Daily Slideshow: Harley Street Bob- From Paris with Love

Anniversary Special

This custom build is the result of the perfect storm. ATS Harley-Davidson Paris 'Bastille', located in the heart of Paris, France, happened to be celebrating its 30 year anniversary the same year as Harley-Davidson celebrated its 115 year anniversary. Throw Harley-Davidson's 'Battle of the Kings' custom bike building competition into the mix and this is what you get, apparently. The shop was founded in 1985, then rebranded in 1987 and has stayed in its current form since then. So, being one of France's oldest Harley-Davidson dealers, it had to mark the occasion with something special. The dealership got the whole team together for this build, so everyone had some input in the design.

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New Softail Street Bob

ATS Harley-Davidson Paris 'Bastille' saw the 'Battle of the Kings' competition as an opportunity to showcase Harley's new Softail Street Bob. Richard Clairefond, the spokesperson for the dealership, found it hard to put a label on this bobber's style but said, "I guess it's a kind of flat tracking competition chopper". That's about as unique a description as this writer has ever heard, but it seems to fit. The overall style of the bobber is inspired by choppers from the 1970s and 1980s but the tires, racing tail, and handlebars are modeled on flat track racing bikes. Although the style might seem odd, it definitely works.

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Digital Age

Many members of staff, from various departments at ATS Harley-Davidson Paris 'Bastille' had an input into the final product. And it was all made possible thanks to the wonders of technology. Once the Street Bob was chosen for the build the guys at the dealership set up a 'virtual inspiration board', and members of staff added to it. According to Clairefond, "The build team was chosen by their interest for the defined project and involvement in the chosen style." After the style was chosen the team took to Photoshop to play around with engine finishings, colors, and graphics. 

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Eye-catching Features

There are so many eye-catching features on this bike, it's hard to pick one which stands out the most. One of the most notable design features has to be its seat, which makes reference to vintage aircraft. The paintwork on the tank also must get a mention; the oversized eagle feathers pay a subtle homage to Harley-Davidson itself. The Milwaukee-Eight packs all the punch needed and is no doubt helped by the aftermarket S&S air filter. Thankfully, the aftermarket parts don't end there, and the Thunderbike indicators and Emgo mufflers add to this Street Bob's style nicely.

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Easier with Time

Problems can become apparent with a custom build at almost any stage in the project. But, luckily for ATS Harley-Davidson Paris 'Bastille', this build only got easier as time went on. According to Clairefond, "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." If you want to give the guys and girls at ATS Harley-Davidson Paris 'Bastille' a helping hand with their 'Battle of the Kings' entry, you can cast your vote here.

>>Join the conversation about this custom race-tinged bobber right here in HDForums.com.

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