Azzkikr’s man on the ground, Len Edmonson, built this “theme” bike for a Caddy dealer, Moray Keith of the Dueck Auto Group that also happens to be the biggest General Motors dealer in Canada. Now this is not the first time that someone has built a Caddy theme bike by any means, but it’s the first one that didn’t take the easy way out. By that I mean, nobody can seem to pass up basing their build around the most famously-styled Cadillac, the iconic 1959 model that took the outrageous GM fin styling of the ‘50s to the peak of Kitsch Mountain. As soon as I see those famous twin-bullet tail lights, I know it’s Caddy theme time and that’s okay, but not very exciting or new. It’s too easy.

 

  So why do I like Len’s 2013 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Caddy theme bike other than it looks like just a nicely designed bagger? Simply put, he didn’t try too hard and create some sort of auto/bike abomination to please his customer. It’s subtle, but if you really know your Caddy lore, you can see the lovely details that inspired him. First off, there’s no immediately recognized rocket ship tail lights. Instead, there’s a set from the relatively obscure 1946 Cadillac Club Coupe which is a fancy term for fastback, but it wasn’t just the tail lights he “borrowed.” The whole beautiful rear fender sweep looks like it was made to be bagged. Not only did he use the side profile for bag inspiration, but he coolly kept them narrow at the hip so they look more like a ’46 back fender attached to the bike than saddlebags. Even the bike’s rear fender emulates the lines of the fast back roof line. Huge style points all around on this one Len. I’m sure Moray Keith never saw that one coming.

 

   Cadillac’s famous side spears were judiciously incorporated and don’t appear in any way to be hung-on pieces, but Len’s interpretations of the Caddy style. I’m guessing there’s a tip o’ the hat to the ’58 Eldorado Biarritz side scoops on this one, but like I said, I’m guessing. At least that’s the way it seems when car designers re-interpret an old design into something new. They start with a basic style point and twist it all around until it’s something fresh. Same goes for the grill on the side of the FLTR fairing ─ subtle, yet very classy.

 

 

   Cadillac has always been about a massive and definitely-a-Cadillac front end that shouts out Cadillac to anyone within visual range. Normally this is where Cadillac’s famous ‘50s Dagmar bumperettes come into play as they’re famously associated with an amply built ‘50s TV actress named Dagmar. Again that’s too easy of a Caddy reference. Len went the other way and used the intricately-shaped Caddy version of an egg crate grille not as a grille built into (and probably awkwardly) the fairing. Instead he replicated it over the twin Road Glide headlights for just the right amount of grille reference. I doubt it does a lot for night riding, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it rolled away into the fairing like the hidden headlights on a ’67 Eldorado.

 

 

   Even the Harley Twin Cam engine takes on the look of the finned valve covers of the Caddy V-16 of the Thirties with the polished fin edges and the all-black lump of V-twin Americana just like the V-16. There is a proper bit of Caddy glitz in the always lovely aftermarket finned primary and timing covers, but I’m totally okay with that. I love these finned pieces on any Harley even if they’re chromed or polished to within an inch of their life as they are in this case. My preferred look of raw or satin finish would just not look right on this bike. The laced wheels Len chose are a no-brainer as any cool Caddy from the ‘50s had factory optional wire wheels.

 

  Other little touches like the Cadillac script font on the front fender harks back to the “tattoo” font of the mid to late 50s Caddy instead of the overly swoopy glamorous later font. Sometimes you can do so much with less and in this case, Len made the right choice. And, it wouldn’t be a Caddy without the famous Cadillac wreath crest and I’m referring to the much prettier early version with the wreath and the ducks, not the latest lamely-designed modernized version that’s just too vanilla for me. Again, though, besides using the best crest, Len also didn’t stick it where it slapped you in the face, but to nicely decorate one of the butt-ugliest parts on a Harley tourer especially on a big wheel bagger, the exposed industrial-looking side neck of the frame. It just adds a little something and breaks up a big area with a nice bit of interest.

 

  If you’re building a Cadillac-themed bike, what the hell do you paint it? Hopefully none of the outrageous ‘50s two-tone combos, but a more reserved and gentlemanly black or ebony as Caddy referred to it instead of just black. I guess that’s more high class, but the black finish on Len’s bike is so deep you could get vertigo. Black and chrome is a winner every time. Even the seat’s got Caddy in it with a simple design featuring long pleats just like a ’57 Eldorado bench seat. And, it’s in black too, not some pimpin’ 59 two-tone with gold thread.

 

   As usual, Len and the lads at Azzkikr have outdone themselves with this rolling ode to the “Standard of the World.” Owner Moray Keith should be happy as hell with Len’s design choices. He’s not only got a “theme” bike to display at his dealerships or enter in shows, but a bike that he can get on and ride when he’s not counting the moolah from his battlestar dealerships. Len’s approach to building a theme bike is sure to elicit comments of “Nice bike” or “Beautiful bike” way more than people asking, “Is that a Caddy theme bike?” The best part I think about this whole build is that it’s just a damn good looking ride, not a company commercial on two wheels. I wouldn’t expect Len Edmonson to do it any other way.

 

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