this blog, and I am in complete awwhh how people can be so hateful and Jealous. @ Dick, Your jealous ranting, and hateful comments only highlight the lack of appreciation you have for art, and design. An idea comes from whatever an artist has seen or done in his or her life. This bike is more original than any bike I have seen from Any bike builder alive. Not to mention it was built from the foundation of a stock harley, built with performance parts that look cool to boot. Who out there is building bikes like this? I can’t name one. The personal attack about Roland and his family is only telling me that you are the guy who looks over at another mans private parts in the bathroom and says in his head ” I wish mine was that big” Roland may have inherited his way into the motorcycle world because of his Dad, but he did the work, and made the best out of it. Talk about unique, he is the only bike builder who doesn’t act like he is a member of a bike gang or club. When I read comments like yours and a couple of the douche bags on this blog, it only tells me one thing. You can’t do what this kid can do. Who else is designing parts that look good, perform good, and can bolt up to any harley. This is exactly what people are looking for in today’s world.. Get with the times “DICK” no pun intended, what a name to grow up with.. and you are hating on Roland. Keep the dream alive Roland.. your sh#% is tight…
This bike is fantastic. Cant get enough of it. Love examining every detail. Hey Rooke, time to step up.