10 Favorite Harley-Davidson Softail Custom Bikes
1984 was a big year, with the unveiling of the Evolution Engine and the introduction of the first Softail (a HD registered trademark). This more traditional looking bike became a hit immediately, but there is always room to improve and personalize
1. 1990 Springer Softail
This heavily skull and crossbone themed, ever evolving springer masterpiece, is akin to a work of art. Hector Grimaldo, a service advisor at Longhorn Harley-Davidson in Grand Prairie Texas for over 10 years, is the creator. Truly an artistic achievement it features hand made, original, and custom designed seat, saddle bags, handle bars, headlight, gauges and a whole lot more. Hector rides it too, it isn't just a garage kept show bike,with over 500,000 EVO miles of coast to coast touring experience.
2. 1984 FXSTC Softail Custom
This Softail has many features hard to imagine on a bike back in 1984, including a CB radio, flame paint, padded backrest, luggage rack and oil temperature gauge. The owner has built it with a perfect blend of custom accessories rapidly becoming standard on a bike of today. It also features a kick and electric starter, which is cool. I wish my bike had that.
3. 2001 FLSTS Heritage Springer
The Heritage Softail Springer is already a throwback looking bike, but this one is even more so. An arresting superstar, this chromed-out, clean-lined, vintage EVO 5-speed superstar score high favorability from everyone who sees it. The added fishtails mufflers, white walls, and beach bars contributes to the retro look of this Springer.
4. 1994 FLSTN Heritage Deluxe
A stately presentation of sparkling chrome rims, diamond spokes, lots of engine glitter, this bike could blind you is seen on a bright day. Despite teh Heritage looks, it also has an alarm/pager, Corbin seat and adjustable shocks. The traditional shaped lights pack LED and halogen bulbs, representing futuristic thinking and function, while demonstrating vintage and timeless qualities.
5. 2012 FLS Softail Slim - Gothic Styled Bobber
The Crowned Stallion custom from Rough Crafts is a Softail based bobber featuring super low seat height, fat balloon tires, and a real evil look. The 103 cubic inch big twin is ready to raise some hell, and with those open pipes it may even be able to wake the dead. Tarnished brass colored pipes and push rod tubes give it a real old school patina, and the monogram detailing makes it look like Dracula himself may own it. Winston Yeh of Taiwan is the builder responsible for this beast. Find out a lot more details at BikeExif.
6. 2007 FLSTC Heritage Classic - Lowrider Style
This automotive lowrider, cholo style, Softail custom looks like a piece of fine jewelry when you get close, but is still has the power to get away. Beautifully elegant and precise paint work, and a complex color scheme form a perfect blend of power and beauty for this piece of eye candy. Engraved chrome by Hernan's Customs, stretched tank molded frame with matching headlight lenses are such exquisite quality they could be sold by Tiffany's.
7. 2005 FLSTF Fat Boy - Brown Pride
Craftsmanship and precision hand engraving define the quality of this intricately detailed superstar. The Candy Beer Bottle Brown paint, with 50 spoke rims blast this lowrider style Softtail straight to the top of my list. Builder/owner Gerado Jimenez dedicated this very brown bike to his Hispanic heritage, and called it Brown Pride. Check out a lot more details at Lowrider.
8. 2009 FXSTSSE Screamin' Eagle Softail Springer
This bodacious Springer is dressed to the nine's, even as it was stripped down of any unnecessary parts. A real show winner, this bike has got 3rd at prize at the Ultimate Builder Bike Show Seattle in 2011. The uniformity of vision helps all of the parts blend together to make the overall presentation a winner. Eric Roland owns this noble steed, and Urban Customs did the work.
9. 2006 FLST Heritage - Old and Ratty
Blessed by Mother Nature or Cursed by Father Time? Two outstanding bikes, One bike was built to look old and ratty, the other (lower right) is naturally old and ratty. One cost a lot of money to get that way, the other is honest patina. Make your choice, an actual antique bike restored just enough to be rideable, or a modern reliable bike dressed up to look like a neglected family heirloom. Which would you prefer?
10. 2006 FLSD Softail Deluxe - eBay Special
An example of the whole being greater than the parts, this 90% eBay parts built renaissance bike by Doug Ide is amazing. Bags, fenders, lowers, all modified from different year and models of Harley combine to make a unique custom, completed with Cadillac tail lights frenched into the bags. Truly a magnificent display of creativity, knowledge of materials, blending form and function. You can find out all the details and read about the build at Hot Bike.
If you need help with service of your Softail or other bike, the how to section of HDForums.com are there for you.
