As I explained 2 weeks ago, for each new motorcycle model there is a rush from dealers and from independent shops to become the first to customize it and to make it known by the largest number of bikers. This year, the rush to customize is amplified by Eight all-new Softail® models featuring a reinvented frame with easily adjustable mono shock rear suspension conceived to harness the massive power of the Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines.
We already know that the 2018 Fat Boy with its muscular stance (a 160 mm front and 240 mm rear solid-disc wheels) is going to be one of the most sought-after Softails.
Official German Harley-Davidson Wuerzburg Village was the first to customize one on time to display it September 5 to 10 at the 20th European Bike Week. But it was a very simple and partial bolt-on job. Rick’s Motorcycles aka Harley-Davidson Baden-Baden was not far behind with this bolt-on creation featuring Rick’s existing or adapted or brand new 2018 after-market parts.
The Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines, the most powerful Harley engines has ever put in a Softail® frame, were already “customized” with Rick’s parts on numerous of his touring bike conversions. So, no extra work was necessary. But with their R&D and CAD departments on standby since the US Dealer show, Rick’s crew was ready to redesign and adapt, first their proprietary “Rodder” wheels to the new Softail swingarm. Then it was time to CAD redesign all sheet metal bodywork, from tail end (a short and long version will be available) to front fender.
Gas tank was “visually” extended using a small cheap part invented by Rick’s for the Twin Cam “Breakout”: a metal cover neatly joining the Rick’s tail end/seat assembly with the factory tank. Of course you have the option to have the steel tank stretched at a later custom stage, a more costly proposition because of the labor time involved and the necessity to repaint the gas tank.
A Rick’s “Good Guys” air filter (now available with a CNC cut that matches the wheel design), grips and adjustable hand controls complete the bolt-on job.
In less than a month after the introduction of a completely new model line by Harley, the Rick’s team has adapted the entire line of Rick’s custom parts not only to the 2018 Fat Boy but also to the other all-new 7 Softails of the line-up. Quite an achievement!
Rick’s Motorcycles . Harley From Baden Baden. (photos @ Peter Schulz for Cyril Huze)
Real nice clean looking bike!
Very neat
I like the small piece between tank and tailend.
“I like the small piece between tank and tailend.”
that’s what she said
very nice bike , I would like to see forward controls though ……………
Great looking bike——–
Tuff Metal !!!
I like the big piece between the front wheel and the back wheel – VERY COOL!
PS – Me thinks the new HD’s are going to be even bigger across the pond.
Outstanding. I wish HD dealers around here had the enthusiasm to do bikes like that.
That swingarm is still hideous.
I dig it. I’d like to see it raised a couple inches with a bit less rake, but this is much more like a rider’s custom. Nice work.
Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki are all ripped off by the “new Fatboy”! Can you say “metric”.
What was the price for that Fat Boy conversion?
Apparently he lucked out and got one with issues, my friend was not so lucky – brand new bike, can’t even ride it without things leaking everywhere.