Custom Softail Salutes & Supports Our Nation’s Heroes!

Built to honor the new USS Milwaukee, special Softail now heads to Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction, happening Jan. 23-27.

Harley-Davidson and the military go together like peanut butter and jelly. After all, a good percentage of those who ride have also served. And even those that haven’t had the honor of serving are arguably the most appreciative of those who have. We can’t even begin to count the number of fundraisers and special events Harley folks put on each year, after all. But this custom Softail Slim is a different kind of salute – a rolling one.

The special, one-off Softail was designed by Harley-Davidson Chief Stylist Ray Drea. The concept? To pay homage to the USS Milwaukee. Harley unveiled the bike at their factory headquarters, and it even served as a special display at the commissioning ceremony of the USS Milwaukee back in 2015. Where it fit in just perfectly, covered in color-matched Navy duds and a special shade of Battleship Gray.

The U.S. Navy logo also joins the H-D logo on the gas tanks. The USS Milwaukee’s crest adorns the front fender, with the Littoral Combat Ship on the rear fender. Harley blacked out most of the chrome. Even the custom air intake is modeled to look like speaker systems you’ll find on Navy ships.

And yet, none of these cool details represent the best part of the bike. Lockheed Martin, who commissioned the build, is now auctioning it off at the upcoming Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction. All of the proceeds will go to National Military Family Association, a non-profit organization serving military service members and their families.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Softail and a way to help our nation’s heroes, here’s your chance! The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction kicks off January 23 and runs through Jan. 27.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.