Memories Of The 90’s On A 2015 Harley Softail

1rick3rick5rickThe objective of this feature is not to impress you with a custom “tour de force”. Instead, it is to demonstrate that in a short time, with very few custom parts, you can look custom while still preserving the pure Harley DNA … and your factory warranty. “Taildraggers” were quite popular in the 90’s, especially in South California where many riders of Mexican heritage had a special affinity for this style of bikes. Surprisingly, this project was a commission from a client of Rick’s Motorcycles, an official Harley-Davidson in Germany, a well known customizer and custom parts creator (through House Of Customs)

7rick6rickDelivered to the client during the recent Rick’s annual Open House and displayed during the one-day event, Rick himself was himself to receive several orders for the same type of bike. And since I observe in the US a regain of interest for the “Chicano” style, I really wonder if this style of bikes is not turning in a new custom trend.

2rick8rick4rickA rake of 4 degrees in the triple tree, a chrome swingarm for some bling, a 21” front and 18” rear fat spoke wheels (model Steve from Ricks), white wall tires for a touch of retro, a complete headlight nacelle, a very comfortable solo seat (from Drag Specialties), Fistail mufflers on KessTech exhaust, ape hangers for some attitude and absolutely no modifications on engine and tranny, turned this 2015 Softail Deluxe into a great nostalgic daily rider. A few hours away from the official unveiling of the 2016 model-year Harley models I wonder how such a bike would fare if integrated in the new lineup. (photos @ H. Roesler for C. Huze)

15 Responses to “Memories Of The 90’s On A 2015 Harley Softail”


  1. 1 Geno Aug 22nd, 2015 at 8:38 am

    I’m on my 2nd Softail Deluxe and that looks like an OEM factory seat.

  2. 2 B. D. Aug 22nd, 2015 at 11:16 am

    On a recent visit to Southern California, I learned four Mexican words: ‘Low to the Ground’.

    Great, but since I am not a Mexican…

  3. 3 Brandon Aug 23rd, 2015 at 5:34 am

    I like this style.

  4. 4 Iron Horse Aug 23rd, 2015 at 6:36 am

    I like it.

    Some of the better looking billet wheels I’ve seen for quite a while too.

  5. 5 SIGFREED Aug 23rd, 2015 at 7:05 am

    Can safely say you will not see Donald Trump on one of these…

    I am not into the sky-bars that makes you look like an ape crossed with a fruit bat.

    I do however like smart (bolt-on) customization – a lot. A real talent will take a handful of bolt-ons and make it pop. Sehr gut gemacht.

    PS – must say the seat does look remarkably ‘standard’ (not that there is much wrong with the std seat on a new Deluxe).

  6. 6 LowriderLarry Aug 23rd, 2015 at 8:52 am

    Nice bike. Well done. Simple, not overdone and affordable. A lot of style and yet a classic HD stock bike.

  7. 7 Russ Mansfield Aug 23rd, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Believe it or not. Many Harley riders (the majority?) want their custom Harley still looking like a Harley. Reason why I like this bolt-on project. Thanks cyril for publishing a good example.

  8. 8 Capt. Al Aug 23rd, 2015 at 10:02 am

    If you rode this Bike in Mexico, you would scrape bottom everywhere! This is a bolt on Project that still gives one a Custom Bike that They built themselves.

  9. 9 Calif phil Aug 23rd, 2015 at 10:18 am

    The bike looks great but to call it a taildragger I think it should have a taildragger fender.

  10. 10 Roberto Aug 23rd, 2015 at 11:04 am

    I Never got the chrome swingarm. Why not chrome the entire frame then?

  11. 11 Yank Aug 23rd, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Really cool looking. Needs to be lowered to be truly a chicano style bike but very nice bike that would be fun to ride

  12. 12 P. Hamilton Aug 23rd, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Great spoke wheels. I guess the fenders got some modification.

  13. 13 Johno Aug 23rd, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    I have never been an afficianado of “ape hangers”, but then I’ve never ridden with them. seems like your arms would get tard.

  14. 14 domino Aug 23rd, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    …….Praise the Lowered…….

    Domino Dave

  15. 15 Blackmax Aug 24th, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Very Nice !!!

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Cyril Huze