The "Sweet Danger"

Comments of questions welcome - Email me at lvspringer@2manymotorcycles.com

My 2008 project bike is a 2006 Harley Davidson Springer Classic (FLSTSCI) which ended production in 2007. Over the years, I've learned that I tend to like "classics" - Nostalgia and vintage are words I use a lot when describing my eclectic taste in cars and motorcycles. The Springer Classic was Harley's attempt at paying homage to the Harley Davidson's of yesteryear and there are a lot of things that bring that era to mind in various styling cues. My idea is to take the bike ever further back in the time machine and customize it as a tribute to the WWII era HD WLA . So, without further adieu - the following is a visual tour to complete my next project bike -

"The Sweet Danger"

before

after

The disassembly begins - removing the chrome

My idea of the bike is to remove a good deal of the chrome and then have it powder coated black. This is more in keeping with my own tastes that anything Harley did back in the 30's and 40's but the chrome speaks a little too loudly and diminishes from my overall plans. The one thing I will leave "chromed" are the springs up front. I want to draw attention to them while muting much of the rest of the bike. Although the bike is vivid black in its stock appearance, I plan to paint the fenders and tank olive green as I have chosen to honor the WWII era Harley Davidson WLA as seen here.

The Real Deal

My Modern Take

What appeals to me is the simplicity demonstrated by the solo saddle, wide, uncluttered handlebars and the minimal color combinations.

Here we are... Up on the stand. Most all of the chrome will go.

One of the key "styling cues" a new seat T-Bar adapter to work with the original HD Solo saddle. This T-Bar assembly was purchased from Choppers Cycle but is also available through a variety of accessory stores. I am fitting the T-Bar to a HD Solo saddle available as HD Part Number 52004-25 but again, similar seats are available in a number of styles and coverings from accessory stores. (Note: the main assembly is stout but the cross member is only 1/4" and bent with my 270 lbs) Probably needs 1/2" and solid steel to withstand my weight for a prolonged period.)

Beginning to make pattern for battery/frame cover since I cannot locate a factory piece for a 2006 or newer.

To the powder coater I go...

This is about as far as I need to go...

Most all of the powder coating has been completed...In all, nearly forty five pieces of chrome were bead blasted by PMS STRIP in Las Vegas, Nevada and all of the powder coating - including the tank and fenders - was done by State of the Art Powdercoating in Las Vegas. The disc rotors were powder coated by Final Touch Powdercoating in North Carolina

and the rebuild begins...

I've selected an olive green color to mimic the look of a WWII era WLA and had the tin powder coated. I decided on the powder coating rather than painting due to durability and the fact that I wanted something different and sort of rugged looking. It is absolutely perfect for my use here. It's also a lot less money than traditional paint! I did not want flat" or "drab" of the bike but rather - a semi-gloss that would still look custom but also give the strong styling cues I needed.

One of the other styling cues I will give the bike is "Nose Art" made famous on WWII military aircraft. Since a WWII Era design was my goal, I choose a "Pin-Up" model suitable to the era and then added the US Star and the HD logo as well as my wife's family Clan motto of "Dulce Periculum" - Latin for "Danger is Sweet". The design is a 4-layer overlay I've created in Photoshop and will have airbrushed on the tank.

My Design The Finished Product

Below is a shot of the passing/driving lamps and vintage horn that are also being added to the bike along with the wider, longer and "beefier" handlebars.

I've also had both rotors, the hubs and the rims powder coated.

Here is a shot of the "Vintage-style" exhaust system which has been modified from the standard two-sided exhaust into the more correct two-into one exhaust. The entire exhaust - including heat shields have been Jet-Hot® Coated.

With the old stock seat in-place just to get an idea. The solo "pogo" seat will be sent out for a custom seat cover, matching pillion seat and WLA-style saddlebags that will be done at Heather's Leathers in South Carolina. (tank design is a mock-up)

Now - final wiring and tire re-mounting

Before the rear tire could be mounted, I had to reinstall and wire the new black turn signals as well as the front turn signals which you can see in "orange" below the headlights. Smoked clear lenses will be added.

Rolled out of the garage for the first time since January. Both wheels have been mounted and all wiring - handlebar controls, turn signals, additional lighting, horn etc. have all been wire into the correct circuits.

Here, you can see the modified exhaust system. There are still heat-shields to install that will cover up all but the last clamp on the exhaust pipes. With the exception of the new airbrushed tank graphics already mentioned, the newly recovered solo and pillion seats and the new saddlebags being done by Wayne at Heather's Leathers in South Carolina, this project is close to completion. The seat will feature a larger/wider German made pan, a gel pad and then covered in a beautiful British Tan leather.

...and the other side

July-2008

After some unavoidable delays, the leather arrived from Heather's Leathers and was exactly what I was looking for both in craftsmanship and color. The "Ghost Brackets" went on extremely quickly and the fit and finish are superb. The locking mechanisms are simple, unobtrusive and the whole thing fits the Softail rails like a glove.

British Sunburst Tan - Wow! Looks great

The "Ghost Brackets"

Now...just a few more things to do

July - 2008

The Helmet...

Painted by Robert Powell - The Airbrush Guy

I decided to go with a Painted half helmet to replicate the WWII Steel Pot

This symbol is the U.S. Army Europe Patch

This patch is the 15th MP Brigade in which I served

The tank paint - August 2008

I located a local artist who took on the task and finished it quickly (under two weeks) and did a fantastic job. I can highly recommend Danny and the crew at Devious Designs. (Note: I took these pictures in low light but will try and get some that are sharper.)

The Fenders needed to be "cleared" as well to match the new tank paint.

More to come as we go into the final phase.

Dress Rehearsal

The completed Motorcycle

October 18th, 2008

Leo goes hi-tech

In order to tune the motorcycle following exhaust modifications, I installed a Power Commander PCIIIUSB with some custom maps by Jamie at Fuel Moto. Fuel Moto not only sells the PCIII's at a screaming price - Jamie will customize a map for your scooter that will produce up to 95% efficiency. If you're going to modify your engine or change your fuel/air ratios as I did in building my exhaust - you should have a tuner.

See more photos here