NEWSTALGIC

Have your cake and eat! Get the best of both worlds by having old-school cool combined with modern handling and performance. Yes please, but don’t expect it overnight …

- Knackers

There’s been a shifting of the sands in the bike building world. I’m noticing both old and new styling applied to early and some later model rides being rolled out of bike shops and garages. Combining old school style with modern technology gives you a ride which turns heads but won’t let you down when and where you need it the most.

This is just such a ride owned, designed and built (and re-built) by Jamin. He purchased the bike about six years ago as a stock 1985 Softail, got it rego’d and road-worthy’d with all intentions to create a custom build that suited his needs.

Previously Jamin had bobbed out an old Kawasaki, but that was an easy pulldown, bolt-on, paint-up and ride scenario. It was cool for a while but Jamin wanted a Harley-Davidson – something classic – so the Kwaka was sold for a tiny profit allowing him to purchase the Softail. Once he got it home it took less than a week to have a perfectly running bike stripped down to its frame. The madness had begun!

Jamin had a vision but no real idea on how to achieve it – no mechanical knowledge, no fabrication skills and at that stage bugger all milk in the cash cow. But what he does have, though, will get anyone a long way in life: he buzzes with enthusiasm, has an eye for aesthetics, and has a tenacious ability to turn his hand to anything! And – another vital ingredient – has mates willing to lend a helping hand.

So over the next couple of months Jamin and his pals managed to piece together the first incarnation. Jamin had watched, learned and had hands on where he could. He did most of the cosmetic, leather and paint work, as well as researching and chasing down choice parts.

The bike ended up being a head-turner. He should’ve been happy, but alas, he still wanted that elusive Shovelhead.

So it was back to the drawing board.