‘Viking Punch’ Is One Aggressive Softail Breakout 117
Thunderbike's 'Viking Punch' reimagines the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117.
True Standout
Over the years, we've featured our fair share of builds from the German outfit known as Thunderbike, which has become one of the more well-known such shops on the planet. However, no matter how many bikes that outfit produces, it continues to create wholly unique ones - most of which are based on Harley-Davidson models. The latest - this Breakout 117 dubbed "Viking Punch" - certainly fits that mold, too.
Photos: Thunderbike
Perfect Combination?
Arguably the most unique feature of this particular build, however, is the fact that it's sporting an FXDR front end on a Breakout body, which gives it a rather aggressive look and inspired its nickname, courtesy of that aggressive infusion of style. As Thunderbike points out, the FXDR was an aggressive machine in every aspect, but the Breakout 117 has more to offer in the way of performance, regardless.
Photos: Thunderbike
Another Big Change
This build is about more than bodywork, however, as it also sports the FXDR's upside-down fork rather than the classic telescopic fork present on the newer Breakout. This was done at the request of the owner, and reportedly makes the bike more agile - as that piece reduces its unsprung weight, making it a bit more sensitive to steering input.
Photos: Thunderbike
Rolling Stock
On top of that, this combination reportedly brakes a bit more smoothly and adds a pair of disc brakes up front to bring the whole thing to a halt in a hurry when needed. The big brakes are complemented by a set of Vegas Drilled wheels measuring 23 inches up front and 18 in the rear for a classic raked look, and they also come from Thunderbike's own catalog, to boot.
Photos: Thunderbike
Other Upgrades
We get a good look at the fat rear wheel and tire thanks to the presence of a one-sided swingarm, but that's just a small sampling of the aftermarket parts present on Viking Punch. It's also sporting upgrades like Avon tires, Ferodo brake pads, and a turn signal set, and black mirrors from Motogadget.
Photos: Thunderbike
In House
Otherwise, pretty much everything one sees here is from Thunderbike's own parts and accessories catalog, a list that includes its custom "Alu" tank, air suspension kit, GP short chin fairing, air box, derby cover, and pretty much every other little piece one sees here.
Photos: Thunderbike
Creative Build
The result is easily one of the coolest and most creative H-D-based builds we've seen in some time, which is saying a lot. Thunderbike continues to do things that no one else does - or even thinks of - and as such, we'll continue to marvel at its creativeness in an industry that oftentimes doesn't have much to offer in that regard.
Photos: Thunderbike
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
