That’s certainly not the case here with this 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide built and owned by Jeff Cuddy of Bag Draggers Customs in Gray, Tennessee. But, one thing that might make me think otherwise is that this same bike has been through a couple of makeovers. I guess that’s no biggie as any custom builder is always thinking about how to improve his design shtick and if it’s already between his legs and he likes the bike, why not?

     Originally it was an all-black Road Glide with some custom work including a 21-inch wheel similar in design to the 23-inch HogPro Shelby wheel it now wears. Not too, too far from the original, but nowhere near what Jeff had in mind so a strip down began with lots of new Bad Dad bodywork replacing what was there. Tank, fenders, bags, chin spoiler and a bunch more pieces. Things got smoother and lower and sleeker while the new tinwork, or rather glass work, got a new look with all the bodywork covered in stark white with black bits like the engine, wheels and forks to balance it off a bit. It was a bold statement in black and white that fit right in to the custom bagger world, but was still easily approachable with the reasonably-sized front wheel. That was version two.

    Just about a year ago, Jeff upped the custom ante again. The bags, lids, and rear fender gave way to something a little more curvaceous and dramatic. Small things like turn signals became barely visible this time around and the audio system was upgraded with new JL Audio speakers in new lids. I could be wrong, but it looks like the audio head and amps still stayed factory and that’s something I am personally okay with. I just don’t care about a million watts or how many ohms you got as I don’t listen to anything loud anymore. Maybe it’s that I spent too much time in front of speakers in concerts, but extreme decibel levels don’t interest me anymore unless it’s an exhaust and then I’m okay.

    One thing Jeff did do was tear into it and come up with a whole new paint scheme or should I say paint look. This time it got a soft dove gray paint job that completely changed to look from the sharp, but a little harsh white previously. Oh, and the chin spoiler got replaced for something a little more dramatic. The wheels, rocker covers, push rod tubes, engine covers and horn dipped in a vat of purplishousness to add a bit of zip to the subtle scheme. By the way, in between all the makeovers, this bike still got ridden and still did show duty so it worked for Jeff and his business through each incarnation. And, even though it doesn’t show in the photos, it was always equipped with a quickly removable Tour Pak as Jeff found it handy for carrying things just like it was intended.

    But, yeah, you’re probably thinking. Is this guy writing this article color blind or what? Can’t he see that there’s not a lick of purple anywhere to be seen? And, you would be correct sir. The very latest version of Jeff’s custom bagger soap opera has the lead character now accessorized in what I’d call a teal blue. The paint hasn’t been changed to protect the innocent (yet), but all the teal brought a whole new ambiance to the bike. For a bike with such a quiet paintjob, it isn’t afraid to get into your face with the teal bits. If you don’t like purple or teal, maybe you could send in some suggestions for Jeff when he does round four. I don’t know if that’s really gonna happen, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it did. Remember, this is the personal ride of a guy who builds baggers for a living.

For more info on Bag Dragger Customs visit www.bagdragger.com/  or hit up Facebook.