2017 Harley-Davidson on the Cutting Edge of Custom Design

For more than 10 years, John Reeves and his twin brother Jeremy have operated Southern Indiana Custom Motorcycles. This big-wheel Harley-Davidson Bagger currently for sale on eBay represents the best of their hard work.

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Always Building Something

John explained what custom Harley-Davidsons mean to him:

If I rode a stock bike, I’d feel out of place. We’re always building something. We have customers from all over the country, and we need something for them to see. I’d love to keep ‘em all.

Of the 50-odd bikes the brothers have built, only eight or nine are what John calls “extreme builds” like this Harley-Davidson Bagger. They require significant frame, body, and motor alterations to achieve the distinctive look they’re after. Around 200 hours are needed to get results like this.

Extensive Modifications

The extensive list of modifications and special parts are covered in the Bagger’s listing, but to highlight just a few:

• Custom fairing and stretched saddlebags
• Air ride suspension
• 30-inch front wheel
• 2-into-1 Trask Big Sexy exhaust
• Six-piston HHI brake caliper
• Sony stereo and extreme speaker setup

The brothers didn’t stop with customizing the frame and bodywork. Even the engine got the treatment. H-D launched the new Milwaukee Eight (or M8) engine in 2016, and it brought with it classic looks with modern levels of power and response. It was liquid-cooled, however, and the presence of a radiator hanging behind the front wheel just wouldn’t do. So the Reeveses went to great trouble converting it to run air-cooled for a clean look.

That Paint …

Reeves’ fascination with perfect paint began at the age of 14. This Harley-Davidson Bagger perfectly showcases his decades of experience. The Candy Ruby Red and black come alive as the light bounces off it, but color is often a tertiary matter.

Says John:

The truth is, there’s so much metalwork and preparation in a build like this that I don’t think ahead about the color. I don’t really know which way to go until it’s actually time to paint!

From the tight-fitting custom front fender, the custom front fairing (modified to turn with the handlebars), right through to the custom stretched saddlebags adorned with an array of powerful speakers, there is hardly a square inch of it that you couldn’t gaze at in admiration.

So What’s it Like to Ride a Big Wheel Harley-Davidson Bagger?

A custom machine like this Harley-Davidson Bagger  is, of course, longer and heavier than the stock Road Glide model it’s based on. Some consideration is needed, especially at lower speeds.

John advises:

Certainly, with low-speed maneuvers, I’d say it’s like the difference between driving a regular pickup and then moving to a semi-truck. The air ride helps a lot on the road, but you need to take great care moving it around in close proximity.

Buy it, and you’ll need a suitable helmet. How about something like this one, painted by John Reeves to match the bike?