Fat Bob 114 Radikal-300
“And now for something completely different” – the classic cross-fade of the Monthy Python sketches is rarely more true than with this radical Milwaukee Eight Softail conversion by Rick’s Motorcycles! Even in stock set-up, the – completely redesigned for the 2018 model year – “Fat Bob” is no “Cuddle Bunny Bike” nor made from candy floss. Unlike any other M8 Softail model, the “Fat Bob” is purposely aggressive styled and challenges both rider and observer with its radical “Muscle Bike” look. However, the Rick’s Motorcycles Team proves that this approach can also be taken a step further: a BIG step further! Presenting an extreme bike in a class of its own: a radical 300 rear tyre conversion of the 2019 FXSBS!
Many components on this “Harley Fighter” remained stock, simply because the stock model already offers top suspension, Up-side Down forks and Dragster-like acceleration – which is why it is easy here to focus on the essentials of this conversion: Rick’s “Fat Ass Swingarm Kit” for tyre widths up to 360 – also on the Milwaukee Eight Softails! The innovative conversion kit was introduced by Rick’s in 2009 and has been continuously improved since then – including for the introduction of the “Milwaukee Eight” powered Softails. The practical fact is: even for Milwaukee Eight Softail models from 2018 on, the Rick’s swingarm conversion fits into the original H-D series frame and even a 360 tyre runs precisely centered!
To achieve this extraordinary task, Rick’s R&D department went deep into its “box of tricks”: Power transmission from gearbox to rear wheel is now handled by two separate belts – connected by an intermediate shaft or jackshaft that is placed exactly in the pivot point of the swingarm. Which results in considerably less stress on the belts: they are not additionally stretched and stressed by suspension forces, as is the case with a single belt. Since the primary drive remains in its original position, no offset necessary, there is no need to move footrests, nor is there any change in ground clearance or centre of gravity – the cornering angle remains exactly the same as on the stock bike – which can be seen quite clearly, if not blatantly, in this Rick’s Motorycles conversion! All components of this kit, especially bearings and the two belt drives, are thoroughly developed and designed for extreme stress and durability.
With the massive 300 rubber installed, the impressive power of the 114 Cubic Inch M8 can be transferred to the tarmac perfectly , no matter if riding on the Dragstrip, the next winding mountain road or at a traffic light sprint! The owner has decided to skip the air suspension recommended by Rick’s and has the “muscles” of his “Fat Bob” flexing even when the bike is stationary. Leaning positions? No problem at all. The additional rubber surface also has a positive effect on braking, especially as there are two brake rotors at the front end.
Installed is a set of Rick’s Motorcycles disc wheels in 3-piece assembled version – the wide 10.5 x 18 Inch version at the rear. Black powder-coated – and in this case the with the brake disc on the right wheel side – the “Fat Ass Kit” can be seen in a rather rare, but nevertheless possible and interesting version, one that also uses an “Apollo 5” design pulley for final drive.
Of course, the Rick’s fender for the 300 M8 conversion leaves a lot of visual “space” between seat and rubber – the seat and tank/seat cover provide the smooth flowing connection to the stock tank – but this somewhat underlines the dominating “presence” of the 300 monster tyre. In return, the Rick’s front fender is all the closer to the radius of the 18-inch tyre.
Contact Custom Parts
Philippe Camboni
fon: +49 7221 3939 117
email: p.camboni@hd-badenbaden.de
Marcos Maier
fon: +49 7221 3939 217
email: m.maier@hd-badenbaden.de
Contact new & used vehicles
Benjamin Walter
fon: +49 7221 3939 222
email: b.walter@hd-badenbaden.de
Ralph Scherrer
fon: +49 7221 3939 223
email: r.scherrer@hd-badenbaden.de
