Harley Springer Softail Pays Homage to Legendary Artist
This old school Softail embraces what Harley started and runs with it using inspiration from a likely source.
The Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail itself was a nod to another era, inspired by models built decades earlier. That much is visible from the industrial revolution happening up front, with a skinny front wheel, loads of chrome, springs, stubby swingarms, and a single damper. Throw in a raked look and a solid-mount V-Twin, and you’ve got one seriously old school experience. One that Harley-Davidson Forums member YeOldeStonecat decided to take a few steps further.
We spotted the gorgeous Softail over in the H-D Forums Marketplace, where it’s currently up for grabs. And we found ourselves trying to come up with excuses to add it to our own stable, honestly. Because who can resist somethings so clean, cool, and retro? On top of the timeless FXSTS Springer Softail looks, things have been further enhanced with a load of inspiration from none other than legendary Harley artist David Mann.
Building a bike to emulate Mann’s iconic paintings is nothing new, of course. Folks have been doing that for decades. But these days, much of the chopper culture has been lost on things like comfort and fancy modern electronics. This Softail, however, is all about being connected to the open road, speed, and unadulterated freedom.
There’s plenty of grunt to get you there, too. The 1340 Evo mill has been treated to a Mikuni 42 carb and gooseneck pipes for a little extra oomph. Altogether, the owner has clearly taken what Harley started and simply enhanced it. And in a day and age full of fancy neon light-equipped, big-wheeled show queens, that’s a breath of fresh air in our opinion!
