Daily Slideshow: When Your Denim Matches Your Bike

A Fashionable Collaboration

It's fair to say some bikers put a fair amount of attention into their riding attire, whether they like to admit it or not. And in that same vein, there's no doubt some bikers will be very interested in this custom build, which seems to be a fashion statement in itself. The creator of this V-twin work of art is Charlie Stockwell, who works out of Warr's Harley-Davidson dealership in London. Stockwell worked in collaboration with Japanese denim label Evisu, which specializes in small-scale, intricate selvage denim production. If anyone had ever told this writer denim would look good on a motorcycle I'd have called them crazy, but there's no denying this custom looks great.

>>Join the conversation about this denim Softail in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

The Look

While this build is unmistakably contemporary, the warm nickel finish which decorates a lot of the bike, and the denim which wraps certain parts, leave it with a distinctive vintage look. There are a lot of elements which make up the overall look of this custom, and the hand-engraved engine covers are certainly one of them. The engravings are inspired by Japanese art, including crashing waves, Nishikigoi Koi fish, scales and various symbols used by Evisu over the company's 20-year life. The engravings are the work of a local London gunsmith and really set the bike apart.

>>Join the conversation about this denim Softail in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

Nickel Plating

The intricate nickel plating which decorates the majority of this bike is, arguably, its most prominent feature. Stockwell nickel-plated the engine and gas tank, before polishing them. He then did the same to the hand-rolled fenders and handlebars, as well as every single fastener on the bike. The same finish also went into the ends of the two, singular stubby exhausts. From a practical point of view, you wouldn't want any zips or keys near this polished nickel. But let's get real, who builds a bike like this with any kind of practicality in mind?

>>Join the conversation about this denim Softail in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

Covered in Denim

After all the nickel, the denim wrapped around various parts of this Softail is the next biggest feature. All the cable lines on the bike have been wrapped in denim, including the clutch cable and brake lines. The battery cover, which hides fuses and the ECM, is finished in Evisu denim and features the brand's rear pocket 'Kamome' design. Behind the gas tank, which is also wrapped in denim, is the antique brown leather sprung solo seat, which is a work of art in itself. Something about the way the, saddle-like, brown leather seat sits against the denim covered battery box gives a distinct wild west vibe.

>>Join the conversation about this denim Softail in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

A Mix of Styles

As was mentioned earlier, the exact style of this bike is hard to pin down. It's contemporary but, from some angles, there's a wild west feel to it, and from others, there's a classic vintage vibe. If you had to pin it down to just one style, it's probably fair to say it's verging on steampunk. Even if you don't consider yourself a fashionista, it's hard not to appreciate the craftsmanship and time that's gone into this build. The only question is, how does it ride?

>>Join the conversation about this denim Softail in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

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