Custom Copper Slim as a Daily Rider

Customer Ride

More than just a small change, this penny-inspired Softail Slim is right on the money. Constantly pushing the bar higher, the copper-colored bike is one of the latest cool customs to roll out of the Thunderbike shop in Hamminkeln, Germany. Built for a customer, the detailed Slim might be an elemental rush, but the modified ride also gets ridden daily.

Unvarnished Run

As a factory bobber, the Slim hit showroom floors packed with nostalgic appeal right out of the box. Released as a midyear 2012 model, it replaced the much coveted Deluxe with pared-down styling and old-school appeal. Although the model has been recently dropped from the Harley-Davidson Cruiser lineup after its decade-long run, enthralled reviewers fondly remember the Slim's 'unvarnished' riding experience.

Thoughtful Stack

Of all the copper-themed bikes built, inspirational credit goes to Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame. Considered an originator, his early 2000s Copper Bike was actually handcrafted and coated with the ductile metal. Thunderbike might be relying on paint and patina for their results, but thoughtful execution and a stack of subtle modifications make for a 'shiny penny' of a ride.

Touch More

The Slim was noted for its comfortable ergonomics, a combination of generous floorboards, and one of the lowest seat heights in the Softail family. To suit their client's everyday riding requirements, Thunderbike dropped their build down a touch more. A proprietary Lowering Kit Shock Stage 2 kit on the rear shock and a Tele Fork Lowering Kit was fitted to the front forks.

Laced Unison

Once lowered, the custom Slim was fitted with a tire-hugging rear fender. Emulating the look of a hardtail setup, the fender is actually mounted to the swingarm and moves in unison with the rear tire. Pushing the chopper-look further, a 5.5'' x 16'' rim was laced to the original hub with stainless spokes and wrapped with modern Metzeler rubber.

Stringent Set

With almost chameleon-like properties, the seat and saddlebag blend into the copper finish. The exquisite gear is handcrafted by Spirit Leather in Düsseldorf—the go-to company for most Thunderbike builds. Satisfying the stringent German TÜV regulations are a set of Bullet Atto turn signals neatly camouflaged just below the fender strut bolts, along with a tiny taillight mounted mid-fender. 

Rowdy Creations

With more than enough power for daily use, the Milwaukee-Eight 107 was spruced-up with ribbed covers from Esteves Motorcycles Design. Located in Anduze, France, EMD offers unique creations specifically designed for most Harley-Davidson motorcycles. As with many European builds, a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system was fitted that goes from polite to rowdy with the flick of a switch.

Penny Package

The masterful paint and patina were delivered by Ingo Kruse. With over forty years in the business, Kruse True Custom Painting in Kamen, Germany can deliver like no other. White walls and wide Hollywood handlebars round out this Slim's retro-custom package. Good looks and the best Harley-Davidson chassis to date, make this ride worth every penny!

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