Custom 1999 Harley-Davidson Softail is the Product of Persistence
The product of hard work and dedication, this Softail Springer is ALL show and ALL go.
DNA Build
The passion to build custom motorcycles might be hereditary — at least it is for John Alvey. His cool-looking 1999 Harley-Davidson FLSTS Softail Springer is an inspired project and the product of persistence. Alvey explained, “My father had a garage full of motorcycles, and I’ve always been into anything with a motor and wheels.”
Photos courtesy of Lowrider Magazine.
Go the Distance
Alvey has always gone to great lengths to accomplish his projects — even as a teenager. With the slim proceeds from his summer job he bought a vintage Schwinn Stingray bicycle to trick-out and practice the art of custom painting. At seventeen, he ended up traveling to Ohio to buy his first Harley-Davidson. Once acquired, Alvey got busy “customizing the hell out of it.”
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Stretch and Shave
Alvey purchased his Softail Springer in 2003 — the same year he opened Alvey’s Bodyworx in Louisville, Kentucky. The first thing Alvey did was to stretch the rear fender and massage in a 1939 Buick tail light. He also fabricated a one-off fender and shaved the rivets so he could have a nice, flat canvas for the custom paint.
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Show and Go
Powering Alvey's 1999 Softail Springer is the potent 124 cubic-inch S&S V124 — the largest of the Evolution-based engines made by S&S. Equipped with an S&S Super G carburetor and 640 cams, the V124 cranks out a healthy 128 horsepower and 133 foot-pounds of torque. Not to be outdone by the intense paint job, Alvey's V124 received a full polish treatment.
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Extended Drop
In keeping with the 'lowrider' look, the V124's spent gasses are blown out through a set of extended Samson Cholos Fishtail exhaust. Getting the big motor's power under control is performed with a set of chromed Performance Machine brake rotors and calipers. Dropping the back end down to pavement level is achieved with a self-contained, VIAIR 444C two-way diaphragm air management system.
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Classic Chrome
No chrome was spared for the rolling stock on Alvey's Softail Springer. In a classic style, the rims are 100-spoke HDW cross-laced wheels. A set of Vee Rubber Fat Whitewall tires wraps the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear rims. Cycle Smith floorboards and foot controls take care of input duties, while a place to hold on to is provided by a set of eighteen-inch Carlini Ape Hangers.
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Seen / Unseen
The real star of the build is the eye-popping Rootbeer Brown paint job and variegated gold leaf. Using Hot Hues Hot Candy Colors by Axalta Coating Systems, Alvey laid down a silver basecoat and silver flake while the graphics were being added. Candy root beer paint was then used to coat all the Softail's tins. Hidden touches include a one-off oil tank built to accommodate the modified swing arm.
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Family Support
Building the Softail was a family affair with Alvey's brother lending a hand in the build. Ever wonder what happened to the old Stingray bicycle? It too stayed in the family when Alvey gave it to his eight-year nephew. Citing the immense support he has received from his various communities, Alvey hopes his nephew will follow in his footsteps and find a similar passion for building custom Harley-Davidsons.
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For help with routine maintenance and repairs, visit the HD Forums How-To section.
