But first to introduce the Fat Ass Kit: The swingarm also fits into the standard frame for Milwaukee-Eight Softail models from 2018-up – and even a 360 tyre runs exactly centerline. Power is now transmitted by two separate belts and an intermediate shaft precisely at the swingarm’s pivot point: this results in less stress on the individual belts and both partial belts are not additionally stretched and stressed by swingarm compression, as it happens with a single belt configuration. The primary drive remains in its stock position, neither footpegs nor running boards have to be relocated, nor does ground clearance or centre of gravity change. The components of the Rick’s kit, especially bearings and the two drive belts, have been designed and choosen for extreme stress and durability. On typical Rick’s conversions with “Fat Ass” kit, an air suspension system ensures that you can lower the tailend down to kiss the tyre when parking.

Even in stock configuration, the “Fat Bob” is already quite a statement for individuality – and so it is not surprising that this Rick’s conversion shows quite individual, wayward and unique details: The absence of an air suspension at the tailend makes this ride appear more than a bit “high-legged”, but that’s of course due to Rick’s short-cut tailend section, which is designed much smaller than the stock fender. Hand-hammered from sheet metal, it leaves plenty of room above the 300 rubber and allows impressive lean angles and suspension. Additionally, the Rick’s tailend is stable and solid enough to take passengers – check it out: the rubber-ringed Rick’s passenger pegs are not decoration! “Atto” 3-in-1 mini taillights/turn signals and side-mounted number plate make the tail section a compact unit, especially with this paintjob applied.

A stylistically unique approach was also taken with the seat/tank connection: Where otherwise the Rick’s tank-to-seat cover (or a Rick’s stretch tank extension) provide the visual and physical link to the stock tank, here the seat upholstering itself was extended to the tank in Super-Moto/Enduro style. Which in this case additionally supports the “Musclebike Style”. As does the set of Rick’s disc wheels in 3-piece assembled version – the wide 10.5 x 18 Inch version at the rear, the stock size under a stock fender in front. It was the widening of “Fat Boy” disc wheels which made the name for the then Rastatt-based young custom shop when Rick’s customizing history started – and todays Rick’s Disc Wheels remain a “true classic” in terms of wheel design and technology. Powder-coated in black – and in this particular case with a brake disc on the right at the rear – the “Fat Ass Kit” can be seen in a rare but nevertheless interesting version: The black powder coating of the “Apollo 5” design pulley to the final drive makes it disappears into the overall concept of the stylish flame job. The ideal complement for the engine is the “Good Guys II “Bandit” Airfilter by Rick’s – and a matt black Kess-Tech sound system provides a rich deep soundtrack whenever you want to “walk” the Pittbull. With Rick’s grips and adjustable hand levers, you have the power of the engine safely “on a leash” – until the standard running boards touch the asphalt you have to twist the throttle very hard.