20-05-2025
New Harley Davidson is ‘elegant & brutal' with woven seats and stylish wheels – the back setup got a total makeover
A HARLEY-Davidson model, described as both elegant and brutal, has been revealed - complete with huge, stylish wheels.
The V-twin racing street custom range was discontinued eight years ago, but since then, many riders have turned to custom builders to create their own unique machines that reflect the line in similar ways.
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A particularly striking custom design from Spanish builder Lord Drake Kustoms - a Night Rod Special, which is a high-performance drag bike - stands out as one of the most impressive, featuring numerous cool modifications.
The most noticeable change is the upgraded rear wheel, which was already large in stock form at 240mm but has now been expanded to the maximum legal size of 330mm.
Indeed, the entire rear setup has been reworked, including a new swingarm and a transmission offset.
The shock absorber spacers have also been updated, along with the Legend air suspension that allows the bike to be raised or lowered on demand.
Lord Drake Kustoms fabricated many of the aftermarket elements in-house.
These include the fenders over the wheels, the seat, and various body parts, while the rear fender also integrates an LED taillight.
One of the few untouched components is the engine, which remains the stock Revolution motor that Harley-Davidson originally developed with Porsche.
The engine delivers 120 horsepower but features a custom exhaust system.
Aesthetically, the V-Rod is finished in matte black, gloss black, and gold. Its large seat features diamond-shaped stitching with gold thread and engraved escutcheons.
The rear fender displays Roman numerals, the meaning of which is known only to the bike's owner, a customer from Mexico.
Described as both 'elegant and brutal,' the bike's price remains a mystery. However, a used stock version can sell for anywhere between $6,000 and $16,000.
It's been a big week for Harley-Davidson, who announced a major update after recent calls for the brand's CEO to lose his role.
The US bike giant's second-largest investor was keen to see three directors, including boss Jochen Zeitz, ousted as part of a major reshuffle.
However, in a closely contested board decision, Zeitz has kept his position in what was described as a 'razor-thin outcome" by Reuters.
Zeitz, who has run the iconic firm since 2020, has been criticized in recent times for the company's declining sales and falling stock price.
To that end, H Partners had been pushing for an external candidate to come in, but proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services said they failed to make "a compelling case for change".
It's been hinted that Zeitz is to retire this year - but the German-born businessman has said he would stay until a replacement was found.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across America.
However, multiple stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 - if they give any explanation at all.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shuttered this year and why they closed their doors:
A San Francisco location closed in June 2024 after 110 years due to 'chaos' brought by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September 2024 with no reason given.
Harley-Davidson's legacy location in New York City closed shop on September 28, 2024, with the owner citing problems with the economy.
Reiman's Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed its doors in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Another Illinois dealership closed in November 2024.
Plus, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced it would shutter at the end of March.
