SOUTH SIDE CUSTOMS

The HD Softail Slim was a tribute to the Harley's of the 50's with the sweeping deep curves, low bars and thin rear tyre.

 

The style cast for “The Real Slim” build was to look almost stock, yet modified throughout with that bobber twist and the aspect ratios back in check.

 

This super clean 2016 Softail Slim example was bought off a middle aged women who said it was just a little too heavy for her to ride. A midlife crisis failing to launch as the bike only had 800km on it when we swapped folds and did the transfer papers.

 

A Black Harley is like a black suit, timeless pieces that never date.  War was declared on anything shiny. Forks, trees, oil tank, clutch, primary, valve, timing and gear box covers and levers were all sent out to be gloss blacked.

 

The rear fender is the stock one but chopped up, shortened, welded and redialled in for the new stance. The original brackets were also lanced and repainted using the bullet style indicators as rear guard mounts.

 

An LA style side mount number plate was hidden in the shadows of the primary cover, also providing the perfect hiding spot for super small LED brake lights.

 

The standard fuel tank was sleeked up with the genuine Harley digital gauge and flush fuel filler. Gloss black switch was also installed but the standard speedo badge and bezel was left to give it a classic vibe. Literally the only chrome that remains.  Genuine Harley parts were also used for the Derby, timing cover and to cover the cast throttle body. A custom SSC topper kit was installed in the full matte black option.

 

Keeping the old school vibe, the rear wheel and tyre remain standard. Up front a 21” DNA wire wheel wrapped with a Avon Cobra 170/70r21 was installed. Overall the wheel combo still looks old school but also achieves the desired ratio and stance (The stock front wheel being wider than rear standard seemed a little off from factory).

 

Arlen ness 15” front and 11.5” rear rotors were installed and drastically helps the bike stop on a dial.

 

Lowered progressive fork springs in front were installed and the SAS airbags combined with the stock rake help get the angry slammed stance. Keeping the bag controls on the handle bar really makes for easy use and enjoyment.

 

Horn, front fender and belt guard seemed a little unnecessary so these were deleted - Bobbers are all about less is more. The ACL stealth super coil kit was also installed for the ultra-clean side profile.

 

We trusted the Burleigh 2” thick, 14” high bars which really did result in a super comfy and effortless rider position. Underneath, the Arlen Ness oval mirrors hang and the bars are finished with Avon grips.

 

We opted to run the stock HD floor boards, the heal toe shifter and custom ordered and coated selector rod. Rear brake lever is also stock with a custom grooved for grip cover that replaces the standard chunky rubber one.

 

I’ve always been a fan of the bell mouth intakes and their efficiency from playing with turbos, but sadly Kuryakyn didn’t do the Velociraptor to suit the twin cam. A custom bracket was CNC machined and UNF tapered to marry up the intake to the stock throttle body.

 

The Bassani sweeper pipe covers were glossed out and installed and the AFRs were redialled in through a Maximus direct tuning key.

 

The stock seat was then wrapped in a custom diamond double stitched pattern with a dash of croc skin for some Dundee Aussie flavour.

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Still not 100% finished with a couple more mods to come (Cam, Chain conversion, front bags, custom titanium pie cut exhaust). The before and afters of this build really do help demonstrate the hard work and vision that eventuated.

 

Riding the bike with the slim rear tyre is surprisingly a lot of fun as it handles the corners with ease. Power is ample considering the mods and it bobs around town effortlessly, sounds tough and gets plenty of attention. Those who know Harley's can see the transformation. Those who don’t know still appreciate its final form. This bike was always going to be a fun rider and not a show queen. The air bags and suspension setup has a precise feel and can be adjusted up if the rider is concerned about ground clearance.  

 

Softails and twin cams really have a place in my heart. I feel like it ideally combines looks and the Harley visceral experience in a very stout and affordable combination. In a modern age where bikes are getting so modern, almost too modern and are losing the old school cool appeal, The Real Slim attempts to capture the essence of a 50s Harley but with the murdered out twist. Scott.