Built by Xtreme Machine in La Palma, California, as a showpiece/showcase of the products they offer for Harley-Davidsons of all types a few years ago, it still looks fresh to in-its-future eyes. It’s a clean, lean, mean machine that’s got it all going from looks to riding. Funny how a bike built regardless of trends seems to stand the test of time better than something you can almost immediately date because of style or a paint scheme. This build does use a lot of modern parts that are subtly integrated into the bike without calling out itself as a CNC special and that’s what makes it special. It’s also a good template for a Softail custom like your own that could be built over time until it had the look and feel this baby has. 

  Modifications, to what was born a Softail Standard FXST, have been thoughtfully done. The FX frame is basically stock with no mods other than changing up the rear end. Xtreme went with a Performance Machine Phatail 240mm Conversion Kit that not only allows them to fit their 18-inch Execute wheel wearing that wide-as-you-should-go 240mm tire, but the drive-side pulley brake that you can barely see. It also includes that nice fender replacement and those sassy curved struts too. It also includes everything else you need to pull of the conversion in one package so I’d say that was money well spent if you want the fat tire/bigger wheel look. 

   Up front Xtreme dipped into their warehouse and came up with another Execute wheel design for the front, but this one was taller than fatter in a reasonably-sized 23-inch version. Thoughtfully, Xtreme didn’t throw out the front brake to try to showcase the wheel, but did change it out to an Extreme four-piston caliper and custom rotor for a fenderless finishing touch. To use a word that was once very popular for reasons unknown (I’ve never said or used it before), everything is copacetic up front. It’s a more than reasonable modern version of the skinny Old School 21-incher that adorned any chopper worth its name. 

   The fuel tank should look familiar and it is except for a few neat-o additions like Xtreme’s Dominate fuel tank caps that have a regal touch to them. The add just enough sass to an otherwise stock profile void of any other ostentation. The oil tank should look extremely familiar as it’s about as stock as can be and that’s okay with me. I’m a fan of those ubiquitous oil containers as they do what they have to and blend in nicely with the rest of the changes. I don’t think anyone would say, “Oh, I wish they changed the oil tank.” They fit a Softail just lovely.   

  Someone knew what they were doing with the paintjob that is a laid back, but elegant gloss black and satin gray color scheme. It’s nicely capped off with subtle red and silverpinstriping and the Xtreme Machine skull logo on the tank for a bit of eye candy. The gloss black finish was extended to the forks, headlight and nacelle and those striking Z-bars and along with the blackness of the Twin Cam engine, the whole bike just comes together as one entity. Xtreme’s Deviant velocity stack and the Vance & Hines Big Shots Staggered exhaust up the black ante while also upping the power and sound. Getting the sound right is how a custom motorcycle becomes more than just a quasi-art object and adds a third dimension besides sight and feel. A bit of neat fluff is Performance Machine’s open belt drive lending an exotic look and their Drive engine covers are strewn about where ever they’ll fit. Not absolutely necessary, but very cool stuff that doesn’t impede on road worthiness. I guess that’s custom stuff for ya. 

   So, I’ve been yapping about this bike and how I like it long enough, but there is one thing I really don’t like about it. It has nothing to do with what Xtreme Machines has built or their choice of direction. Frankly, it’s a really selfish thing on my part and could be considered a trivial complaint to say the least. My only problem with this bike is that it’s not mine and I can’t go out and ride the living hell out of it. I guess this is where thoughts of building something starts ─ again. 

  For more info on what Xtreme Machine can do for you, visit their website at http://xtrememachineusa.com/.