A stunning HARLEY-Davidson model, which combines elegance with a fierce attitude, has made its debut, flaunting oversized, stylish wheels.
The V-twin racing street custom series was phased out eight years ago, prompting many riders to seek out custom builders to craft individual machines that capture the essence of that line.
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Credit: Lord Drake Kustoms
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Credit: Lord Drake Kustoms
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Credit: Lord Drake Kustoms
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Credit: Lord Drake Kustoms
A particularly striking custom design from Spanish builder Lord Drake Kustoms features a Night Rod Special, a high-performance drag bike that’s garnered attention for its numerous modifications.
The most notable alteration is the enlarged rear wheel, which has been upgraded from a stock 240mm to the maximum legal size of 330mm.
The entire rear assembly has also been revamped, including a new swingarm and an offset transmission.
The shock absorber spacers are improved and the Legend air suspension allows for instant height adjustment.
Lord Drake Kustoms crafted many aftermarket components in-house.
These elements encompass custom fenders, seat, and body parts, with the rear fender also incorporating an LED taillight.
One of the few components left intact is the engine, retaining the original Revolution motor that Harley-Davidson developed in partnership with Porsche.
That engine delivers 120 horsepower but sports a unique custom exhaust system.
In terms of aesthetics, the V-Rod is finished in matte black, gloss black, and gold, with a large seat featuring diamond stitching in gold thread and engraved escutcheons.
The rear fender also showcases Roman numerals, a secret meaning known only to the bike’s owner, a customer from Mexico.
This bike has been labeled as both “elegant and brutal,” although its price remains undisclosed. However, a used stock version may cost between $6,000 and $16,000.
This has been a significant week for Harley-Davidson, as they announced a pivotal update following calls for the brand’s CEO to step down.
The US motorcycle giant’s second-largest investor aimed to see three directors, including CEO Jochen Zeitz, replaced in an extensive restructuring.
Nonetheless, in a closely contested board decision, Zeitz has retained his position, described by Reuters as a “razor-thin outcome.”
Zeitz, at the helm since 2020, has faced criticism lately due to the company’s dropping sales and plummeting stock price.
H Partners had been advocating for an external candidate to step in, but proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services stated they failed to present a “compelling case for change”.
There are hints that Zeitz may retire this year, yet the German-born executive has mentioned he would stay until a suitable replacement is found.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
With over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States,
a number of stores have shut down for varying reasons throughout 2024—some without any explanation.
Here’s a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year and the reasons behind their closure:
A San Francisco location closed in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, shut down in September 2024 without any given reason.
Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City closed its doors on September 28, 2024, citing economic issues.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Another Illinois dealership shut down in November 2024.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closed for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced it would close by the end of March.
