Back to the Roots

31. July 2024

Back to the Roots – Softail Standard FXST “Bobber-Style” 114

In 2024, the iconic “Softail” frame celebrated its 40th birthday! Introduced in 1984 by Harley-Davidson to return as close as possible to the look of the classic rigid frame of the original 1936 Knucklehead, many Japanese and European competitors laughed it off as retro design and a technical step back. Yet it became an unparalleled success story for the then last American Motorcycle manufacturer. Softail frame and Evolution motor were the foundation of the Harley boom of the 90s and remained – despite radical changes introduced in the Milwaukee Eight Softail frame – THE popular base for Harley-customizing. More than enough reason for Rick’s Motorcycles to introduce a “Back to the Roots” Softail conversion which takes the theme back to essentials.

With little worktime – and in this case a rather small number of Rick’s Customparts – this Softail Bobber conversion still is a cool and authentic “Streetbike”. And not just thanks to the extensive number of stock parts retained, it is also extremely cost-effective. Result: a thoroughly radical look, well beyond stock! And a cool “Rider” too…

With the introduction of the Milwaukee Eight engines in a re-configured Softail chassis from 2018-up, Harley-Davidson also challenged the custom scene, a call that was immediately translated into the fitting new components at Rick’s Motorcycles! The just introduced popular Rick’s “Bobber” conversion kits were adapted for the new frame in almost no time at all, especially the “Bobber” rear fenders which – mounted directly onto the swingarm – are suspended together with the rear wheel and standard swingarm.

The “Rick trick” of this conversion: the stock swingarm does not even have to be removed to install fender and fender struts! Adapted – painted – installed – done! Super-tight and extremely clean over the rear wheel, in this case the quite attractive 6-spoke stock wheel as used on the “Street Bob”. With 150 stock rubber, which – thanks to the minimized sheet metal sitting atop – still looks considerably “fat”. The proven Rick’s “Bobber” package with side license plate, “perforated” belt guard, Kellermann’s 3-in-1 function “Atto” and solo saddle adds up to a clean and authentic “Bobber” look.

At the front end, Rick’s GRP fender fits tightly against the front wheel. Rick’s Atto turn signal brackets under the handlebar and a “porthole” cover on the primary are color-matched to the respective components. Polished aluminum and stainless steel contrast perfectly with the classic “Bobber Black”. Even the “classic” round stock air filter and the standard exhaust system blend harmoniously into the overall look of this bike. Sometimes less is simply more – even in Softail customizing! Just plain “back to the roots”.