Black Jack

14. May 2020

The Harley-Davidson Fat Bob models have the sharply defined lines of retro muscle cars, which are more than in at the moment. Typical American, but very untypical for Harley-Davidson. But by now the Fat Bob has established itself and found its friends. Rick’s Motorcycles has developed a rear fender which doesn’t appear quite as unrefined as on the stock bike, and the whole design appears a lot more harmonious.

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 010

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 001

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 016

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 019

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 003

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 005

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 020

To construct a simple wheel cover or a fender is no big challenge, but to refine the lines of a bike and to give it an individual note requires craftsmanship and creativity. Rick’s steel fenders are handmade in small series and the material strengths of the steel sheets are selected so that they can easily hold a passenger.

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 024

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 008

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 007

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 012

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 029

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 031

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 022

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 025

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 026

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 039

In this case also a housing for a rear/brake light combination was integrated, and this option is offered for all Rick’s steel fenders. This housing will take normal aftermarket lights, but the rear lighting will become legal with Kellermann 3 into 1 “Atto” indicators. These are extremely small, have the necessary ECE test mark and combine indicator, rear and brake light in one housing. At the front the Kellermann “Atto” was also used and fixed at the handlebar ends below the instruments with Rick’s indicator holders on the mirror screw.

By the way, the bike looks so low because Rick’s has built in an airride system, with which the height level can be regulated with the touch of a button. In the parked position, it looks best when it is lowered, which can be seen from the photos.

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 023

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 040

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 013

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 030

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 035

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 014

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 032

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 011

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 037

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 041

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 038

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 033

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 028

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 027

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 046

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 045

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Bob Custom Ricks 043

Let’s now look at the accessories that were used. At the handlebar ends, Rick’s grips were combined with Rick’s adjustable brake and clutch levers. The front fender is also from Rick’s and now matches the rear fender. Rick’s clutch cover has a clear Makrolon window and allows a look at the rotating clutch. The original plastic part was exchanged for a stainless steel belt cover from Rick’s. A side license plate holder was also a customer request, which is by now almost a standard item on almost every custom bike.

The air filter is also from Rick’s portfolio and is only one of many air filter designs available, and the one used here is called “Apollo”. When it comes to the sound of the bike, this Fat Bob can also satisfy any acoustic requirements, with the adjustable flap exhaust systems from KessTech guaranteeing a great but still legal sound.

Text & photos: Peter Schulz