Daily Slideshow: ATS Paris's Softail Street Bob
ATS Harley-Davidson, one of France's oldest original HD dealers has created this bike to win it all at the 'Battle of the Kings.'
If you're gonna do it, then do it right
ATS Harley Davidson Paris Bastille has been in business for 30 years and holds the location of being smack dab right in the middle of the nation's capital. When the idea floated across the table to take part in the custom bike competition Battle of the Kings ATS knew they had to go all in with their bid. The dealership gathered up a team of experts along with a brand new Softail Street Bob and went to work on what would be a tour through time. The outcome was this racing infused bobber that was poised to take the judges by surprise.
A toast to years of success
“The shop was founded in 1985 and was originally focused on vintage Harley’s under the name ‘Antique Trading Supply," remarked shop spokesperson, Richard Clairefond. "We rebranded as ATS Harley-Davidson Paris Bastille in 1987 upon becoming an official dealer. We now hold the honor of being part of the original generation of official H-D dealers in France. This year, we’re celebrating our 30 year anniversary, making us the longest operating original owner dealer in the country."
It's a what?!
When asked to define the bike's style, Rich says that “I guess it’s a kind of flat tracking competition chopper.” We're not 100% sure what other bikes in that category would be like but it sure does have our interest. “It’s based on a 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob with the new ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ engine.” Freshly after being delivered right off of the truck, the base model bike was stripped down in mere hours. “The choice of the Street Bob as the base model for the build was in response to the general consensus of the shop’s staff. This was the one 2018 model everyone knew they could get behind.”
Getting the vision in place
“Initially, we were also inspired by the choppers of the 70’s and 80’s, but the choice of handlebars, tires, and racing tail were definitely touches taken from our love of flat tracking.” With that being said, an inspiration board had gone up with many members of the staff tacking on bits and pieces that to influence the shape of the build. The winning design was then based on not just popularity but also the supporting presentation of why it mattered. "Next we dialed in the basic lines of the bike via a Photoshop, playing with colors, graphics and engine finishings.” At this point, the build was started in earnest. Friend and master craftsman Didier was enlisted to help us form the bespoke parts, including the rear fender, seat assembly and clutch cover.”
Chipping away at things
“As the bike came together, we continually looked at fine-tuning the details with each member contributing new elements, including the vintage aircraft pilot seat references, frame covers, wheel discs and the engraved clutch cover with our 30th-anniversary logo.”
The parts list on the bike is as surprising as it is varied with things like an S&S air filter, Thunderbike turn signals, and Emgo trumpet silencers. The aspects of the bike that dipped into history were bits like the yellow headlight lens that recalled French national lighting standards of the 70's and 80's and the leather that came from a local specialist who has over 85,000 skins in stock.
A worthy competitor
“Defining the initial concept of the bike, the build process and especially the form and structure of the rear fender and seat assembly was tough. But once these were established, everything else came together quite smoothly. There are many highlights from the project,” concludes Rich. “But seeing the reaction of our clients when they enter the showroom and hearing of their emotional connection to the bike is hard to beat. Other than that, it was a pleasure to work alongside Matthieu our Sales guy, our GM Richard and Technicians Redouane and Jean-Christophe. Each member brought with them ideas from their particular generation and culture; it was amazing to see them all coming together into a cohesive design that is getting such a positive response.”
Sadly, the Street Bob didn't win the Battle of the Kings as that honor went to a custom Softail called Replica from HD Limoges.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
