A high-quality Harley Davidson Softail Custom finished to an impeccable standard
Featuring a well sorted S&S 1200cc V-Twin performance pushrod engine
Having been thoughtfully improved and well maintained by the current owner
The Appeal
Custom choppers emanated from the USA, gaining popularity in the late 1950’s.
Harley-Davidson custom motorcycles and choppers have always been particularly favoured by enthusiasts for the truly authentic sense of American popular culture they embody.
Softail customs and motorcycles are a popular incarnation where the traditional rear springs and shock absorbers are replaced with a rear swingarm and a hidden central shock absorber.
Since Harley-Davidson launched the FXST Softail in 1983, the description “softail” has become a generic term for motorcycles with hidden rear suspensions, usually to recreate a retro look.
The riding environment of this Harley situates the rider low and truly part of the bike
The wide tank and beautifully reupholstered seat make for a distinctive combination
The milled, alloy pegs and pedals are exquisitely detailed
The straight bars and forward set pegs on this softail help promote the “extended arms and legs” riding stance so evocative of custom bike culture. What sets this bike’s rider environment apart, however, are the quality of all the rider’s touch points.
The grips, bars, pegs, and pedals are all very nicely finished and professionally fitted. The current owner has had the curved saddle reupholstered in tan leather in distinctive “Bentley stitching.” It looks great and the tan shade counterpoints very well indeed against the metallic black paintwork of the wide tank.
The controls and instruments are refreshingly minimal. The small, bar mounted speedometer and odometer feature a black on red face with a deeply chromed housing.
The remainder of the controls can me found at the base of the grips in traditional Harley fashion.
Sublimely repainted in its original colourway during the current owner’s stewardship
This softail is awash with bespoke custom bike details
A dominating feature is the very squat and wide rear tyre in true custom style
This Harley-Davidson softail cuts a very imposing dash upon first viewing. Its low, curved saddle helps to accentuate the length of the motorcycle, somehow.
It is a long and low bike, however.
The front forks are steeply raked, and the rear mudguard ends at around 12 o’clock making a feature of the huge rear tyre.
The current owner has returned the softail to what he understands to be its original black colourway. The standard of the paintwork is excellent, and the high intensity metallic flake really helps the paintwork pop.
An oversized Harley-Davidson script adorns the tank sides in a bright silver colour. A small headlamp is fitted to the chrome forks and a Harley Davidson embossed leather tool bag hangs beneath it.
The split rim alloy wheel are centred with gloss black “Maltese Cross” centres. The huge S&S V-Twin motor protrudes either side of the frame ensuring that everyone knows what’s at the heart of this custom. The flanks of the motor are dressed in bright chromes and alloys including an S&S inscribed intake cover.
Fitted with an S&S high performance pushrod V-Twin 1200cc motor
Big, cross drilled disks are fitted front and rear
The sound of this awesome machine needs to be heard to be believed
S&S Cycles was founded in 1958 and started out offering high performance versions of the classic Harley Davidson V-Twins.
This Harley is fitted with one such unit that not just looks great but is reported to provide this custom motorcycle with plenty of “go” to match the “show.”
The current owner had the bike fully serviced by Sycamore Harley Davidson soon after he bought it in 2021. They undertook a full 10,000-mile service and checked the motorcycle over thoroughly. They were reportedly very impressed with the mechanical condition of this machine.
During our visit the owner started the bike so we could experience the sensory onslaught for ourselves. It sounds incredible! Yes, it is very loud and, yes, it spits pops and bangs in a way that seems entirely appropriate to this amazing custom motorcycle.
What a statement this bespoke custom motorcycle makes.
It successfully conjures up the spirit of custom motorcycles and choppers of the past. It really draws you in with its myriad of fascinating details and bespoke, custom features.
Additional to that it is in really great condition throughout, it really is very hard to fault.
The real beauty of this motorcycle is that it represents a truly unique ownership prospect.
For those who like express their individuality and take the path less trodden, then this is the perfect motorcycle. It is ready to ride away at the end of the auction, very safe in the knowledge that you will never see another one.
