Harley-Davidson, a company with a rich history spanning over 121 years, has weathered major recessions, two world wars, and numerous corporate challenges, thanks to its constant innovation. Based in Milwaukee, this bike maker has been behind many groundbreaking ideas that have shaped the motorcycle industry. One of these innovations is the Softail, a concept that has evolved into a full family of Harley bikes.
The Softail was first introduced in the early 1980s with the FXST model, designed to mimic the classic rigid frame and single suspension of vintage bikes, but with modern suspension systems at both ends, including a discreet rear suspension. Over the decades, this design has been refined and expanded into a diverse lineup of Softail models.
Among these is the Softail Slim, a model from the early 2010s that, despite being discontinued, remains popular in both original and customized forms. Today, we’ll examine a heavily modified Softail Slim S, transformed into a striking, hybrid design.
The original Softail Slim was a cruiser with a single seat and front floorboards. In its modified form, it has been reimagined as a crossover with bagger influences. While it lacks traditional rear bags, it features a prominent batwing fairing at the front, reminiscent of 1960s tourers. This fairing can be easily removed, allowing the bike to switch between cruiser and bagger aesthetics.
The front end has been upgraded with a massive 21-inch wheel, typical of bagger styles, but paired with a smaller fender and a 130 mm wide tire. The handlebars have been replaced with an extra-wide set, complete with custom mirrors and satin grips. The fuel tank has been customized with a Chicano style and pop-up filler caps, and the bike sports a custom saddle on a steel seat pan.
At the rear, the stock wheel has been swapped for an 18-inch one with a 260 mm wide tire, housed in a steel fender and mounted on a custom swingarm. A Thunderbike disk brake handles stopping duties, and the license plate holder has been repositioned for a cleaner look.
The Softail Slim now rides on an air suspension system, allowing for adjustable height, with a pressure gauge installed behind the fuel tank for easy adjustments. The original 110ci Screamin' Eagle engine remains, now protected by transparent covers from Roland Sands Design and fitted with Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust pipes.
Thunderbike’s custom work includes a gray paint job with red accents on the pushrod covers and Harley-Davidson logos. Dubbed the Speed Glider, this modified Softail Slim’s cost includes around 14,000 euros (approximately $15,000) for the parts alone, not counting the donor bike, labor, and paint job. Considering these factors, the total cost of this custom build is likely around $30,000, comparable to many high-end factory tourers today.