51- An Authentic Modern Harley. But With Nostalgia Through And Through.

After the excesses of the 90’s, 00’s and the 2008 recession, many Harley riders had to rethink about what they expect from a custom motorcycle. For an official Harley dealer, top of the game is now to prepare modern machines with an old school flair. The platform of this 51 -to celebrate the 51th anniversary of Harley Heaven in Switzerland – is the FXS Softail Blackline model, the fourth addition to H-D’s Dark Custom series. On the show floor, a very clean and uncluttered bobber theme.

At least intuitively, all designers know good design has always been about creating objects that stand the test of time with a perceived sense of quality and timelessness. Custom Harley Design works wonder when it is overflowing with nostalgia. Official dealers know this well. Nothing seducing more potential buyers than adding old-age flair to a reliable new- age factory model, often all warranties preserved thanks to using after-market products from the genuine H-D parts catalog.

Out of the factory the FXS is a pleasant cruiser either around town or on the highway. A 21″ front wheel, a 5.6″ fork travels, a 4.8″ of trail make it an in-town brawler just in need of cosmetic improvements to make it look (for a non professional, so for the majority of people in the streets) just like a extremely well maintained 50’s Bobber.

Owner Rainier Baechli has his own recipe to turn a new H-D into an even more desirable machine. Few components for a very reasonable customization budget, but a lot added charm in the final result. The full tech sheet is below. Austrian Airbrush pro Marcus Pfeil is one of the long time painters and performed this advanced paint job. Rather than going for the established “brushed bare metal” look from “Harley-Davidson or to the Marlboro Man” time, Pfeil added several layers of silver coating to be later lighly “brushed” then pinstriped, Result: A cool “aged” look that catches the eye and makes you look twice. Harley Heaven. (photos @ H. Roesler for C. Huze. Model Joy) `

Name: Heaven 51
Owner: for sale
Location: Dietikon Switzerland, Baechli Harley Heaven
Assembly: Baechli Harley Heaven
Year: 2017
Duration: 3 Months
Finishishing date: January 2018
Model: FXS 2011
Value: TBD
Motor:
Year:  2017
Lower end: Stock HD
Crankshaft: Stock HD
Cylinder: Stock HD
Pistons: Stock HD
Displacement:  110 Cubic-Inch
Con Rods: Stock HD
Heads: Stock HD
Valves: Stock HD
Pushrods: Stock HD
Camshaft(s): Stock HD
Carburator: Stock HD Fuel Injection
Air filter: Custom Chrome Europe
Ignition: Stock HD
Pipes: BSL
Muffler: BSL
Horsepower (hp): Stock HD
Gears: 6
Schifting: Foot
Primary: Stock HDClutch: Stock HD
Secondary transmission: Stock HD, belt drive
Frame: Stock HD FXS
Year: 2017
Rale: Stock HD
Schocks: Stock HD
Fork: H-D Springer conversion
Manufacturer: H-D
Extension: stock
Other: Sidemount number plate by Baechli
Wheels:
Front: Stock HD Spoke Wheel
Size: 3.00 x 16
Hub: Stock HD
Spokes: Stock HD
Tire: Shinzo 5.00 x 16
Rear: Stock HD Spoke Wheel
Size: 3.00 x 16
Hub: Stock HD
Spokes: Stock HD
Tire: Shinzo 5.00 x 16
Brakes:
Front:
Brake disc: Stock HD
Brake caliper: H-D Single Piston
rear:
Brake disc: Stock HD
Brake caliper: Stock HD
Other: —
Accessoires:
Riser: Custom Chrome Europe
Handlebar: H-D Beach Bar
Mirror: H-D Accessories
Grips: H-D Accessories
Pegs: H-D Accessories
Front: H-D Accessories
Rear: H-D Accessories
Tank: Stock HD
Seat: H-D Accessories
Oiltank: Stock HD
Fenders:
Front: None
Rear: SCP, modified by Baechli Harley Heaven
Elektrics:
Headlight: H-D Accessories
Taillight: Vity Design
Indicators: Rizoma Club
Wiring: Stock H-D + Baechli Harley-Heaven
Other: Speedo Motogadget
Painting:
Idea: Harley-Heaven
Painter: Pfeil Design, Marcus Pfeil
Base laquer: Pfeil Design
Color: Matt silver, “brushed” surface
Airbrush-art/Design: Pfeil Design, special “brushed” Design and Harley-Heaven “51” Logo and Pinstriping
Harley Heaven.

13 Responses to “51- An Authentic Modern Harley. But With Nostalgia Through And Through.”


  1. 1 reyn Apr 16th, 2018 at 9:54 am

    Funny, I was looking at a used Crossbones last week with the idea of a similar project. I would add a new front brake fast, the stick HD one is stunningly feeble.

    But as a basis for a low cost bar brawler custom it is appealing

  2. 2 Seymour Apr 16th, 2018 at 10:12 am

    Tanks’s too big, bars too wide and low. On the right track though.

  3. 3 Boomer Apr 16th, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Nice looking with nice lines. The bike ain’t bad either.

  4. 4 BOSS HAWG Apr 16th, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Not for me, but I do like it.

    Bike looks like fun to ride and does look good, but I must say the lady is looks very nice, too.

    Boss Hawg

  5. 5 H-D Heathen Apr 16th, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    …”A 21″ front wheel,…”

    Better look again, 16″ dog killers…front & rear.

    I’d ride the hell out of something like that.

  6. 6 Tussuck Apr 17th, 2018 at 7:05 am

    Wow…..Thats just soooooooooo boring. There is not one redeeming feature on that bike.

  7. 7 Chris Apr 17th, 2018 at 7:40 am

    I disagree there is one redeeming feature…whats her number?

  8. 8 Hadley Apr 17th, 2018 at 7:44 am

    Perfect !!!!

  9. 9 Emmett Apr 17th, 2018 at 8:28 am

    Note to “Motor Company”: Build a couple of M8 models like this and you will sell a few more new bikes beyond the flat paint/blacked out models currently in the catalog. Nice bike.

  10. 10 SIGFREED Apr 17th, 2018 at 8:45 am

    CHRIS is the only awake to the highest value accessory on the vehicle on display here ;-)…

    With Twin Cams soon floating around for a dime a dozen, I have a feeling they will soon become the go-to-custom platform. A vast plethora of bolt-ons available, coupled with some basic fab mods (eg cutting off a few tabs, welding on a few others, etc) and you have a ticket to steady cash-flow (for any shop that can see the opportunity). The greatest advantage perhaps – you keep the title (and far less harassment by the Gestapo hiding in the shadows).

    Talking of cash(-flow) – I see an opportunity for someone with the time and talent (perhaps he goes by the name of Cyril), to publish a high-end coffee-table edition, tracking all the V-Twin customization trends- and phases – with all the lead characters from each period and custom trend (including the honorable CH), from day one (ie the early days of the previous century).

  11. 11 Mitch Apr 18th, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    Great article!

  12. 12 hacksaw Apr 23rd, 2018 at 9:23 am

    still too porky, but a nice try!

  13. 13 chuck cain Apr 26th, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    looks great H-D should be producing them.

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Cyril Huze